Are you ready to hit the slopes this year? As ski resorts slowly start reopening for ski lovers, we can officially say ski season is upon us.
But let’s not forget that getting ready to hit the slopes begins before the lifts open. It’s always a good idea to get started with a pre-season workout. Daily (simple) exercises can improve your balance, so you can ski longer and better (and recover quicker post-skiing).
Why is it important to prepare beforehand?
Whether you’re skiing (or snowboarding), this sport takes a heavy toll on your body. Training and exercising for your upcoming trip give your body time to adapt. It’s recommended to start four to six weeks in advance of your trip to prevent injuries.
Here are three exercises you can incorporate in your workout to get started:
Plank Reaches: This workout is great to activate your core, which is responsible for your posture and ability to balance when skiing. To get started, start in a plank position, with your forearms flat on the ground. It’s important to keep your strength throughout your core, squeezing your abs as you move, and keeping your feet firmly grounded. Your feet should be slightly wider than hip-width. From here, you’re going to want to raise one arm off the ground, reaching forward, as you keep your torso as straight as possible.
Leg raises: This is another workout that targets the core and helps improve your posture and balance. More specifically, this workout targets your lower abdominal muscles. To perform this exercise, start by lying flat on your back and raising both feet off the ground (a few inches). Then, you’re going to want to squeeze your ab muscles and further raise your legs away from the ground. Hold it above ground for at least 10 seconds, then gently lower your legs.
Calf Raises: This workout will target your calves, which will help you strengthen your calves and ankles – and prevent one of the most common injuries, ankle injuries. To perform this exercise, simply stand with your feet hip-width apart, and then, raise yourself up on the balls of your feet. The key is to maintain strength and alignment in your calves and ankles. This is an easy workout that can be done at home without any equipment.