5 ski exercises that you can do at home
© Dustin Snipes/Red Bull Content Pool
Make sure you make the most of your ski holiday this year by getting in shape before you head off.
A regular ski holiday is just a week long and there is nothing worse than spending that precious time with aching limbs, feeling hideously unfit.
A certain level of cardiovascular fitness and strength will be required if you want to make the most out of every day on the slopes and still have the energy for the all important après ski at the end of the day.
It’s a really good idea to do some light exercise before
you head off – the odd run, walk, or even opting to take the stairs
over the lift will make all the difference to your overall stamina once you arrive in resort.
There are also a couple of really easy exercises that you can do to strengthen up your body too. Your main focus should be on your quads, glutes and calves, but a strong core is also really important.
You’ll be surprised what a difference these exercises will make – while your friend’s legs are burning and screaming for rest, you will be rearing to go.
1. Squats
Your
thighs (quads) are probably the hardest working muscles when you are
skiing. Squats are one of the best, not to mention easiest ways of
building strength in your legs.
- Stand with your legs shoulder width apart.
- Push your hips back.
- Bend your knees until your thighs are parallel to the floor.
- If your knees are in front of your toes, you are doing it wrong – push those hips back a little more to remedy this.
- Stand back up and repeat.
- Try to do three to four sets of 20, giving yourself a 60-second rest between sets.
Top tip: If you want to make this a little harder, do the exact same motion but with a weight in each hand.
2. Squat Jump
Take
the squat to the next level with a squat jump. Not only will this
exercise continue to strengthen your legs, it will also help to develop
explosiveness in the quads and glutes. This will come in handy when it
comes to turning on the slopes.
- Start with your feet shoulder-width apart.
- Squat down so your thighs are parallel to the floor, then jump high in the air.
- Try to do four sets of four with a short break to catch your breath between each set.
Top tip: Try to land as softly as you can on your feet.
3. Wall squats
Sticking
on the squat theme, wall squats are absolutely brilliant for building
endurance which will help to prevent the burning feeling in your legs on
long, tough runs.
- Find a nice clear wall,
- Stand with your back resting against the wall.
- Move down into your squat position.
- Hold the position for as long as you can handle it!
- Try to repeat two to four times with a short break in between each go.
Top tip: Really push your back and bum against the wall for best results.
4. Lunges
Lunges are great not only for strength but for balance too.
- Start with your feet together.
- Step one leg forward and bend down so the front leg forms a right angle. Your back leg should be almost touching the floor.
- Try to do 20 repetitions four times with a short rest in between each set.
Top tip: Keep your upper body straight, with your shoulders back and relaxed and chin up. Try to keep your core engaged at all times.
5. The Plank
A
strong core is the foundation of a fit, strong body. You use your core
muscles around your lower back and abs a lot more than you would think
when skiing, especially when you are turning or taking on more technical
terrain.
- Lie flat on the floor.
- Rest your elbows in the floor, push up your hips and rest only on your elbows and toes.
- Hold the position for 60 seconds.
- Repeat the exercise on either side. Lift yourself onto one elbow and the side of your foot to work your oblique muscles.
Top tip: Do not let your hips dip. Your body should form a relatively straight line when in the air.
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