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Getting in Shape for the Slopes |
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Written by Sara Johnson
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Monday, 04 February 2008 |
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Being in shape for skiing and snowboarding enhances learning, technique and prevents injury.....simply put, you are going to have more fun. Skiing/boarding specific fitness includes cardiovascular endurance, strength, power, balance and agility.
Let's look at cardiovascular endurance. Good preparation exercises include road, mountain or stationary biking and elliptical trainers.
They all build the heart and lungs and focus on the leg muscles used during skiing and boarding. Running is also great for the heart and lungs but does not focus as much on the quadriceps and hamstrings.
If you want to run, add some incline on the treadmill or find a hill to run up. Because skiing and snowboarding requires short bursts at higher intensities you need to add high intensity efforts into your cardio workout.
Here's a great workout on the bike or elliptical: warm-up with an easy spin of 5 minutes and then add high intensity efforts (sprint) for 30-60 seconds. Spin easy for a minute or two and repeat 2-5 times depending upon your fitness level.
Cool down for at least 5 minutes. For you runners, warm-up on a treadmill with an easy jog for 10 minutes. Set the treadmill at an incline of 7-10% and sprint for 20-60 seconds. Hop off treadmill and rest for a minute. Repeat 2-5 times depending on your fitness level. Finish with a 5 minute cool-down jog or walk. Perform these workouts twice a week.....your lungs and legs will thank-you next time you hit the slopes.
Sara Johnson
ACE Certified Personal Trainer
PUSH Gym
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Last Updated ( Monday, 04 February 2008 )
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