Skiing
5 ski exercises that you can do at home
Make sure you make the most of your ski holiday this year by getting in shape before you head off.
Mikaela Shiffrin stretches it out.
© Dustin Snipes/Red Bull Content Pool
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Top tip: Do not let your hips dip. Your body should form a relatively straight line when in the air.