Tag Archives: ski workouts

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GET SOME EDGE TO GET AHEAD

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We control our skis through a combination of edge, rotation and pressure but the degree to which we combine these elements can be limited by our own flexibility, so it’s a good idea to include a few basic stretches into your routine in the run up to your holiday.

Tilting onto the edges of our skis requires a degree of flexibility in the hips that isn’t needed for the daily commute to the office but is essential to progress in ski ability and performance.

STRETCH ONE:

Stand with your legs crossed, left over right as shown. Reach down towards your right foot with your left hand, while crunching your left rib onto your left hip. Repeat for the right side.

Hip stretch

STRETCH TWO

For this you will need a wall or a table to lean up against. Steadying yourself with your right hand, bend the left knee and extend your right leg underneath you. You will feel the stretch in your right hip. Repeat for the left side.

Hip stretch 2

When it’s time to carve it up on the slopes, these two stretches will ensure you have all the edge you need.

SpinZhira/Skiing

Disclaimer: Just so you know, I’m not a doctor, physiotherapist or personal trainer. In fact I have hardly any qualifications at all. It’s totally on you if you decide to follow these tips, nobody forced you. While we’re at it, I should also tell you that skiing is a physically demanding activity which could result in an elevated heart rate, feelings of euphoria, injury or even death. On the other hand, life is a time limited activity so it’s a good idea to live it well and sometimes be a little reckless, although that’s down to you as well. Nobody, especially not me, forced you to go into the mountains and have fun.
Spin Zhira, Uncategorized

Want to improve your skiing? Get a board.

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If you’re planning a ski holiday this winter, then it’s time to start including some ski specific training in your workouts. Not only will it reduce the risk of injury and ensure you get the most out of your slope time but, when you spring out of bed on day three of your holiday, your body will thank you too.

One of the easiest and most effective things you can do to improve your skiing is to enhance your sense of balance and the best way to do this is to get a board. A wobble board.

Wobble board

In the weeks before your holiday stand on your board (in your ski position) every day until you can comfortably maintain your balance for a full minute.

And that’s it.

Of course, you’ll need to work a little harder if you want to dominate the steeps or boss the moguls but one of the the best ways to own your skis is to get  a board.

Spin Zhira/skiing

Disclaimer: Just so you know, I’m not a doctor, physiotherapist or personal trainer. In fact I have hardly any qualifications at all. It’s totally on you if you decide to follow these tips, nobody forced you. While we’re at it, I should also tell you that skiing is a physically demanding activity which could result in an elevated heart rate, feelings of euphoria, injury or even death. On the other hand, life is a time limited activity so it’s a good idea to live it well and sometimes be a little reckless, although that’s down to you as well. Nobody, especially not me, forced you to go into the mountains and have fun.
Spin Zhira, Uncategorized

For a longer life: Go Skiing.

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Good balance is an essential component of skiing and should form part of your pre-season training routine.

In the month before your ski trip try brushing your teeth standing on one leg. It’s a great exercise that will not only improve your ski performance but may even help you live a little longer.

According to the UK’s Medical Research Council, 53-year-olds who could stand on one leg for ten seconds with their eyes closed were the most likely to be fit and well in 13 years’ time. However, those who could manage only two seconds were three times as likely to die before the age of 66.

In addition, Dr Yasuharu Tabara, associate professor of genomic medicine at Kyoto University in Japan found that “the ability to balance on one leg is an important test for brain health.”

So there you have it, skiing (and/or standing on one leg) is not only good for the brain but will also help you live forever.

Spin Zhira/skiing

Disclaimer: Just so you know, I’m not a doctor, physiotherapist or personal trainer. In fact I have hardly any qualifications at all. It’s totally on you if you decide to follow these tips, nobody forced you. While we’re at it, I should also tell you that skiing is a physically demanding activity which could result in an elevated heart rate, feelings of euphoria, injury or even death. On the other hand, life is a time limited activity so it’s a good idea to live it well and sometimes be a little reckless, although that’s down to you as well. Nobody, especially not me, forced you to go into the mountains and have fun.
Spin Zhira, Uncategorized

Perfect your skiing on the loo

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The ‘hover’ is an essential life skill for those moments when we really don’t want to sit down but it’s also an excellent way to hone your ski posture that will hugely benefit your performance on the slopes.

Ski stance

Practice this at home and turn every trip to the bathroom into a morale boosting mini ski break.

Spin Zhira/skiing

Disclaimer: Just so you know, I’m not a doctor, physiotherapist or personal trainer. In fact I have hardly any qualifications at all. It’s totally on you if you decide to follow these tips, nobody forced you. While we’re at it, I should also tell you that skiing is a physically demanding activity which could result in an elevated heart rate, feelings of euphoria, injury or even death. On the other hand, life is a time limited activity so it’s a good idea to live it well and sometimes be a little reckless, although that’s down to you as well. Nobody, especially not me, forced you to go into the mountains and have fun.