Discovering Arizona - Ski Fitness for Recreational Skiers

Imagine yourself cruising down a groomed run carving elegant turns with your new shaped skis. In the distance you see two symbols, a blue square for a left turn and a black diamond for a right turn. Without hesitation you steer to the right. The pitch becomes steeper, the snow is un-groomed, and there are trees, lots of trees. You stop momentarily, pick a line, push off, and tighten your turns as you begin the descent.

Getting in Shape

Many skiers would have taken the left fork with the gentle groomed slope. Some skiers reach a plateau in their ability and find it difficult to advance to the next level. This doesn't have to be. The keys to unlocking your true potential lie in your mind and body. When you are mentally prepared and physically fit, the goal of becoming an expert skier can be realized.

Developing a Fitness Routine

Expert level skiing is more demanding on the knees, thighs, hips, abdomen, and back so preseason preparation is the norm. In short, you need the correct ski fitness routine to handle the rigors of expert skiing.
Your ski fitness routine should include:

· Ski stretches to improve your flexibility and mobility

· Ski exercises to build your leg and core strength and endurance

· Jumping exercises to enhance your explosive power and side-to-side
     quickness

Stretching for Ski Fitness

Let's start off with ski-specific stretching and leave the exercises and cardiovascular for another article. Lesson #2 of Skills of the Expert Skier contains ten ski stretches that you can do at home or on the road. Stretching keeps your muscles flexible, prepares you for movement, and helps you to bridge the gap from inactivity to vigorous activity without undue strain.

When you stretch and exercise often, you will learn to enjoy movement. You will be preparing yourself for the rigors of skiing in the expert zones where the ability to move quickly and easily is of prime importance.
First, we'll get into the why and when you need to stretch, before moving on to the basics of good stretching.

Why do Ski Stretches?

Stretching on a regular basis will make your skiing a lot easier by:

· Reducing muscle tension

· Relaxing your body prior to skiing

· Signaling your muscles that they are about to be used

· Increasing your range of motion during skiing

· Improving the ease and freedom of movement

· Enhancing the quickness of your ski turns
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