· Preventing injuries such as muscle strains and pulls
In addition, ski-specific exercising requires you to have a good command of ski stretches before you start doing the exercises. The reason for this is that some of the exercises will simulate actual expert level ski movements so you need to have your muscles relaxed, loose, and flexible, just as if you were beginning a day on the slopes.
Stretching before Skiing
Stretching can be done any time you feel like it. However, in the context of downhill skiing and the training course, I recommend you do ski stretches:
· At home, before you start doing the ski-specific exercises, which are part of Lesson #3
· At the chalet, motel, or inn where you are staying, just before leaving for the ski hill
· At the ski resort, before your first run of the day, with your boots on and skis off
Stretching after Skiing
Strenuous activities like downhill skiing, especially at the expert level, promote tightness and inflexibility in the muscle groups. Therefore, stretching before and after any physical activity will keep you flexible and help prevent common injuries.
I know it's difficult to stretch after a long day of skiing. I have trouble doing this myself. On the last run when someone shouts out, "It's Miller time", your mind is more focused on that tall, cool one then on doing any more physical exertion. Besides, you've worked hard all day and deserve a break. I agree!
As a compromise, I would recommend that you do standing, ski stretches at the base of the hill after your last run, with your skis off. You can get way with just these stretches after skiing on smaller hills with less demanding terrain, and especially if you are not going to be skiing the next day.
However, if you are skiing in the mountains for six or seven days in a row, I strongly suggest that you do a complete set of ski stretches when you get back to the place where you're staying. After stretching, hit the hot tub. After the hot tub, go for a one to two mile walk. Don't use the elevator, take the stairs. The idea is to keep moving so your muscles won't become tight and stiffen up on you.
Trust me, I've seen a lot of people disappear on week skiing trips simply because their muscles became stiff and sore, or worse, they got injured from pulled or torn muscles. Skiing at an expert level requires you to be agile at all times with the freedom to move quickly and easily without any pain or stiffness. Stretching is an essential that you need to learn and put to practice on a regular basis.
Jim Safianuk is a certified ski instructor and writer of the downhill skiing lessons in the course Skills of the Expert Skier. Learn to get in shape with a ski fitness routine that will enhance your flexibility so you can ski pain free until the lifts close. Click here for skiing fitness stretches and exercises: www.becomeanexpertskier.com.
In addition, ski-specific exercising requires you to have a good command of ski stretches before you start doing the exercises. The reason for this is that some of the exercises will simulate actual expert level ski movements so you need to have your muscles relaxed, loose, and flexible, just as if you were beginning a day on the slopes.
Stretching before Skiing
Stretching can be done any time you feel like it. However, in the context of downhill skiing and the training course, I recommend you do ski stretches:
· At home, before you start doing the ski-specific exercises, which are part of Lesson #3
· At the chalet, motel, or inn where you are staying, just before leaving for the ski hill
· At the ski resort, before your first run of the day, with your boots on and skis off
Stretching after Skiing
Strenuous activities like downhill skiing, especially at the expert level, promote tightness and inflexibility in the muscle groups. Therefore, stretching before and after any physical activity will keep you flexible and help prevent common injuries.
I know it's difficult to stretch after a long day of skiing. I have trouble doing this myself. On the last run when someone shouts out, "It's Miller time", your mind is more focused on that tall, cool one then on doing any more physical exertion. Besides, you've worked hard all day and deserve a break. I agree!
As a compromise, I would recommend that you do standing, ski stretches at the base of the hill after your last run, with your skis off. You can get way with just these stretches after skiing on smaller hills with less demanding terrain, and especially if you are not going to be skiing the next day.
However, if you are skiing in the mountains for six or seven days in a row, I strongly suggest that you do a complete set of ski stretches when you get back to the place where you're staying. After stretching, hit the hot tub. After the hot tub, go for a one to two mile walk. Don't use the elevator, take the stairs. The idea is to keep moving so your muscles won't become tight and stiffen up on you.
Trust me, I've seen a lot of people disappear on week skiing trips simply because their muscles became stiff and sore, or worse, they got injured from pulled or torn muscles. Skiing at an expert level requires you to be agile at all times with the freedom to move quickly and easily without any pain or stiffness. Stretching is an essential that you need to learn and put to practice on a regular basis.
Jim Safianuk is a certified ski instructor and writer of the downhill skiing lessons in the course Skills of the Expert Skier. Learn to get in shape with a ski fitness routine that will enhance your flexibility so you can ski pain free until the lifts close. Click here for skiing fitness stretches and exercises: www.becomeanexpertskier.com.
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