If you’re thinking about skiing this winter, now is the time to start getting ready.
Stamina, strength and flexibility are key to being in peak skiing condition.
Set up a call to chat with me about any questions you have. And remember, even if skiing is not your thing, working out with me can prepare you for whatever IS your thing! Now, here’s a good general guide to how to prepare for the slopes.
- Cardio. Be sure to go on a few walks each week and take the stairs when you can. Or, if your stamina is already fair, then work in two or three cardio workouts weekly.
- Resistance training for legs. Most of the muscle strain from downhill skiing is on your quads, glutes, hamstrings and calves. A nice leg circuit twice a week will help get you ready. That means squats, lunges, leg curls and calf raises. Ask for a demonstration if you’re not familiar with proper form.
- Core. Skiing requires a strong core because of all the twisting and leaning forward. Get ready with planks and anti-twists.
- Flexibility. Do dynamic stretches before working out with weights, walking or running.
If you’re a veteran skier, you know what fun is waiting for you. And if not, it’s never too late to learn.
Baby boomers make up about 20 percent of US skiers. The sport isn’t nearly as demanding as it used to be, since the equipment is so much better now. Senior discounts abound. And what other sport gets you outside in fresh, clean air amid spectacular mountain scenery?
She Doesn’t Let Anything Stop Her
My client, Dawn Lowery, 60, started as a child, and she has been skiing for almost 50 years in a row – “even the years I blew out my ACLs — both knees, different years,” she says.
Dawn, a physician’s assistant and member of the ski patrol, stays in shape by hiking and biking during summers.
Besides training with me, she practices Pilates, as well, and says her core and leg strength have been instrumental in helping her bounce back after injuries and surgeries.
“Being active is very important for all seasons,” she says. “There is no off-season for exercise.”
Skiing into His 80s
Another client of mine, Dick O’Loughlin, 86, has been skiing for more than 40years. He keeps up strength-and-balance workouts with a personal trainer keep him in shape for it.
“It’s not the easiest sport in the world, and I want to be able to continue it as a part of my lifestyle,” says Dick, who stays active with his wife, Sally, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. “I’m outside in the fresh air and I can enjoy the mountains. When you make a good run down the slope, you say, ‘Wow, look what I just did.’”
Whether you’re up for skiing or not, exercise with a trainer can keep you in good shape and ready.
Set up a call to chat with me about any questions you have – about skiing or any other awesome activity you want to keep enjoying.
Your Friend and Coach,
Train Smart. Train Hard. Train Safe. Train to Sweatt
P.S. – Whenever you’re ready, here are 3 ways I can help you get started with a fresh start to your health and fitness routine:
1. Set yourself up for success
If you’re currently trying to lose weight, alleviate back pain and/or improve your health & fitness, you should schedule your success session. We’ll go over ways that you can start seeing results starting right after your session. Reply with ‘success’ to schedule yours today.
2. Join the Train to Sweatt Community
Join a group of likeminded busy people who want to get healthy and fit from the comfort of their own home just like you. Get helpful health and fitness tips and tricks every day from myself and other members.
Click here to join now and get one step closer to that healthy and fit body of your dreams.
3. Fit for Fall
Join my 28-Day Fresh Start program and get everything you need to get you back on track this fall with your fitness goals. the workouts, the guidance, the motivation, the accountability… and individually-customized Registered Dietitian-designed and approved meal plans. Reply “Fresh” to get started today.