Fitness for Skiing
Just so we’re clear I am no expert on ski-conditioning–although I have taken my fair share of ski-conditioning classes. They usually start off easy in late September or early October and get super hard by about week three. They are great for someone who feels motivated to get in “ski shape” when it is still warm out side. Unfortunately, I am not one of those people.
I actually just got my motivation to get in shape for this ski season yesterday. I was unpacking some ski clothes and saw my new pants that after a football season/wedding season of beer drinking and heavy apps might be a little tight… No worries though I’ve got plenty of time right?
I took my fear of not fitting into my ski pants directly to the treadmill where with fun on the slopes in mind I did a series of sprints, with fast walking in between and when I felt like I had nothing left I jogged for about 15 minutes in the hopes of obtaining some endurance and burning a few extra calories.
I’ve lived here for about 6 years so my skiing buddies are very aggressive and fast skiers… I’ve learned that just jogging is not enough to be able to keep up on day 1. I think interval training is a must. I also think exercising outside gives you an advantage. Something about the breathing and just getting used to how little air there is around here (I’m from South Carolina where there is plenty). And it happened to be at 8 o’clock at night and dark out. Soon the days will be longer and I’ll try to spend more time outside getting ready for the glorious ski season ahead!
I’m lucky enough to belong to a nice gym until December 1st so the exercises I can do are only limited by my willingness to do them. I try to remember to do some core work like sit-ups and I use the machines that are specifically for that. Every class I’ve ever taken having to do with skiing has said that core work is very key in preventing injury.
When my gym membership is over December 1st there will be some snow on the ground so I can snowshoe for exercise and of course actually skiing is the only real way to get into “ski shape”. I’ve found no matter what you do you are always sore after the first day, but you are definitely less sore if you focus your workouts towards things that will help you on the slopes.
The only other thing I can think of is not to over do it! You’ll get too sore and never want to work out again! And the only thing worst than getting hurt your first day on the mountain is getting hurt in ski conditioning before the mountain even opens!!
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