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april/may 2009
43
INSIDE & OUT
S
kiing is an overload on the central
nervous system, so you need to train
to move dynamically and functionally.
There are many components to being
"Functionally Fit" for skiing
Flexibility
An ideal Range of Motion in
your joints will help prevent injuries on the
slopes. This is particularly important if you
have a fall. Yoga or partner assisted stretching
are ideal activities to improve your fl exibility.
Joint Stability
Being stable at your ankle,
knee and hip joints will ensure you can
maintain an edge on your skis even when
skiing the most uneven terrain. Joint
stability needs to be assessed by a personal
Ready...Fit...Ski.
Being physically fit can mean the difference between
having a fantastic ski holiday or an incredibly painful
experience as Rod Brooks explains.
trainer or physiotherapist and the required
rehabilitative exercises prescribed.
Core Strength
Effective core strength
will ensure you are strong and stable and
able to support quick, powerful, dynamic
movements. Pilates emphasizes the
balanced development of the body through
core strength.
Balance
Dynamic balance requires a
transition from movement to stabilization,
which occurs constantly while skiing.
Performing squats (either both legs or
single leg) on unstable surfaces (using
balance boards or a Bosu) will effectively
improve your balance.
Muscular Strength/Endurance
Strength training will help you maintain a
strong position on your skis for the whole
day. This can take the form of weight
training at a gym or simple dumbbell
exercises at home.
Cardiovascular Endurance
Endurance is your ability to keep active
on a certain task for a long duration.
The lower your heart rate is while skiing,
the less stress you're placing on your
body. The less stress on your body, the
lower your risk of injury will be. Activities
such as inline skating, brisk walking, bike
riding or jogging will improve your
cardiovascular endurance.
Agility
Agility is the ability of the body
to change direction quickly and easily
while maintaining proper posture. Simple
plyometric or agility ladder training will lift
your ability in this area.
Covering all these areas may seem a little
daunting, but it is possible to get yourself
ski-fi t with as little as three short 30 minute
sessions per week over a 6-8 week period.
Your training program should mirror
your level of skiing profi ciency, and take
into account your current level of
fi tness, strength and fl exibility. For opti-
mal results join a ski-fi t program or talk
to a suitably qualifi ed personal trainer for
a customised ski-fi t conditioning program
and then get out there and enjoy yourself
on the slopes.
L
Rod Brooks is a personal trainer and
the director of Vibrabody in Melbourne
CBD, Albert Park and Brighton.
www.vibrabody.com.au
Your training program
should mirror your level
of skiing profi ciency, and
take into account your
current level of fi tness,
strength and fl exibility.