Skiing is an increasingly popular recreational activity that’s fun for everyone. Age, height, and body shape don’t matter because there are training courses available for all. Even so, people who aren’t in good physical shape may get tired and end up leaving the slopes earlier than they otherwise would, which is why it’s best to be fit and healthy before skiing. Here are a few words of advice about getting in shape from the pros at ASO Mammoth, your one-stop shop for gear, repairs, and ski rental. Mammoth skiers can rely on us for everything they need to make the most of their time on the mountain.
How Fit Do You Have to Be?
Skiing well requires balance and flexibility, which means you need strong leg and abdominal muscles. You’ll also need a good combination of aerobic and anaerobic fitness. Anaerobic fitness is needed for short sprints, and aerobic fitness can keep you going for the long haul. In short, the key here is to keep your heart rate high when you exercise, so running, swimming, and biking are great ways to provide energy for both the short and long term.
Which Types of Exercise Are Best?
The best exercises are those that focus on the areas skiers use the most, so focus on a workout that requires using your body weight. Sit-ups, push-ups, squats, and crunches are all excellent options to add to the aforementioned cardiovascular exercises. Lunges are also good for ski muscles, and there are over 20 different variations you can learn over time. This is a long-term plan that should start roughly 4–6 months before you decide to hit the slopes.
Are There Plans for Shorter Time Spans?
There are, but they’re far more intense. If you live in an area dotted with slopes, you can get ski conditioning classes at community centers, fitness centers, and even some schools. If you wish to do it yourself, it will require hard work six days a week. Here’s how you should plan your week:
- Day One – Legs
- Day Two – Cardio
- Day Three – Upper Body and Core
- Day Four – Cardio
- Day Five – Core and Legs
- Day Six – More Cardio
The seventh day of the week should be a chance to rest. This plan is good if you only have six weeks or so before going skiing.
Is Dieting Important?
You should eat a balanced diet throughout the year to get into shape. On the day you hit the slopes, make sure to eat a large healthy breakfast and have plenty of high-carbohydrate snacks throughout the day. You should also take a bottle of water with you so you don’t get dehydrated, and avoid consuming alcohol before skiing.
If you need more advice on how to get physically prepared for a great skiing season, stop in and chat with the snow sports pros at ASO Mammoth. Whether they’re looking for the latest gear, top-notch repair, or Mammoth ski rentals, our customers come back again and again for our high-quality service and expert knowledge. Drop by when you’re on the mountain or give us a call at 760-965-3444.