If you’re a fan of snowboarding, it’s safe to assume you already know this popular Mammoth Mountain activity can be fun. But what you may not realize is how many important muscles are used when snowboarding at any skill level. Having a better understanding of the muscles used when snowboarding can help you fine-tune your exercise and workout efforts so you’re all set when you get to the Mammoth area. The snow sports experts at ASO Mammoth, your go-to shop for high-quality Mammoth snowboard rental, gear, and safety tips, offer this overview of which muscles you’re using when you’re snowboarding.
Getting the Board Moving
Let’s break this down by looking at the muscles used for the various motions and movements typically associated with snowboarding. When you’re just getting your snowboard moving, the main muscles you’ll use are your quadriceps and hamstrings. These are the muscles located in the front and back of your thighs, respectively.
Making Turns on Your Board
As you twist and turn on your snowboard, you’ll also use your quads and hamstrings. Additionally, your calves will play a role in how you manipulate your board while turning. Turning on a board also requires the use of your main lower leg muscles. These include:
• Gastrocnemius muscle – This is a large muscle that goes from your knee to your ankle and helps with foot and ankle movements
• Soleus muscle – This is the muscle that provides support along the back of your calf as you turn on your board
• Plantaris muscle – This is a small but important muscle behind your knee that helps you maintain stability as you turn
Balancing while Snowboarding
Regardless of the movements you’re making on your board at any given time, you’ll also need to maintain your balance. The muscles that help you achieve this goal are the ones within your core area, which are basically the groups of muscles within and around the trunk of your body. These include:
• The obliques on your sides
• Abdominal muscles in your belly area
• Pelvic muscles
• Spine-supporting muscles that include multifidus and erector spinae muscles
Balance is also maintained as you snowboard with the muscles in your feet and ankles and related muscles in the lower legs. The main ones are the peroneals (which help the ankle bend), the posterior tibialis muscle (which supports your arch), and the posterior leg muscles (which help your feet flex and invert).
Getting Your Snowboarding Muscles Ready
Now that you know what muscles are used for snowboarding, let’s briefly mention what you can do to keep those muscles ready for your next visit to Mammoth Mountain and the Mammoth Lakes area. All the muscles discussed here can benefit from forms of exercise that include a mix of any of the following options:
• Swimming and other water-based exercises
• Yoga, Pilates, and tai chi
• Jumping that involves side-to-side movements to strengthen the pelvic, thigh, and leg muscles
• Biking, walking, and other aerobic activities
• Weight training and conditioning routines specific to the core and lower body area
• Lunges and squats for the legs, thighs, and core
If you need advice on how to keep your muscles in shape for snowboarding, drop by and chat with the experts at ASO Mammoth on your way to the slopes. We have great tips for beginning and veteran snowboarders alike, and we can hook you up with all the gear you need for an amazing mountain adventure. Whether you want to check out the latest equipment or you’re looking for high-quality snowboard rental in Mammoth, you can rely on us for great service and expert advice. Come by and see us or give us a call at 760-965-3444.