Core Exercises For Skiing
Skiing is all about the legs, right? So there’s no real point in getting strong abs is there? First, let’s clear up a misconception: there’s a lot more to core strengthening than just the abs. All the muscles of the torso that give you support and stability for good posture need help, especially if you sit at a desk all day.
Okay, so why bother with the core?
Two reasons:
1. Injury prevention. Most importantly, because skiing, especially mogul skiing, can really pound the lower back, you need to strengthen those muscles and antagonistic muscles as well. A Swedish study found that people who could hold an isometric back extension for about a minute were much less likely to suffer back pain in the following year. For recreational skiers, this is far and away the more important factor.
2. Power transfer. If you have strong legs, but a weak core, your torso will be like a noodle that can’t remain rigid and transfer forces efficiently. This is why Austrian skiers refer to torso “thickness” as a crucial characteristic of top competitors. Using those powerful legs efficiently requires a powerful core.
So what do you do?
If you’re still doing sit-ups because that’s what your high school football coach taught you, please stop. If you have a weak core, these can do more harm than good. What we want is exercises that are both safe and effective. There’s not much point in getting injured doing the exercises that are supposed to help prevent you from getting injured! Read the rest of this entry »
Skiing Safety Information and Precautions to Help You Remain On the Slopes
Many people around the world enjoy getting away for a ski holiday. Your entire vacation party will enjoy the serenity of the snow, the mountains and nature as they relax for the vacation of a lifetime. If you’ve been there, this is old news for you. You also know the hazards of this sport. We want you to have fun on your next skiing trip and return safely. We’ll discuss 3 safety tips you need to know.
Know and respect the limits of your skiing ability and physical condition. It would be very easy for you to get into danger if you ski on trails that are above your technical capabilities. The ski shops as well as the trails will have signs that say whether or not the trails are for beginners, experts, etc. You’ll find trails that are labeled: (Green Circle, Blue Square, Black Diamond) which will indicate the skill level required to safely ski on. Most skiing accidents occur when the skier is momentarily distracted for whatever reason. So continue being sharp and concentrate on the terrain and handling your skis.
Always obey the guidelines of the skiing environment. They were create by those who personally know a particular terrain and you would be smart to heed their warnings. Never deviate from the trails simply because you never know what is ahead, and it can even be a deadly drop-off. If you ever find yourself in an unfamiliar area, these rules will come in handy and should be used. We think that you should read up on the area that you want to ski in because they will have a lot of good valuable info. You can also get info from the locals in the ski shops and in the nearby area. If you ski in a crowded area, then don’t forget that anyone that is ahead of you as well as below you have the right of way. Read the rest of this entry »