SATISFYING SWEAT- Preparation for Downhill Sports

SATISFYING SWEAT

Preparation for Downhill Sports

by Marka Meyer

Both snowboarding and skiing require strength and a solid core, so avoid noodle legs by starting to train long beforehand. Blasting down a long run is exhilarating, but it’s hard on your knees, so throw in some side-to-side lateral exercises, and be certain your workout includes lunges, sit-ups, planks, squats, and burpees. Qi gong or tai chi are excellent practices for quad, knee, and core strengthening, improving balance and increasing proprioceptive awareness of the position of your body.

You can’t control the weather, snow conditions, or visibility, but you can make sure to have properly fitted gear that is up-to-date and that your skis or boards have been freshly tuned. You can prevent injury by starting out the season with a few lessons to improve your technique. Know your body, respect your limits, and study a map of the ski area, so you don’t accidentally go down a run that is above your skill level. Stop occasionally to look around and enjoy the scenery, and take a leisurely break at lunchtime to give your body a chance to rest. 

Strains, sprains, and knee-related ski injuries are familiar territory for downhill athletes. Falling on the last runs of the day happens because you are fatigued, and your technique has gotten sloppy. Acupuncture and Chinese tuina massage can soothe sore muscles and speed healing, but the best advice is to call it quits before you hurt yourself. After all, the mountain will still be there tomorrow. Skoal!