Now that the new year has arrived and winter is officially here, it can only mean one thing—it’s ski season! And while there’s no denying that skiing and snowboarding are fun, these wintertime sports are much more enjoyable when you\’re physically fit. In fact, the last thing you want when you’re out on the slopes is to have to cut it short due to tired and sore muscles.
At Total Performance Physical Therapy, we don’t just perform post-surgery physical therapy in Horsham. We also want you to enjoy the activities that the winter season has to offer and be in peak skiing and boarding condition when you hit the slopes. By training for stamina and focusing on your core, quads, hamstrings, you can give yourself a head start and get the most out of your skiing experience.
Let’s take a look at some easy ways to get your body prepared and ready to carve up the trails:
1. Get Flexible
Because skiing puts pressure on your hips and lower body, it’s crucial to retain a wide range of movement in these areas. Pay particular attention to stretching out your hip flexors, especially if you sit at a desk for a significant amount of time throughout the day. Stretching these areas and staying loose will not only help you to prevent fatigue, but it can also reduce the risk of sustaining an injury.
2. Strengthen Your Core
Skiing and snowboarding both require strong cores. Once fatigue begins to set in, it can cause your form to decline, leading to a loss of strength and even balance. Performing exercises like squats, lunges, and jumps can help to develop better posture and stability and strengthen your core, all of which can enhance your carving ability on the slopes.
3. Increase Your Stamina
Because they’re athletically-demanding forms of exercise, both skiing and snowboarding require a significant amount of stamina. By incorporating some endurance training into your workouts, it can help your body more efficiently distribute oxygen throughout the muscles, keeping you energized and allowing you to stay out on the slopes for more extended periods of time.
For more information on getting stronger, better, and faster for skiing season, contact our physical therapy offices in Horsham today!
