It’s that time of year that we start seeing ski fitness adverts at our local gyms and on social media, sports companies trying to cash in on a popular pastime. How necessary is it though to spend money on ski specific training programs and personal training before you head off to the mountains?
Well, if you are anything like me and spend the majority of time in the apres ski bars on the mountain, as long as my drinking arm can lift my vin chaud from the table to my mouth, I’m a very happy bunny. I do obviously have to get to these bars, admittedly arriving only after spending the majority of the voyage with my backside parked at the side of the piste but I always arrive in time for happy hour – yay me!
All jokes aside, I am actually a big advocate of preparing for your ski holiday by working out accordingly. There is nothing worse than huffing and puffing down a piste while all your friends wait for you by the chair lift at the bottom, only to jump in the queue the second they see you coming. No rest for you then! And no, I don’t count sitting on the chair lift as rest time! It sucks, I’ve been there! Desperately trying to keep up with the group and not hold anyone up whilst at the same time panting for breath and gasping for a glug or two of much needed water. That’s what I get for snowboarding with a bunch of rather accomplished snowboarders!
Nowadays I’m a little bit more prepared and I work out beforehand accordingly. Your workouts will vary dependent on whether you are a skier or a boarder and of course your ability. Truth is, that the more beginner you are the tougher it is on your fitness. Sorry newbies but even getting off the chair lift can be exhausting!
I’m tired after just watching that! It takes a lot of energy to keep getting back up every time you fall, your triceps will feel it. So will your quads, glutes, calves and hamstrings. Tip of the day, do lots of squats, it really helps! Your cardio needs to be up there too. The physical activity coupled with the higher altitude will mean getting out of breath quickly and it’s important to exercise your lungs in preparation for you ski or snowboard holiday.
So yes! It’s vital to be ski fit ready before your holiday but it’s not vital to have to spend money, unless of course you want to. I’m not entirely sure that cramming in intense sessions twice a week for six weeks before your ski or snowboard holiday is realistically all that beneficial, however a more longer term and regular, less intense approach is favoured.
Maintaining a regular exercise regime on a continuous basis is the best approach. No horrible shock to your body, no last minute strains and sprains, just fully prepared and fully fit. Personally I like to mix my workouts up a bit. There is no right or wrong workout when it comes to preparation for skiing/snowboarding. You will use all muscles, so any workout will be beneficial.
No one wants to get bored of exercise, that’s why I run, swim, stretch, do yoga and attend spinning and body pump classes. Don’t panic, I’m not crazy! I don’t do this every day or even every week. I mix it up and do about three training sessions a week. This way it’s not a strain on my body when I do make it to the mountains. Working out regularly will also help to prevent any dreaded and unwanted injuries!
Don’t worry, that’s not my leg! However broken bones are a serious reality for any mountain sport. Now, I’m not saying that if you train properly beforehand you will NOT break a bone, you are partaking in an extreme sport after all. I am saying that being properly prepared, healthy and fit may minimise your chances of a serious injury.
Bottom line is, it’s up to you! Only you know your body and your skiing/snowboarding ability. I don’t think you need to spend a fortune on expensive ski fit training, but I do think you need to be realistic and train appropriately. I mean, you wouldn’t expect to enter a marathon and only start training 6 weeks before would you? Little and often is the way forward (gosh I sound like my mother). Often you will be skiing/snowboarding for over 5 hours a day – that’s longer than it takes to run a marathon! Get my point yet?
The most important thing to remember above all is to have fun! Know your limits when you’re on the mountain, and you can always take a leaf out of my book and head to the bar if you’re starting to feel a little tired! I’ve learned the hard way – if you’re exhausted but tempted to do one last run, don’t! That’s when disaster strikes. Listen to your body.
Thanks for reading – be responsible on the slopes and enjoy your holidays with Ski In Luxury.
