Essential Skiing Tips & Tricks!
Winter is just around the corner so before heading out onto the slopes, make sure you are first thoroughly prepared! Here are a few ways to do just that so that you gain maximum enjoyment for the duration of the ski season.
Strength Training:
You can without doubt benefit greatly from being stronger physically. Not only will you have more stamina, but you will also gain greater balance, which is essential for skiers. You could try a weightlifting program or consider using yoga or pilates to stretch out, strengthen and tone your muscles. You will be surprised at how quickly you become stronger by doing this. You also benefit from being healthier mentally, due to being physically fitter, which will further enhance your ski time.
Cardio Training:
Being in good cardiovascular shape is critical. Make sure you embark on a practical cardio training routine well before you head out onto the slopes. By getting your heart in shape, you can lessen the tiredness you experience meaning you can spend longer skiing on the slopes. Great exercises to help with this include some time on the treadmill, on a stair stepper or a rowing machine. Swimming can also get your heart in great shape, which also has less impact on joints and muscles.
Another reason to get in good cardio shape is because the excess cold could also have an adverse effect on your blood pressure…without you knowing it. By getting your heart and lungs in shape will ensure you can better enjoy your time on the slopes.
Equipment:
Take the time to check out and repair or replace your ski equipment. Check your skis for any cracks, chips or other such problems. If you see any problems, you should seriously consider buying a new pair of skis. In addition, having a good pair of ski boots is also just as critical. Check over your boots carefully, and make sure to try them on again. Sometimes, the fit may have changed due to exposure to elements, or perhaps you have gained or lost weight. Make sure your boots fit nice and snug, yet very comfortably. Your boots are an integral part of your ski equipment and getting this part right is imperative!
You should also take care to check out your accessories like goggles, bindings, gloves, ski poles, scarf and other items. Having a great pair of ski goggles is vitally important for enjoying your time on the slopes. Your goggles will protect one of your most precious assets, your eyes, from sun, wind, snow, glare, tree branches, ice and other such objects you may encounter when you are skiing. Make sure to check your goggle strap to ensure it will fit around your head and headwear snugly and won’t come flying off when you’re racing downhill.
Falling:
One handy thing you should also know how to do is how to fall properly. Yes, no matter how much experience you have on the slopes, there will always be some unforeseen hazard around the corner. You should always know how to fall properly on your skis. The main trick here is to fall towards the mountain. When you do this, you lessen the impact of the fall, causing your body less trauma. In fact, if you master falling, you can be more confident and less fearful of falling, making your ski experience even more pleasant.
That said skiing is an amazing sport that is loved passionately by over 7.5 million Americans regularly every year…and that number is growing.
