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With hot summer weather upon us we aren’t really thinking about those freezing cold wintry days of last January. Our ski equipment and clothes are safely put away, hibernating till we dust them off in maybe November when our brains start thinking about snow. But staying in shape for skiing is a year-round necessity. Keeping fit in the warmer months of spring and summer makes preparing for the ski season so much easier.
To stay ski ready in the summer, your focus should be on dry land activities which include strength and balance exercises. Exercises like squats, lunges, deadlifts, and planks all build strength and stability. Balance can be improved simply by standing on one foot for a few minutes. Yoga is also excellent for improving flexibility and balance. Running, hiking, and biking improve cardio which builds endurance. Simulated ski movements like lateral jumps or power jumps increase power. Rollerblading and skating both have similar movements to skiing and keep joints and muscles strong.
Also for consideration are summer ski camps and indoor ski facilities where skills can be practiced and refined.
One more thing to remember about fitness is to stay consistent. Choose an exercise program that suits your schedule and fitness level. Even a walk on a pleasant summer evening helps. Work to make your program a habit that you find easy to do on a regular basis. The message here is to just keep moving. And always remember to warm up and cool down. Your muscles will thank you.
Lastly do some research on the areas that you may possibly ski for the coming season. Look for lessons and clinics that can help you. See what additional actives are available for the days that you won’t be skiing but would still like to do that will keep you active. Before you know it the weather will turn cooler, the days shorter and we will be turning our minds to packing for the mountains.
Happy exercising everyone! - Skimeister Jackie