Training For The Olympics Or Any Skiing
Every four years there comes along a great display of athletic excellence; the Winter Olympics. Cheering for athletes and country bring a sense of patriotism that might be lacking at other times. The ability of these athletes is certainly nothing to scoff at, but sometimes they make it look too easy, leaving some to ask the question; can I do that?
While making the Olympic team is not an easy feat, looking and performing like an Olympian is accessible to everyone. Skiing has become one of the more anticipated and glamorous sports in the winter Olympics. The athletes are celebrities in their respective countries.
Training is a year round endeavor even though skiing is a winter sport. Finding a personal trainer or coach can be a great first step in climbing the mountain towards winter fitness. It is important for your trainer to know the intricacies of alpine sport and recognize that work needs to be an ongoing endeavor.
Good alpine skiing equipment is the last thing that should be on your mind. It seems counter intuitive, but good equipment is not going to make up for a lack of training. Good equipment will not make a bad skier a great skier.
There are 5 steps to off season training. Step 1 is flexibility. For skiing, flexibility training should focus mainly on the hip flexors, hamstrings, and torso. A good trainer can help you, or if lack of motivation is a problem, a yoga class would be good.
Step 2 is balance and coordination. Balance and coordination will keep you on your feet and off your keester. Good exercises for balance and coordination include one-legged dips, jump rope, and bleacher running.
Step 3 is strength. Muscle growth in legs and trunk is key, with some moderate work on the upper body. Strength training helps to prevent injury and increase athleticism. Strength helps to control flexibility.
The fourth step is speed. Timing is a crucial component of skiing. Moving laterally with agility is very important. If you can’t control your speed, your skis will be controlling you instead of the other way around.
The 5th and final step is endurance. Cardiovascular exercise will increase endurance so that skiing the day away is enjoyable instead of difficult. To get the best results, vary the intensity of the aerobic workout.
Most of us know that we will not attain the level of athleticism that Olympians have. Training like one will help improve even the recreational skiers. Anyone can benefit from an off season training regimen.
