The Best Ski Conditioning Program

 

Skiing is a challenging activity that requires:

Strength

Balance/Stability/Kinesthetic Awareness

Speed

Muscular Endurance

Ski Specific Strength

Skiing requires strong lower body muscles combined with a strong core and upper body.    What is unique in skiing is a strong emphasis on eccentric (muscle lengthening for shock absorption) and isometric (static contraction to prevent movement) muscle contractions.

To properly prepare it is important to choose specific exercises which challenge the lower body and core for the unique demands of skiing.

The reACT Trainer - The Ultimate Ski Specific Training Tool!

The reACT Trainer (see a video demonstration here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S86Vx_4253Q ) is by far the most effective tool for developing ski specific strength, endurance, power, balance and stability.    It emphasizes eccentric muscle contractions which are so critical for skiing while also demanding balance and core strength.   5 - 10 minutes twice a week for 3 - 6 weeks before ski season will make an incredible difference in your skiing performance.

To learn how to use the reACT Trainer check out these short video tutorials:  https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLuwTn-fHAYmTlZ64o-wcMPYaWawTfKZnl 

Slideboard Exercise/Floor Sliders

Two other great tools for ski conditioning are slideboards and/or floor sliders.    Both place a strong emphasis on the eccentric aspect of key exercises like lunges and side lunges. 

A slideboard provides a ski specific challenge to the the lower body and core in a dynamic manner that demands strength, power and flexibility all while moving laterally which is another unique aspect of skiing.   This means the inner and outer thighs must be heavily conditioned to prevent premature fatigue on the slopes, and the slideboard is perfect for this!  Check out this video of the basic slide movement:  https://youtu.be/fpaFkIQx7FE For more ski specific slideboard exercises go to:  https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL33FAB06632D708A6

Floor sliders/gliders can mimic some of the benefits of slideboard exercise by allowing the foot/feet to slide on the floor during lunges, side lunges and core exercises.    To get a sense of all the exercises that can be done using these simple and inexpensive gliders check this out:  https://youtu.be/xdn9M4rXEtA