Did you swear last year that you would get in better shape for this years ski season?
If you are like most people, your ski season last year preparation probably consisted of a couple of deep knee squats next to the car before you head up the Gondola.
Hopefully you didn’t start off your first day anything like these guys:
If you recall, you probably had trouble walking a couple of days after your first few runs.
You might also have found yourself falling, gasping for air, apologizing to others and generally not enjoying yourself too much at all.
You might even find yourself injured or somewhat hobbled at some point – in part thanks to your poor preparation.
The first day of ski season doesn’t have to be a rite of passage.
There can be many things to hold you back from enjoying your day at the mountain:
- Chance of Injury
- Fatigue
- Lack of endurance needed to get through the day
- Inadequate balance to navigate tougher runs
- Tired legs
If you find yourself struggling to perform at your best as the day goes on, you may benefit from a conditioning program. However, you should not settle for just any old workout. Here’s a few things to consider:
As you land though a turn, you counter-rotate the upper body. This upper body rotation lengthens the same-side gluteus muscle.
The #1 Mistake even the best skiers make when training:
If you are not training your hips to rotate as they squat, you are not training your legs to ski
Stand with your feet at shoulder width. Bend your knees about 20 degrees. Grab your butt cheeks. Grab a good chunk of muscle of your right and left glute in each hand (try not to do this one in public – the people in the supermarket might wonder what is going on).
Now rotate your body to the left and try to look behind you. If you noticed, your left glute switched on and lengthened a bit more than your right glute. You use each glute differently with each turn, and you use each glute while in rotation. Now ask yourself the following questions:
- Have you been training with rotation?
- Have you ever done a squat with rotation?
- Do you know how to do this exercise safely and effectively?
If the answer is no, you could be missing out on valuable strength, flexibility and power to help you keep those turns crisp and fast.
Abs of steel don’t help if that steel doesn’t twist
Now think about the action of a ski turn. Does it involve rotation? Does your core work consist of any rotational movements, or are they all simple crunches and side bends? Do you know how to safely and effectively train the core to be strong while going through a skiing motion? If you don’t, you may be putting your hips, low back and upper back at higher risk of injury.
What does the ACL do? The ACL serves to control rotation of the upper body as it lands and explodes from the ski turn position.
If your hips and core cannot assist in the acceleration and deceleration of your upper body and hips, then your ACL is left to do the majority of the work.
Talk to your local physical therapist and they will happily tell you the number one ski injury is a torn ACL. With the right type of training, you can give your body the best chance of preventing an ACL injury.
Promo Alert: Back Bowl Ski Conditioning Programs are designed to train the body to be strong, powerful and flexible in all the right places at the right times.
The Back Bowl Conditioning program is the best ACL injury prevention strategy on the market today!
This advanced level of movement science for ski conditioning has previously been the domain of elite athletes and international ski coaches. The new training method now comes to you with all of the science, but has been adjusted such that this program is suitable for skiers of any level. Heres why it works so well:
If you train the legs, hips and core to be strong in a ‘front to back’ sense rather than a ‘rotational’ sense, you have not only worked out inefficiently, you have done little to nothing to help protect your ACL (the guardian of injury for the ‘rotational’ movements).
If you are interested in preparing for your season to give yourself the biggest chance of success and the smallest chance of injury, be sure to look for a program that follows certain foundational principles:
- Qualified instructor(s)
- Trains each individual according to their specific needs
- Only trains small groups – no more than 7
- Understands the functional aspects and physiological needs of the body as it goes through a ski turn
- Is able to work with all levels of athlete
The next Back Bowl Ski Conditioning Small Group class will embrace all of the above. After completing one of the specially designed 5 week programs, you will experience the following:
- Improved speed and turn control
- The endurance to take turns all day and be ready for night skiing
- Be able to power through deep powder easily and effortlessly
- Greater core strength and upper body control
- Better coordination in unfamiliar territory
- Less falls
- Decreased risk of injury
If you are interested in being part of the next class, you can call now to book a place for classes through the month of October and November.
5 week programs start up every two weeks.
Call/Sign up today, because this class is only offered for a limited time!
Need convincing? Have questions? Like to get in on the next group? Call 720 203 3084 or email jamescatlas@yahoo.com to check on availability for the next class.
When?
Classes happen through the month of October and November. 5 week programs are scheduled in two week increments.
Where?
Classes are run in the highlands area from an indoor studio or -weather permitting-a nearby park
How much?
2008 pricing is $360 for a 5 week, 3/wk program. Classes are held before and after work
How do I sign up?
We recommend you call for a brief consultation so you can be placed in a class that best reflects your skiing and physical abilities to ensure maximal results and satisfaction. Please contact Jamie Atlas on 720 203 3084 or email jamescatlas@yahoo.com to arrange your initial meet/phone consult.
To find out more please contact:
Jamie Atlas – Master Instructor, Double Diamond Ski Conditioning on 720 203 3084 or email jamescatlas@yahoo.com
PS Don’t try this at home – or in the subway for that matter:
