Strength training for downhill skiers
To get the most out of your skiing, it's not enough to master the technique behind the skiing, it requires a lot of muscle strength and coordination. There are many different ways you can strength train for your skiing. Here are some tips you can take with you for your skiing holiday!
Leg strength is central to skiing
If you want to be able to take turns properly and at the same time maintain your balance, you need to work on your leg muscles. This is to be able to stand statically in the required positions and at the same time be able to handle the technique. The hips and ankles are also key muscle groups for ski touring.
There are many good and easy exercises to train your legs, hips and ankles that you can do at home in your living room or outdoors. To learn about such exercises, you may want to read our previous article "7 ways to exercise legs at home".
Don't forget your arms and shoulders
Even though the focus, perhaps more naturally, is on your leg muscles, don't forget to build muscle mass in your arms and shoulders. When you go out on the slopes, your whole body must be with you, not just your legs. You can easily train your arms with a pair of dumbbells, but you can also go for walks and run.
Fitness and endurance
To cope with a day out on the slopes, you need not only muscles but also to have worked up a fitness level that leads to you first and foremost being able to cope but also that you are enduring and can work against lactic acid that can easily occur. You can easily do this by taking a walk in the woods or going for a run.
By exercising outdoors, you prepare your body for the fresh air that the slopes have to offer. Once you've built up your fitness, you'll not only have more energy, but you'll be able to make the most of your day on the slopes.
There you have it - some great strength training tips for downhill skiers. We hope you use these and are well prepared for long days on the slopes with us at Stöten in Sälen!
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