Cindy posted on October 16, 2010 00:46
To strengthen your legs you should perform resistance training exercises regularly. Resistance training, also referred to as strength training, will help to make your muscles stronger and better able to take on whatever it is you put them through. If you want to become a better skier than you should really be focusing on training your legs. Though it's important to be fit in generally you should concentrate on your legs since they will be doing the bulk of the work during any run down the slopes.
If you're ready to work hard to improve your ski fitness here are just a few exercises you can do to make the muscles in your legs stronger which will enable you to use them more efficiently.
Squats
Squats are relatively easy exercises that are very effective in strengthening the quadriceps. These are the large muscles on the tops of your legs. To get into the starting position for performing a squat you should be standing with your feet shoulder-width apart with your arms at your sides. To perform the actual move you'll want to squat down as if you're sitting in a chair and then explode back up while pushing through your heels. Always make sure that when you squat down that your knees don't go forward past your toes during the actual squat.
Hamstring Stretch
Just as the name states this exercise will stretch and help strengthen the hamstring muscles which are located on the backs of the legs, opposite of the quadriceps. To get into the start position for this move simply lie face down on the floor. To execute the move bring your feet up behind you as far as you can and then slowly lower back down. To add a bit of resistance you can use ankle weights.
Calf Raises
Your calf muscles sustain a lot of pressure while skiing so it's important not to leave them out of your ski fitness program. Calf raises are another simple but effective exercise that will help to strengthen them. You don't need any equipment for this move either except for a good pair of sneakers. To perform the move you'll be standing on the floor and then slowly lifting your heels off of the floor so that you are standing on your toes. Then you'll slowly lower your heels back down to the floor.
You'll want to complete at least 2 to 3 sets of each of these exercises on a regular basis to get the biggest benefit. If you're somewhat of a beginner than it's best to begin with 10 to 12 reps per set and increasing as you feel comfortable.
To get into the best possible ski shape of your life and ski all day long without the dreaded aching, burning jello-leg, then grab your free report and start chiseling that body for ski season.
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