Are You in Shape for Your Skiing Holiday?

You may be excitedly planning your skiing or boarding trip for the upcoming season, but are you in good enough physical shape to challenge the slopes without suffering sore muscles? We can provide winter sports cover along with your travel insurance to cater for a variety of mishaps, but it is up to you to get in shape in order to maximize your fun on the slopes. For a quote on ski cover click on: Ski Insurance.

Have you kept up a regular exercise program throughout the year to keep those ski muscles toned up? You can help avoid the second- or third-day aches, pains and stiffness by giving your muscles a gentle daily work out now to get them ready for the downhill action. It’s a good idea to check with your doctor if you have any health issues or are taking medication. Your body will be under extra stress at altitude, and remember that the effects of alcohol are also increased.

If you belong to a gym you can get professional advice about the best exercises and machines to use to target your ski muscles. Basically, you need to concentrate on exercises which will build up your endurance and flexibility. Even if you are just a beginner, or only ski on the easy runs, you could still suffer from aching muscles if you overdo it. Remember the muscles you use to ski are not the muscles you use everyday, but it’s never too late to get started. Try working out for a few hours a week, even daily walking or jogging will help get your body used to exercise. Swimming, cycling, aerobics and weight training can be useful. Exercises such as lunges, squats against a wall, sit-ups, etc. are all good – anything that will help the strength of your legs and overall muscle tone. You can’t expect your body to adapt from a desk job and couch-potato lifestyle to sudden bursts of strenuous activity without asking for trouble!

Expert skiers will already know what they need to do to maintain their ski muscles and get the maximum enjoyment and performance out of their bodies, so this is just a reminder. You need to be in tip top condition if you want to tackle the black runs and moguls without either making a complete fool of yourself or getting a free stretcher ride down the mountain courtesy of the ski patrol!

Don’t forget the importance of warming up before you set off for the slopes. It’s a good idea to have a hot shower first thing in the morning and then do some stretching. Once you reach the slopes, do some more warming up and stretching. Take it easy for your first few runs, and don’t forget to warm up again after a lunch stop. If possible, have a hot bath or shower when you are finished for the day, or jump into a hot tub. The warmth will help soothe sore muscles, and prepare you for another day of fun! I won’t be hitting the slopes this season as I’m still recovering from a knee injury – and anyone who’s gone through knee surgery will know what that’s like. Healing can take a long time. That’s why I would urge you to do everything you can to take care of your health and, hopefully, avoid annoying injuries.