When you’re getting ready to ski Massachusetts at Ski Bradford you’re going to want to get your body ready before you hit the slopes. While biking and running in the off season are some great ways to get in shape for skiing, there are a few other things you should do as the season approaches. The following will prepare your body down the slopes and take a few inevitable bumps.
Nutrition for On the Slopes
There are some foods you will want to make sure are included in your pre snowboarding diet. These are:
1. Proteins (i.e. fish, turkey, chicken, egg whites, legumes, beans, soy) will give you plenty of energy and build your endurance. You will want to eat plenty of protein before you go skiing, as well as during your breaks.
2. Fat serves as an important fuel reserve. You want to make sure that you eat healthy fats such as monosaturated and polysaturated fats. These are found in olive oil, canola oil, peanut oil, nuts, flax seed and fish.
3. Foods rich in iron are important to prevent muscle cramps. Iron also strengthens your muscles helping to avoid stress related injuries.
When you’re on the mountain you will also want to drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration. Carry a small collapsible water bottle as well as a few granola bars while you ski to make your day on the slopes more comfortable. It’s also important to know the signs of dehydration, if you fell nauseous, dizzy, or develop muscle cramps, take a break at the lodge and grab a drink of water.
Exercise Prior To Hitting the Slopes
It’s important to not only eat right but to also do some exercises that will get you on the right track as well. Trainers suggest that you do the following:
1. Cardio (cardiovascular) training will get you ready for the intense workout you get every time you go down the slopes. Trail runs and mountain biking (or machines that simulate these activities) are helpful here. Your goal is to raise the intensity of your cardiovascular exercises by 10% every 7 days so that you’ll be ready for ski season.
2. Strength training is important to do on a regular basis. This includes things like lunges, plyometric jumps, squats, pushups, chin ups and military presses. Yoga is also great and it will help you feel more relaxed.
3. Core training is vital when conditioning for skiiing. All ski motions originate in the core, its very important to exercise these muscles regularly. Try a regimen of planks, sit ups, and leg raises at least 3 times a week.
The Final Word on Ski Fitness
Ultimately, you need to maintain good health all year long. Doing so will make snowboarding all that much more enjoyable for you. Fortunately, it’s not really that difficult to do. All it takes is a good, healthy diet and a little time inside the gym during the off season and now you know what to do while you’re there.
