Getting fit for skiing

[UTH]

Off skiing in 6 weeks, I've done very little exercise for far too long, so I'm going to focus on getting my leg workouts back in my life.
I use this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4YZ1alsnf5s

Did it for the first time yesterday in months, naturally I'm in pain today. My question is, shouldI try and do this workout everyday, or is that actually going to do more harm than good? So should I rest the legs today and go it again tomorrow?

As I've only left myself 6 weeks, I'm aware I need to be quite intensive in getting my legs strong again, but don't want to overdo it or do it the wrong way

[Freakuk]

I think a varied workout would be better than focus on the legs, I haven't watched the video in full but there looks to be a good mix of exercises.

A few years ago I was in the same boat, I spent 6-8 weeks going to the gym 3-4 times a week, lots of cardio, running, rowing etc, leg day, core/arms etc. It was more stamina than building strength, good stretches were also important for me anyways.

[J8 SVG]

I would do a workout every other day and try and get out for a walk on the other days and keep the body moving then some stretches in the evening ready for the next day's work out

Have you got any hills to climb up nearby?

[UTH]

I used to go to the gym 4 days a week and do some leg work when I was training to climb Everest, and it got me to the top, so maybe I just do similar as this is just skiing after all.

[J8 SVG]

If all else fails, just drink through the pain

[oddman]

UTH said:

Off skiing in 6 weeks, I've done very little exercise for far too long, so I'm going to focus on getting my leg workouts back in my life.
I use this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4YZ1alsnf5s

Did it for the first time yesterday in months, naturally I'm in pain today. My question is, shouldI try and do this workout everyday, or is that actually going to do more harm than good? So should I rest the legs today and go it again tomorrow?

As I've only left myself 6 weeks, I'm aware I need to be quite intensive in getting my legs strong again, but don't want to overdo it or do it the wrong way

A lot depends on where you are with your skiing and what you are planning to do. I think that routine looks boring, risky and not that ski specific. But to contradict myself I'm going to suggest you do less specific exercise which I think will be more sustainable, effective and less risky.

I'd break down priorities as

1) Not getting injured.

I'd be looking at a general programme of mobility and strength training which will condition you to have strength through and beyond the range of movements involved in skiing. Squats and deadlifts are helpful for this. Also would help if you can lose weight if overweight

2) Being fit enough to have fun, keep up with others and go day after day.

I don't think there is much that gives more bang for buck than running (especially hilly off road). Cycling, especially mountain biking is good too.

3) Balance and proprioception - if you are balanced everything is easier.

Nothing beats skiing. If you can get to a snow slope or dry slope then javelin turns (one legged skiing with uphill/lifted ski turned downhill) is a really good drill as it forces your body into the right angles to hold an edge. If you can't then Bosu ball, balance board exercises, yoga.

Tom Gellie at Big Picture Skiing has some very interesting takes on highly ski specific balance, mobility and conditioning exercises which are much less strenuous than the ones you posted. He's a physio, coach and member of the Aussie ski demonstration team.

4) Speed and accuracy.

This is where plyometrics, box jumps ladder drills, running and jumping upstairs come in. This is quite specific and more risky training, probably only worth doing if you are serious bump or couloir skier.

Check your equipment. Be honest about whether you are happy with you boots and skis and get a service if you don't do it yourself.

[UTH]

Thanks for the above.

I'm very lucky in that I've been skiing for 30 years since I was 7, it seems to be my natural talent weirdly for a Brit, so technique etc is all very natural to me. I just wanted to make sure my legs are strong enough to keep up with my brain/ability, so just wanted to see if I should be doing these hardcore leg workouts every day or leave rest days in between.

I know I should get out running, but I just can't stand it, so my thinking is that if I can at least get the legs nice and strong and rely on my technique, I can get away with not being overly CV fit. Luckily I'm not overweight either.

[Mr E]

J8 SVG said:

If all else fails, just drink through the pain

This is my preferred method.

[anonymous-user]

You have to be fit to go skiing? This is news to me and I usually to go every year!

As per the last couple of posts, any injury or aches/pains are usually cured by stopping at 3pm to drink heavily.

[popeyewhite]

UTH said:

I'm very lucky in that I've been skiing for 30 years since I was 7,

Some flexibility and some strenuous walks will be easily enough.

[UTH]

Lord Marylebone said:

You have to be fit to go skiing? This is news to me and I usually to go every year!

As per the last couple of posts, any injury or aches/pains are usually cured by stopping at 3pm to drink heavily.

Haha, the heavy drinking isn't a problem, I just don't want to let my desire to be hitting the black runs, off piste etc down by lack of strength or fitness.

[Marcellus]

Having spent many years working between April and December to keep ski fitness I was always surprised how little I managed to actually retain when the lifts opened.

Tried gym work, running, cycling, roller blading and nothing really seemed to give demonstrable benefits and I wasn’t alone…. My training partners were a mix of ski instructors and pisteurs…..

However, being generally very fit meant that after a week once the lifts had opened we were almost back to previous seasons levels.

So my suggestion would be to head to a ski slope in the U.K. as much as you can and work through your practice drills/routines and when you’re not skiing get as generally fit as you can.

[Snow and Rocks]

Hill walking seems to help - I don't do a great deal of fitness work besides regularly climbing hills and seem to do better than some mates who spend hours in the gym.

[thebraketester]

My advice is have an easy 2nd day on the slopes (1st day is always full on). If you don’t then come day 3 you’ll be fked.

Wall sit exercise is good.