Since I'm sitting here getting ready to launch PiYo in Crested Butte tonight, it seems like a good idea to address how to use it to get your body ready for snow sports before it's too late. Since we are just about 5 weeks away from opening day you might think it's already too late. Luckily, with Piyo you can get awesome results with your strength and flexibility (eh hem - Injury and joint protection!!)
In a perfect world, you'd begin your training for skiing as soon as the last season ended. This would give your body time to adapt and grow strong before it needed to engage in the rigors of the sport. But we don't live in a perfect world, so let's start today!
PiYo Strength is a mix of basic yoga moves (primarily basic Sun Salutation, Warrior 1 and 2, Triangle and Reverse Warrior) My class is a fast-paced workout designed for balance, coordination, strength, and stamina, and is recommended for anyone from the beginner to the advanced athlete. PiYo is a mixture of Pilates and Yoga, a bit of cardio, and a lot of strengthening! The plus is that attendees of PiYo classes should go and can go at their own pace This dynamic fusion workout is easy on the joints, yet delivers strength, balance, agility and flexibility in one unique calorie burning workout - which will all help you prepare for a great season on the slopes or Nordic trails.
You know that feeling after the first day or two back on your skis? The "i'm so sore, I need to hobble around" feeling? Well conditioning your joints and muscles beforehand can help lessen that initial soreness. Often the large muscles can take the constant motion and pounding of the legs, but it is getting the secondary muscles trained and conditioned to help avoid injury: that is the key to avoiding that sore muscle feeling.
Here are the primary muscles used in skiing and how they are utilized:
Quadriceps: Quadriceps are probably the most used muscle group in skiing. These muscles hold you in position as you ski and provide protection for your knees. Great exercises for the quadriceps include squats and lunges.
Hamstrings and Gluts: When skiing downhill, you typically hold your body in a flexed position, which is leaning forward from the hips. This requires great strength from your hamstrings and glutes as they help stabilize your body. Work your hamstrings and glutes with squats, one legged squats, warrior 3, down dog, and single leg down dog.
Inner and Outer thighs: Your inner thighs work like crazy to keep your skis together. Your outer thighs keep your body stable and help you steer. Some great exercises are side lunges, inner and outer thigh strengthening muscular movements, and bowler squats/lunges.
Calves: Because your knees are bent as you ski, your calves (specifically the soleus) help you stay upright so you don't fall over (your boots help too). You can work this muscle by doing seated or standing calve raises and of course keep it flexible with stretches.
Abs and Back: As you're in a flexed, bent over position, your back has to work like a maniac to hold your body in that position. To protect your spine from injury, your core must be conditioned. Work these muscles with exercises like beast (you'll learn!), kick throughs (pictured below), V-ups, back extensions, planks, and push-ups!
Arms: Along with your back, arms help push off with your poles while stabilizing your shoulder joints. Be sure to work your biceps and triceps along with the rest of your body and Piyo will certainty get that done!
This is a whole body workout to do for the ski preseason which will be great for getting your body in shape and keeping it flexible and strong to prevent injuries!
Leanne is an APTA accredited Physical Therapy Assistant for the past 12 years and has been in the health, fitness and wellness industry since 2001. Leanne carries a passion for assisting clients and athletes in the planning and execution of any and all mind, body and wellness goals. She is a certified PiYo instructor and certified diabetes educator specializing in clean eating and nutrition as well. Since moving to CO in 2011 she has taken a passion in outdoor activities and getting the cross training experience indoors to help you become a better outdoor athlete!
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