Getting in shape for your ski holiday

Are you heading off to the slopes soon? A skiing holiday is such a pleasurable experience but the fact that skiing is something many of us do only a few times a year can be tough on our bodies. To make your skiing holiday more enjoyable and injury free, we at I Love meet and greet, have put together some very simple tips that will help you prepare your bodies for that skiing holiday.

If you can try and start at least six weeks before your holiday you should notice a difference. If you are not a gym junkie, you can improve your cardiovascular system to increase your skiing stamina. A brisk walk or climbing the stairs instead of catching lifts or escalators will all help your fitness. As will cycling, running or rowing for 20 minutes three times a week building up a good solid base for powering down the piste.

To avoid the burning thighs and aching muscles that many skiers experience there are some simple exercises that will strengthen your legs and core.

Firstly try some simple squats, crouching down with your back straight and knees forming a right angle and then standing up again. Or you could do some lunges; start with your feet together, then step one leg forward and bend down so the front leg forms a right angle and the back knee almost touches the floor. Then go back up and switch legs. Repeat both of these exercises 20 times.

Another leg exercise is to stand on one leg and with the other leg try and write in the air from one to ten drawing numbers with the other foot.

Calf stretching is also very important; as are hamstring and quad stretches and a little stretch every time before you do any exercise will increase your flexibility.

Core strength is also a key area for skiers and snowboarders so try some sit-ups and press-ups. Or do some wall squats by sliding down the wall until your knees are bent to 90 degrees and your shins are vertical. Push your back against the wall as hard as you can. Hold this position for as long as you can. Relax, rest and repeat up to four times.

As with all exercises you should take advice from your GP and if you do suffer from any discomfort or pain you should stop the exercise and see a physiotherapist.

All this preparation should make your winter sports trip more enjoyable and when you book I Love meet and greet parking you can relax knowing that you will not have a workout at the airport with hauling your ski kit and luggage on and off car park buses.


By Sarah Anglim at 20 Jan 2015

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