If you've already hit the slopes this year, you know that the off-season can take a heavy toll on what were once sturdy winter legs, and that the onslaught of cold-weather adventure can take an even heavier toll on the rest of your body. Between sore muscles, chest colds, sunburn, minor injuries and overall fatigue, getting back into ski shape and then maintaining your well-being throughout the season can be an uphill battle. With that in mind, to help you with the self-imposed torture that is one of the best outdoor sports in the world, here are a few easy health tips to keep you upright all season long.
1. Prepare (Back Into Shape) - Even if you've been bulking up at the gym, even if you're a yoga fanatic or an iron-man enthusiast, it can still be hard to target those specific muscles needed to blast through moguls or keep up in the pow, and harder still to keep them going strong day after day after day. If you missed your pre-season ski-prep course, exercises such as agility ball squats, wall squats, straight lunges and side lunges can all help with muscle strength, balance and endurance, while strengthening your core (your entire core) will prove invaluable for upright stability. And don't forget the cardio.
2. Stretch - Stretching before and after you ride will help prevent injuries, increase your flexibility and mobility, reduce muscle tension, and allow you to ski harder and longer throughout the season. Be sure to stretch your whole body, but pay extra attention to your hamstrings, quads, calves and back. Take days off to allow your muscles to rejuvenate, but keep them loose and ready with daily stretching routines.
3. Hydrate - The human body consists of up to 60% water (so does Vodka, but Vodka doesn't ski), and that water needs to be replenished for the body to function properly. Drinking extra water will help nourish your muscles, your brain, your nervous and immune systems, your skin, and everything else you want to be healthy to help you make the perfect turn. Not drinking enough water leads to poor performance, fatigue, dehydration and other ailments, and even a loss of muchness on the slopes. And nobody wants to lose their muchness.
4. Sunscreen - Need we refer to Mary Schmich's famous beat-accompanied commencement speech - If I could offer you only one tip for the future, sunscreen would be it? The higher altitude and prolonged exposure in the mountains highly intensifies the sun's effects on skin, even if no sun is actually visible. And while you might not notice any immediate effects, the long-term negative effects of sun exposure are being revealed as far more harmful than we ever imagined. Plus, let's be honest: Raccoon eyes aren't sexy unless you're an actual raccoon.
5. Get The Right Gear - Don't let boot problems ruin your day, affect your abilities, or even permanently disfigure your feet (nobody likes a sixth toe). See a boot specialist, get orthotics, or finally splurge on the new pair of boots you've needed for so long: whatever problems you are having, something can always be done to fix them. Boots are such an integral factor in your ability to ski well; don't let pain or even poor support get in the way of the athlete you could potentially be.
Jonathan Berger is a contributor for Active Junky. For more of his useful articles on staying in shape in the winter, outdoor sports and saving money on gear check out the activejunky.com Outdoor Gear and activejunky.com/category/snow/ski-2 Ski Gear sections of ActiveJunky.com.
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