Ski Workout for Beginners

Body pain, sore muscles, and headaches. Did you ever experience these when you first started skiing? The funny thing is, if you ever watch first time skiiers, there doesn't seem to be any trace of exhaustion as they slide down the "green". Why? Because skiing is so fun. Beginning skiiers realize that it is important to prepare and work out before the skiing trip. If not, their bodies will be sore at the end of the day, thus preventing them to fully enjoy the outdoors during the winter season.

The question is, what type of workout should beginning skiiers engage into? It doesn't help to be skinny like me, but it does help to exercise in three different types of routines.

Cardio: In the cold weather, not only do your lungs need more air to breathe (mountain air is thinner with less oxygen), you also need to make your heart more fit for the winter activities. A cardiovascular workout on the treadmill or elliptical machine can help make your heart stronger to endure skiing in the high mountains. Cardio exercises such as aerobics help you lose weight as well.

Strength: Here's a word of encouragement for those who have never skiied before. You will learn how to ski faster if you exert a real big effort. If not, you will quit halfway, disappointed, and will think forever that skiing is not for you. A beginner will suffer falling, heaving herself up with her own arms, and balancing the legs on the snow to keep from sliding randomly on the slope. Trust me, this is not easy, if you are not fit and ready. It is best to work out some strength training on your legs and arms. Your arms are basically just there to hold your ski poles as guides. Your legs will always be your constant balance. It is impossible to learn to ski if you do not have enough arm and leg strength to work your way through the slope.

Core: Consider yourself having passed the endurance test if you feel at one point that you are finally using your "hips" to make turns, with your skis parallel on the slope. This is an amazing feeling. However, you can feel a pinch of pain on your pelvis at first, if you have not done your core exercises. This type of exercise is more focused on your stomach and hips. In skiing, you will never be able to make a decent turn if you use your legs all the time. Your body should twist gracefully. That is why core exercises are important to help you work on more advanced ski routines.

Now that you have learned from an "expert" beginner like me, time to hit the slopes! Another word of advice: Skiing can be addictive!