Yoga for Skiers: A Few Poses to Get You Ready for the Season
By Jessica Osterloh at Ski 'N See
With ski season rapidly approaching (please let it come faster), it is time to buckle down and get back into shape before opening day creeps up on us. We’ve all felt that frustration at the beginning of the season when you start to feel your legs quiver and your body ache….and you have only taken a few runs. Don’t let that happen this year! Start conditioning your body now. With the heavy impact skiing has on your knees and joints, yoga is a great exercise that will prep your body for the inevitable beating it will likely endure during the winter season. Yoga is the perfect workout because it strengthens your muscles while stretching them at the same time. This helps prevent injuries that may come from skiing. Here are a few yoga poses that skiers love:
CHAIR POSE
This pose is great for getting those quads back in shape. To enter this pose, straighten your arms out in front of you and sit back into a squat. Make sure to put the weight in your heels, keep your back straight, and your knees above your ankels (you don’t want them creeping past your toes). Want to add a little more to the pose? Try putting your palms together while in chair pose and twisting so that your elbow meets your thigh. Do it on both sides. This will strengthen your core and give you more control over your skis on the slopes.
WARRIOR II POSE
This pose is great for opening your hips and strengthening your legs. To enter into this pose, step back with your left leg and lunge so that your left leg is straight and your right leg is bent (keep your right knee above your ankle as much as possible). Your right foot should be pointed towards the front of your mat while the left food is pointed towards the side. Try to line your body up in as straight of a line as possible. Extend your arms out to the side and sink down further into the pose. Repeat with the other leg.
TREE POSE
This pose helps strengthen ankles and calves. It also benefits both your hip and knee joints, which is helpful when making those quick turns through the moguls. To enter this pose, stand tall and bring your left foot up against your right thigh. Next, extend your arms above your head and bring your hands together pointed towards the ceiling. Hold the pose there. Then repeat on the other side.
