Holiday plans this Christmas?
Reformer Pilates for Skiers/Surfers and all other Holiday Activities
Difficult to believe Christmas is only 9 weeks away! Time to start preparing – Bunnings says to “buy the tree”, Myer says to “start your Christmas gift shopping early”, the local travel agent has some great package deals in their window, and FABulous Pilates and Yoga says “more Reformer Pilates now!” It’s also a great time to take a well-earned break. My family and I are really excited to be heading to Big White in Canada for a couple of weeks on the slopes. So now is precisely the time to be adding in a few extra REFORMER classes every week in my preparation for those tough ski runs!
Fatigue is the number one cause of injury on the slopes because it has a significant effect on your coordination and control of movement. Endurance is essential! Building endurance particularly in your glutes and quads will help to keep you safe on the slopes as well as skiing for longer. Don’t be stuck in the chalet Amanda whilst the rest of your friends and family are enjoying the blue sky and powder snow. Top Tip – Knee Stretches, Running Prep, Scooter, Bounce Board.
Strength and agility training can improve your outcome when negotiating jumps, turns and obstacles (like trees and snowboarders). So strength, endurance and agility training will make your skiing a lot more fun and keep you out of a cast! Top Tip – Footwork, Foot on Bar, Bounce Board.
Core strength and breath focus can really help to improve your ‘style’. In my personal experience – pre-Pilates, I would ski watching my feet; after introducing Reformer Pilates to my week (many years ago), my core strength and posture improved massively and I now consider myself to be a sightseeing skier – I can look around, enjoy the scenery, breathe and relax into the slope. Top Tip – All the Ab exercises, Plough, Airplane (that’s how they spell it), Rowing and Chest Expansion.
The difference between my pre and post Pilates skiing experience was huge! Reformer Pilates workouts made all the difference to creating a much more enjoyable skiing holiday. And the same can be said if you’re planning any active holiday – surfing, hiking, or tackling the boutiques on Hastings St.
Holiday fitness – start now!
Don’t just take my word for it – there’s plenty of evidence out there –
take a look at http://pilates-pro.com/pilates-pro/2009/12/3/pilates-for-skiers.html