FitSugar

Now Is the Time to Get Ready For the Slopes

FitSugar — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 08:00:41 -0800

Even though we're in the middle of Fall and I've yet to see any real signs of snow, experts say now is the time to get your butt in gear for Winter sports. Days on the slopes can be long and require a good amount of endurance, especially if you're the type who likes to visit the mountains for an extended weekend or even longer.

Veteran Winter Olympic athletes like ski racer Daron Rahlves and snowboarder Elena Hight recommend doing specific training for Winter sports six to eight weeks before the season starts. They say the key to lasting all day, weekend, or week on the slopes is to work on flexibility, strength, and cardio. A good mix of this will ensure you can snowboard from sunup to sundown. Being in tip-top shape will also help cut down on injuries.

An article in the San Francisco Chronicle asked a group of Winter Olympians and trainers their advice on getting in shape for Winter sports. Here's some of their advice.

Stretch for 15-20 minutes every day or do 10 minutes of sun salutations. Skiers should focus on their lower bodies, while snowboarders should focus on their upper and lower areas.
Two to three times a week, focus on strength training with emphasis on your quads, hamstrings, and core muscles. Keeping your legs and core strong helps with balance and endurance, and helps cut down on ACL injuries. If you can, use kettlebells and also make sure to do tons of squats, leg curls, and lunges.
Do some sort of aerobic activity for at least 15 minutes every day, keeping your heart rate elevated the entire time.

Sounds doable to me. Who's hungry for powder?

Powderwh*re "Flakes" Gets You Psyched For Snow

FitSugar — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 13:30:06 -0700

I know it is still the middle of Fall, but here's a video that will make you wish it were Winter. Powderwh*re brings you their latest backcountry skiing video appropriately titled Flakes. Last Winter the production company filmed some of the best telemark skiers in the world, with the goal to "capture the joy and freedom that is powder skiing." There are no ski lifts, crowds of people, or impeccably groomed trails here, folks. These hardcore skiers hike up untouched powder-filled mountains, and then ski down the steepest, fluffiest, most gorgeous terrain you could imagine. This movie is touring the country right now, so here's a sneak peek to get you drooling with amazement.

If you're interested in seeing Flakes, grab your fellow ski bums and check out the tour dates. For my fellow Bay Area dwellers, it's playing in San Francisco this Friday!

Still aching for more? The Freeheel Life is another skiing movie touring the country. To check out that movie trailer read more.

Are you looking forward to hitting the slopes? I know I sure am.

6 Post-Skiing Stretches

FitSugar — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 08:00:00 -0800

You just spent the day soaring down the mountain, floating through a foot of fresh powder, carving quick turns, and tackling moguls. Your body is pleasantly exhausted and your muscles are tight, so here is a great sequence of stretches to do after a day of skiing or riding.

Source

View Slideshow ›

Headed to the Mountain? Dealing With Crowded Slopes

FitSugar — Thu, 14 Feb 2008 02:00:00 -0800

Since President's Day is coming up, many of you may be planning a weekend away in the mountains. Three-day weekends are great for skiing and snowboarding, but since everyone else thinks so too, you may be dealing with crowded slopes. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

It's best to bring your own gear since renting can take a long time when there are tons of people. Either bring your own, or you can rent skis, poles, and boots at a gear store before you head out on your trip.
Carpool. If you're going with a bunch of friends, try to pack all of you and your gear into one car. Finding a parking spot at the mountain can be impossible.
Ski at your level. If you're new to skiing or riding, don't attempt a black diamond just yet. Stick to the easier trails with your fellow out of control and slow beginners. It'll help prevent injuring you or some other unsuspecting skier.
Wear a helmet. The more people on the mountain, the more chance for a collision.
Dress warmly. You'll get cold standing around waiting in lines for the lifts, so make sure your head, ears, neck, and hands are bundled up. Hand warmers tucked in your boots and mittens are a great idea.
Pack your own snacks and meals. Not only will it be much cheaper and healthier for you, but you won't waste time waiting to get your food. Bring your own water too. Use a Camelbak water bottle so you can stay hydrated on and off the mountain.

Source

Cross-Country Skiing Tip: Stay in the Tracks

FitSugar — Thu, 07 Feb 2008 14:45:00 -0800

If you've never tried cross-country skiing, you're really missing out. I love that it works your entire body and gets your heart rate up, but you're moving slow enough to admire the gorgeous snowy trees and chat with a friend. It's a lot like the rhythm of walking, where you move one foot forward and plant your opposite pole, then move the other foot forward and plant the other pole. At first it can be tricky to get that basic move down, so go skiing at a resort or outdoor center that has cross-country ski trails set up. Look for the tracks a previous skier made, line your skis up with them, and stay on their tracks as you swoosh along. It's so much easier to work on your technique when your skis are guided. Once you get the flow of moving your poles and skis together down, you can venture off the tracks and slide along in fresh snow.

Into Cross Country Skiing? Bring the Kids Along

FitSugar — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 14:30:00 -0800

It's great when you can get your kids involved in Winter exercise, but let's face it - they won't have the energy to go out for a long excursion. If that's the case, or if they're just too young to wear skis or snowshoes, you can tow them along behind you.

Check out the Chariot XC Skiing Child Transport System (CTS) Kit ($210). It's a set of Rossignol skis with two adjustable aluminum tow bars and a waistbelt for you to wear. Simply attach this kit to either a Cheetah ($399) or a Cougar ($530) Chariot stroller. Then you can cross-country ski or snowshoe and pull up to two children behind. You'll feel good knowing they're safe, warm, and protected from wind and snow. Plus since you're pulling the extra weight, you'll get even more of a workout. Too bad they're so expensive, but still such a great way to get out in the snow.

Free Skating: It Takes Balance

FitSugar — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 02:00:00 -0800

There are so many ways to enjoy the snow. Free skating is like skate skiing, but you don't use poles to propel you along. You push off with the edge of your skis to give you momentum forward and your arms swing to assist the motion. Check out the video to see what it looks like. It's really graceful.

If you love ice skating or snow boarding because they don't require poles, you may prefer this Winter sport over free skating or cross country skiing. Once you get the technique of balancing, pushing off with your skis, and swinging your arms, you'll be able to move quickly on flat surfaces. Also, it's incredible exercise for your lower body and really fun to try since it takes so much coordination and balance to get going. If you're interested in trying it out, call up your local ski resort or outdoor center and see about renting equipment and taking a lesson.

Top Winter Sport Calorie Burners

FitSugar — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 14:38:06 -0800

Since snow has finally fallen in many parts of the country, Winter sports are in high demand for their fun factor. Lucky for us, they're also great ways to burn some serious calories. Check out which burn the most.

View Slideshow ›

Skate Skiing: Guaranteed to Make You Sore

FitSugar — Tue, 08 Jan 2008 11:45:00 -0800

I love ice skating and cross-country skiing. Put the two together and you've got skate skiing. It's a really intense workout, but once you get the rhythm down you can move quickly and gracefully through the snow. Check out this video to see what it looks like.

Skate skiing is great if you think cross-country skiing is too slow or boring. Instead of just sloshing along on your skis, you kick off diagonally and glide forward just like ice skating. It's not easy to learn because it requires more balance, coordination, and strength, but with patience and lots of practice, you'll be able to learn the basics of skate-skiing techniques. It's a total body workout, and if you love downhill skiing, skate skiing is a great way to enjoy Winter without having to pay for expensive lift tickets.

Fit's Tips: If you're interested in trying skate skiing, contact your local ski resort or Winter activity center to see if you can rent some equipment. The boots, skis, and poles are a little different than what you use for cross-country skiing, and renting them will cost around $20. I also recommend taking a lesson your first time. A one-hour lesson will cost around $25 for a group and about $50 for a private.

Ski Green Resorts

FitSugar — Mon, 07 Jan 2008 15:30:00 -0800

Skiers, in general, tend to be more environmentally aware than the rest of the population. Ski resorts are another matter entirely. Different resorts deal with the natural resources around them differently and some are more green than others. If you want to ski at a responsible resort you should check out Ski Area Citizens' Coalition (SACC) website.

SACC ranks the top ten as well as the ten worst environmentally-friendly ski resorts. You can select your area of the country and find out what resorts near you scored well on the environmental report card. The resorts were graded on how they impact roadless areas and if they purchase clean energy, participate in making new snow, are involved with logging old growth forest, among other criteria. Being green on a large scale is more than just having a recycling program.

I was surprised that Kirkwood, by Lake Tahoe in California, was given an F. It seems their land preservation policies just plain stink. On the other hand, family-friendly Alpine Meadows, also in the Tahoe area, is environmentally friendly.

Bring the color green to your Winter sports season that is usually covered with white. Ski Green!