FitSugar

Fit Gift Guide: Snowboarder

FitSugar — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 03:00:00 -0800

The gift-giving holidays are just around the corner and to spare you some of the last-minute shopping stress, the Sugar sites are creating ever-helpful gift guides.

Do you have a snowboarder in your life? Here are some gift ideas they're sure to be able to use on the mountain.

DaKine Lock Leash: This pre-set three-digit combination lock discourages other riders from "borrowing" your board while you're taking a hot chocolate break in the lodge. It features a durable, plastic coated, 38-inch steel wire coiled cable. I'd rather spend $12 on a lock instead of $500 on a new board.
Boeri Siren Helmet: This helmet not only protects your head from injury, but the vents on top allow heat to escape so you don't get too sweaty. You can also close off those vents on really cold days. The chin strap is fleece-lined for added comfort, and this helmet comes in five sizes so you can get the perfect fit.
Burton 2L Gore-Tex Jacket: Made with Gore-Tex 2L material, this jacket is waterproof and windproof. It has fully taped seams so it's durable enough to withstand the harshest of cold and wet weather conditions on the mountain. It'll keep you warm on 5° F days, and it has a hood to keep your head protected from snow and wind. It comes in sassafras (shown), true black, and rock salt (white camo).

DaKine Lock Leash ($12)

Boeri Siren Helmet (49.93)

Burton Women's 2L Gore-Tex Jacket ($289.95)

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Get Fit for Snowboarding

FitSugar — Mon, 05 Nov 2007 10:15:00 -0800

Starting out snowboarding, whether new to the season or new to the sport altogether, is an incredible workout. I love finding additional fitness outlets during Winter months, especially things that are super fun. One thing to keep in mind, however, is you'll get the most out of the season if you hit the slopes already trained. Even if snow seems weeks away, I would start now so you'll be ready.

Here are a few areas to pay attention to while training:

Quadriceps: The quadriceps muscles are extremely important because maintaining the correct position for snowboarding (read: squat), along with trying to turn and control the board, means that your quadriceps will be working overtime while you're snowboarding.
Good exercises: Leg presses, lunges, and squats
Hip flexors: While snowboarding, your hip flexors will be in full force as your body is moving up and down and maintaining your balance.
Good exercises: Hanging twisting leg raises and leg raises on a step
Core: Your core muscles will keep you upright and help you to balance. Core strength is essential for everyday living, but crucial for hitting the slopes upright, rather than face first.
Good exercises: Plank and dying bug
Total body: Snowboarding is truly a full body training sport, especially when you're just learning. To be ready to hit the slopes and keep a balanced training program, be sure to train your whole body, not just your legs.
Good exercises: Seated rows, lat pull-down, calf raises, hamstring curls, push-ups, bicycle crunches, and triceps dips

Fit's Tip: Don't forget to work on your cardio endurance too, since some of those slopes can be several miles long. Need some ideas? Try a few of my cardio programs.

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Love Snowboarding? Then You'll Love the Sideways Bike

FitSugar — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 14:30:00 -0800

Riding a bike is a childhood milestone. Once you master the technique, you'll know how to ride for life. Cycling requires left-to-right balance, like walking, so it is easy to learn. Although more challenging, surfers and snowboarders turn their bodies to the side using front-to-back balance. This type of balance inspired Michael Killian, inventor of the Sideways Bike. Also called a Snowboard Bicycle, you sit on it with both legs on one side, similar riding sidesaddle on a horse. Killian says that the front-to-back balance, combined with the drifting ability of the independent wheels "affords you tremendous grace and motion. It's dance-like. It's mesmerizing and entertaining."

Want to see this bike in action? Then read more.

Both handlebars can steer independently so it's not exactly a cinch to learn, but once you perfect this type of balance, it can make you a better snowboarder. They're not in production yet, but when they hit stores, would you be interested in giving this Sideways Bike a go?

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Snowboarding 101

FitSugar — Mon, 18 Dec 2006 03:30:00 -0800

You've made up your mind - this winter you're going to learn to snowboard. Just so you know, your bum and the snow are going to become BFF. Don't stress - in the beginning, snowboarding is all about falling and laughing.

Here are some tips for new riders...

Dress in comfortable, loose-fitting snow clothing. Don't forget gloves, goggles and a hat. Wrists are very vulnerable, especially for beginners - consider wearing a pair of wrist guards and a helmet.
Get into your bindings on level ground - you don't want your board to go sliding down the hill without you. Start with just your right foot.
Take some baby steps up the incline about 10 feet (this is exhausting). Now plant your butt down in the snow and put your left foot into the binding.
Make sure your board is perpendicular to the slope before you stand up - that way you won't start sliding down. Keep your weight back on your heels.
To start sliding down the hill, lean into your toes. To stop, lean back on your heels. Repeat this until you get the hang of starting and stopping (very important skill).

Fit's Tip: At this point you'll want a snowboarding friend or instructor to give you a lesson on getting on and off the chairlift. Get ready for more laughing.

How Many Calories Do You Burn in 1 Hour of Snowboarding?

FitSugar — Wed, 20 Dec 2006 08:30:00 -0800

Depending on what kind of snowboarder you are, will determine whether or not it's a work out or just a day out.

Maybe you're just learning and spending more time on your butt than on your feet.
Maybe you've been out lots of times and you're practicing stopping and turning.
Or maybe you've been snowboarding for practically your whole life and you're working on your tricks.

Whatever level you're at, you're still working your butt off. How many calories do you think you burn in 1 hour?

Get Your Butt in Gear: Gretchen Bleiler For Oakley

FitSugar — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 14:30:00 -0800

January is just around the corner, and that means it's time to play in the snow. Are you mountain ready? If you're in need of fresh gear, check out the new collection that snowboarding superstar Gretchen Bleiler designed for Oakley - and you thought they only made sunglasses.

Known for her crazy trick the inverted crippler, Bleiler designed a collection that mixes wild and tame. A jacket she calls The Mane features a faux fur trimmed hood and comes in three colors, one a bright yellow that suggests a lion abstracted. The collection includes basic jackets and pants, all with small details that give them style and flair. The jackets and pants are cut to flatter the female form, and many items are made with recycled polyester. At $250 to $300, the price range might be as steep as the mountains you ride, but style wedded with comfort and warmth is always priceless.

To see more of the collection, read more.

View 11 Photos ›

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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?

Customize Your Burton Board For a Pretty Penny

FitSugar — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 02:30:00 -0800

Whether you're new to snowboarding or have been riding for years, wouldn't you be psyched if you could design your own board? The Series 13 website from Burton allows you to do just that.

First you choose the style and size board you want from 15 of Burton's high-end boards costing between $800 to $1200. Next you select a theme for your board from Burton's themes, such as argyle, flames, safari or camo, or you can design your own theme using your own original artwork or photos. Next you pick your colors for the design for the top of the board, as well as the base (bottom). You can also personalize your board with your name (so no one can walk away with it) or a message.

My design (pictured above) would only set me back about $850. Hey, I guess being in control of design doesn't come cheap. But the concept sure is cool.

Going Downhill and Fast? Protect Your Noggin

FitSugar — Wed, 05 Dec 2007 02:00:00 -0800

I am certainly looking forward to hitting the slopes this snow season, but I just read an alarming piece of news. It seems that although traumatic brain injuries and spinal cord injuries are rare in downhill skiing and snowboarding, rates of injury are on the rise. The upward trend in injuries matches the growing trend of acrobatic moves on the slopes. Unsurprisingly, young men are most likely to injure themselves when going downhill fast.

Wearing a helmet while participating in downhill sports decreases your risk of head injury by at least 22 percent. So protect your noggin when you are on the slopes. Even if you are not prone to feats of acrobatics on your board or skis, you might run into someone who is.

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Gifts For Active Snow Bunnies

FitSugar — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 10:00:32 -0800

Although snow may not be falling in your neck of the woods just yet, it's never too early to start thinking about all the people in your life who love playing in that fluffy white stuff.

If you have a friend or family member who's big into hitting the mountain, here are some gift ideas that are sure to keep her warm and happy. Although picking out ski or snowboard equipment is best left up to her, these items are sure to make wintertime even better.