'TIS THE SEASON TO GO SKIING

Setting off properly prepared can enhance the trip but failure to prepare could lead to serious problems. Here are a few tips for the beginners and (hopefully) reminders for the experts.

Bend ze knees

Yes the lower limbs take a lot of pounding on the slopes. The stronger your leg muscles are before setting off the better. While the more experienced skier will know that the thigh muscles are the ones that can really burn while skiing, it is important to exercise all lower limb muscles as muscle imbalance can cause other problems.

Stay flexible

As well as strengthening the lower limbs don’t forget to keep them supple as well. Physiotherapists treat a lot of problems caused by muscle tightness. Many chronic problems are caused by tight muscles but there is also the issue of acute injuries being caused by muscles not being able to cope with sudden movements.

Stability and Balance

While it’s true that the better you get the less you fall at skiing anyone, beginner or experienced, can benefit from balance/stability exercises. We should always be prepared for that unexpected lump of ice or beginner falling in our path throwing us off balance. The better our stability and balance reactions, the less chance there will be being injured by, for example, falling or twisting awkwardly.

Good all round fitness

For many people a skiing holiday means asking their body to suddenly have to work hard all day, everyday for a week/10 days, whatever, when it is used to nothing more that occupying a chair all day. The fitter you are generally the better you will enjoy your holiday and reduce the chances of injury. As well as all the reasons mentioned above the fitter you are the more your body will be able to cope with the unexpected external factors such as poor snow conditions, inclement weather (it can change even while you are on the slopes) having to walk back up a slope to retrieve a lost pole etc. Don’t forget most injuries occur during the last run of the day!

Finally Skiing is a serious activity with its own risks. You should always ski in a safe controlled manner. Follow the rules of skiing and local instructions and make sure you have adequate insurance.

Written by Anna Watson Chartered Physiotherapist and serious skier!