One of the most common questions that I am asked is Are there any special exercises that I can do to prepare for skiing? My usual reply to this is that there are not any exercises specifically to prepare you for skiing except of course practice on the dry slope regularly. I regularly practice on the dry slope before I go away and this forms the basis to my winter preparations. Here are some other exercises that you can do at home.

Before you start any exercise you must warm up first. For some warm up exercises that you can do both on the slope or in your accomodation before you set off, please click on the following link.

Before you go away on your ski holiday it is always a good idea to prepare your body for the slopes. The following link gives you some exercises that you can do before you leave home. It is best to start your preparations a couple of months before you are going away and do the exercises at least four times a week.

Once you have completed your exercises do not forget to 'cool down'. The cool down should involve stretching for up to 10 minutes. The stretches in the warm up section can be used but hold them for 30 seconds this time. The stretching helps prevent the build up of lactic acid and so avoids muscle pain. Do not rush the stretches or force a stretch too muchas relaxed muscles are easier to strain. The stretches should be done while you are still warm from the exercises or after a bath.

Do not forget that a typical skiing day should include a warm up first and a cool down session when you finish. You may also need to warm up again after any breaks you take.