Exercising has many benefits and everyone should be as physically active as possible. However, if you’re an avid skier you’ll want to be sure that you’re doing the right ski exercises to prepare. General aerobic activity will strengthen your heart and lungs and simple leg exercises will build muscle, but often these just aren’t the right ski exercises needed for handling tough slopes.

So what are the best ski exercises? There are many good ones and you may see that your body responds to some better than others. However you can find the best ski exercises by keeping in mind some simple but important points.

Always Stretch

The best ski exercises will be those that involve stretching, both before and after a routine. Stretching elongates muscles so that they can receive more blood and oxygen which makes them stronger. Stretching also makes muscles pliable and flexible. This too is imperative for skiing since the body is constantly being jarred around from side to side and from front to back.

Deep stretching is best for skiing. This means advanced yoga positions or stretching that really moves the muscles of the legs. A simple “touch your toes” routine will not cut it as far as ski exercises are concerned! The muscles should feel stretched and elongated and you may even notice more coordination and balance when skiing.

As an example, try a deep standing forward bend. Stand with your feet together and bend at the waist, pulling your head as far into your knees as you can. Reach your hands behind you and keep your knees straight. Notice how deeply this stretches the muscles as you feel those long, lean legs.

Muscle Building in the Legs

Some shy away from resistance exercises and weight lifting because they think they’ll bulk up like a bodybuilder. They may assume that large muscles will actually hinder them when on the ski slopes. In truth, you need fit and toned leg muscles in order to keep yourself upright and balanced and to direct yourself when on the snow.

The best ski exercises are those that will build muscles in the legs and tone and firm them as well. This means leg lifts, curls, and presses. It can also mean squats, jumps, and even using equipment like a Thigh Master. Without building muscles in the legs and thighs, you’ll be unable to balance on the skis and will feel the soreness and stiffness the following day.

To build muscle on your own, you can use ankle weights while doing simple curls or try squats and step aerobics. These exercises work the muscles of the legs and tone and firm them at the same time.

These ski exercises will help to get your legs ready for ski season so you can handle the toughest of slopes or terrain. You’ll feel energized and strong and will instantly notice your skiing techniques improve as well, and will finally enjoy your time on the powder!

To get into the best possible ski shape of your life and ski all day long without the dreaded aching, burning jello-leg, then grab your free report and start chiseling that body for ski season.

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