Fall has arrived in North America and some places are already getting snow. This means winter is just around the corner and it’s time to start getting ready for winter sports. One great way to do this is by joining a ski conditioning class. Regardless of whether you are a skier or not, a ski conditioning class will help raise your level of fitness so that you can fully enjoy YOUR favorite winter sport.

A ski conditioning class will start at a slower pace so everyone gets a feel for the exercises and working out. Then they progressively build up from there so that the classes get a little more challenging each week. Ski conditioning classes involve several elements and here are a few of them.

Aerobic intervals are a challenging part of any ski conditioning classes. An example of this would be ‘ladders’, where one is required to sprint from one point to another. Sometimes the distance is altered during the interval. Another example would be hopping with both feet back and forth across a line of tape on the floor for a minute or two as fast as you possible can.

Balancing exercises are important too as they help fine tune your balance skills to keep you on your feet. A ‘superman’ pose would involve bending from the waist while raising one leg behind you until you are horizontal. While doing that, bring your palms together and try to touch the floor with them, and then return to the start position. Try this one right now next to your computer! It’s not as easy as it sounds.

Strength training is also a necessary element. Most people are familiar with the body resistance type of strength training in the form of sit-ups, pushups and lunges. Standing in place and hopping from lunge to lunge, (switching sides) can add to the challenge. Twisting side-to-side w/medicine ball is another popular form of strength training.

Plyometrics is a type of exercise that increases the ability of a person to produce quick, strong movements. This could include something like box jumps, in which a person jumps up on a box about knee high, then steps down, and tries to do as many as possible within a certain time. Another example of plyometrics could be ‘leap frogs’ where a person leaps from a squatted tuck position, to jump as far as possible and land in the same position. These might be gradually added to a ski conditioning class as the instructor sees fit.

These are just a few examples of the type of exercises you mind find in a ski conditioning class. These classes offer a lighthearted camaraderie and are a fun way to meet new people and get strong at the same time. You can often find a ski conditioning class at a local gym or athletic club. They generally start from mid to late October and last about six weeks. Don’t delay, challenge yourself and sign up for one today!