Can you ski if you are overweight?
As the obesity epidemic continues to grow, at least in America, one may question if it is safe to ski if you are overweight. Being overweight causes many uncomfortable situations, among them fitting into skiboots and taking turns too fast, yet, being overweight does not make it any more unsafe to ski. In fact, there are no more reported ski injuries for overweight skiers. That being said, giving yourself a ski fitness and flexibility plan before you hit the slopes is possibly the best thing you can do for yourself and others near you! Not only will you ski more confidently, but your ski conditioning plan will most likely help you loose a few pounds as well.
So, where do you get started? Plan to spend at least 15 minutes a day with dynamic stretches to loosen up your muscles and to strengthen them so they can handle the stress and endurance they need to put up with your body on the slopes.
Here are some sample beginner strengthening stretches:
Leg swings front and back: 10 repetitions 1-3 sets
Leg swings side to side: 10 repetitions 1-3 sets
Standing quad stretch, hold left leg with right hand and reverse, (Not the same hand), more on this secret later…
Standing hamstring stretch- dynamic, toe up- heel firmly pushing into the ground.
Twist your body, left and right and let your arms swing freely – this is very important, as it activates your inner core and outer core in the way it is being used in skiing.
For more on ski stretches and ski conditioning, contact me personally or look for my ski conditioning program on my website.