How best to get ski fit?

[hillyhilly]

I'm not unfit, play badminton twice a week and walk a fair bit but I always end up with such sore thighs when I ski.
I think some of this is probably technique and will get a lesson but what can I do, preferably without joining a gym to get myself ready for the end of January?
I'm thinking that I'll try and get out on my bike a couple of times a week, I could do a gym class locally on a pay as you go or are there any good you tube videos or something like that that I could do at home every day?

[MaybeDoctor]

I have a ski fit DVD - Amazon. Lots of squats!

I also find that wearing ankle weights for the few weeks before I go helps with the trudging around in boots.

[clam]

Sit against a wall. Make sure your thighs are horizontal. Build up the length of time each day.

[clam]

By "sit" I mean "squat!" Knees should be at a right angle. Really wouldn't work if you just sat on the floor leaning against the wall!

[clam]

Apparently there are some good exercise on the Wii Fit, if you have one. However, the only thing that puts me off doing that is that it keeps helpfully pointing out how much I weigh when I log on.

[Gunpowder]

Yeh clam's one. And make sure you get your skis serviced.

[sinclair]

I was in training for a cycle marathon thing one year and so doing a lot of cycling - think 3 hour rides once a week - and that was my best ever year for ski fitness. I run so am cardio vascular fit generally, i think there is something in the muscles you use cycling that really helps.

If you can use a gym locally on a pay as you go basis, walking or better still running uphill on the treadmill really helps. If it is a gym with classes try and go to a spin class.

I have personally found it a better holiday if I am in good shape fitness wise - and for me worth the investment as I am not a top class skier, there will be a slope when I need those thigh muscles - but DH does jack shit and is fine every year. Excellent skier tho.

[flashheartscanoe]

[ This]
Every day until you go.

[Iamblossom]

I would advise arm weight exercises too. If you have to do any poling and you have no upper body strength your arms REALLY hurt. IME.

[Trickydecision]

I said it last year and I say it again, I am now 70, do no exercise all year, get my reduced price OAP's lift pass, snap on my skis and just go. We have just got back from a great week in Courchevel. Each year I say it will be my last trip, but get persuaded to give it one more go. If I hang for a few more years, the Courchevel lift pass will be free.

You will be fine, gym or no gym.

[MaybeDoctor]

You are amazing Tricky! I bet that you have good technique, as that makes a big difference I think...

[Trickydecision]

Maybe, it's like riding a bike isn't it? You never forget. Technique helps, but the radical improvements in equipment over the years has made a lot of difference. This time I had 142cm skis, brilliant, they were ideal for the on piste moderately paced skiing we do these days - so much easier than the 168s and 180s which still moulder in our cellar.

[hillyhilly]

Trickey, I so want to be where you are when I'm there if that makes any sense at all!
I do think that 75 seems to be pretty high to set the free pass level, I hope you enjoy it - you should go for the whole season to make the most of it, a couple of hours a day every day!

[namelessposter]

If you have good general fitness, then it's a technique issue. Get private 2hr lessons on days 2&3, tell them you want to focus on technique not increased speed or difficulty. You'll come on sooooo fast, and be whizz ing around pain free for the rest of the week. Have fun!

[namelessposter]

If you have good general fitness, then it's a technique issue. Get private 2hr lessons on days 2&3, tell them you want to focus on technique not increased speed or difficulty. You'll come on sooooo fast, and be whizz ing around pain free for the rest of the week. Have fun!