Fit and Cool

How To Become A Winter Olympian, Or At Least Look Like One

The Winter Olympics is a fabulous display of athletic prowess. Watching the Olympians excel at their respective sports and cheering for our country can be an uplifting experience. While we watch our fellow country men and women we have all thought the same thing, could I do that?

While making the Olympic team is not an easy feat, looking and performing like an Olympian is accessible to everyone. Skiing has become one of the more anticipated and glamorous sports in the winter Olympics. The athletes are celebrities in their respective countries.

Even though skiing needs snow, training to be a skier can be done year round. Getting a personal trainer is a good place to start a training regimen. Be sure to find a coach that understands the ins and outs of skiing and what body parts need to be worked out to get the best out of your skiing experience.

While equipment is necessary for skiing, it is important to know that good alpine skiing equipment will not make up for a lack of training. If you want to get better at skiing, or anything, you need to work hard at it and not assume that equipment will cover flaws and make up for shortcomings.

Training in the off season can be broken down into five steps. The first step is flexibility. The main parts to focus on are the hip flexors, the torso, and the hamstrings. A pilates or yoga class could be good for motivation if you aren’t a self starter.

Step 2 is balance and coordination. Balance and coordination will keep you on your feet and off your keester. Good exercises for balance and coordination include one-legged dips, jump rope, and bleacher running.

The third step is strength training. Working on the legs and trunk should be the focus with some moderate work on the upper body. Muscle growth increases athleticism and prevents injury. Flexibility also helps to control flexibility.

The fourth step is speed. Timing is a crucial component of skiing. Moving laterally with agility is very important. If you can’t control your speed, your skis will be controlling you instead of the other way around.

The 5th and final step is endurance. Cardiovascular exercise will increase endurance so that skiing the day away is enjoyable instead of difficult. To get the best results, vary the intensity of the aerobic workout.

Most of us know that we will not attain the level of athleticism that Olympians have. Training like one will help improve even the recreational skiers. Anyone can benefit from an off season training regimen.

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