Flexibility & Stretching for the Slopes

The truth is, flexibility is not something people think about. Many people simply don't bother stretching, or simply race through it to get to the 'real' part of the workout - partly because they don't understand the benefits of stretching.

Why is Your Flexibility Important?

Flexibility work is important, because proper stretching reduces the risk of injury, can improve performance, and is a great way to relax.

Stretching increases the length of muscles and tendons, which improves flexibility and range of movement - limbs and joints can thus move further, improving performance and reducing your injury risk.

When you are skiing or snowboarding, you are using muscles for hours each day that are rarely used in that way - they will become tight and sore, and will not only impair your performance, they will also increase your chances of injury.

Stretching Your Legs

As the legs take the biggest pounding when skiing or snowboarding, we'll focus on them. The following stretches have been chosen to target all the main muscle groups of the lower extremities.

1. Prone Hamstring Stretch :
   
   There are various stretching exercises for the hamstrings, but this is one of the easiest to perform, and most effective. Don't worry if you can't reach very far at first, regularly performing this stretch will pay dividends over time
    
2. Standing Quadriceps Stretch :
   
   A great stretch for the front of the thigh. If you have difficulty balancing on one foot, lean against a wall or doorway for support
    
3. Inner Thigh (Groin Stretch) :
   
   An important stretch for most athletes - winter athletes often suffer injuries to this area
    
4. Outer Thigh Twists :
   
   This is an area that's often neglected, but it's important to stretch it. It sometimes takes a few attempts to get the feel for this one
    
5. Calf Stretch :
   
   You can either do this with the knee bent, which focuses on the Soleus muscle (lower calf), or with the knee straight, which puts the focus on the Gastrocnemius muscle (upper calf). Essential after a day in ski boots
    

Hold each stretch for around thirty seconds, relax and repeat.

Why not look through our other pages in order to find some additional exercises and to intergate into some great fitness programs.

By Will Smith