Preparatory Exercises for Skiers

Young healthy bodies need little extra preparation for strength and mobility. Normal sport keeps legs and trunk in good order. However if you feel you are not as fit as you could be, then practice the following exercises several times each week in the months before you leave.
	Snowplough Turn Practice Stand with feet apart pointing inwards (imagine you have a pair of skis on your feet). Touch each ankle in turn - left hand to left ankle, and right hand to right ankle. Stand up in between each ankle touch.

Ski Stance One phrase you are bound to hear on the slopes is "Bend ze knees!". Ski Instructors will try to drill you to always adopt a low body position. This position can only be done when wearing skis or pressing against a wall or table. The idea of this exercise is to stretch the heel area by thrusting knees forward whilst keeping the feet flat on the ground.
	Thighs Your thigh muscles have to work very hard, so activity that increases strength will be useful e.g. cycling. At home a convenient exercise is to stand with your back to a wall and your feet on a non-slippery floor, and sink down a few inches then rise up sliding your back on the wall. Leg lifting is also useful. Firstly one at a time - do 10 repetitions on each leg. Leading to jumping both up together. Remember: Do a few repetitions at first, and gradually build up.