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| Published: 4th February 2011 |
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| by Cathy Haworth |
 Stunning mountain scenery, crisp white snow and blue skies can be breathtaking, and especially enhanced by the joys of gliding down the mountain side on a pair of skis.
Prior to a skiing trip we will check that our ski gear is all up to date and in working order but, for many of us, preparing ourselves for the slopes, is often neglected. The consequence of this can be extremely sore muscles, stiffness and possibly injury. So what should we do? - YOGA!!!
Modern athletes are increasingly realising the benefits of yoga to their particular sport - skiing is no exception. Through yoga we create balance, flexibility and focus, the exact same components required for skiing.
Skiing, like many sports, puts a lot of stress on the body as there is an excessive use of specific muscle groups. Uneven use of these muscle groups causes tightness, shortened muscles and an imbalance which can result in injury. Through yoga we are able to iron out this negative impact skiing has on the body by re-aligning and lengthening all the muscle groups and working on our core strength. |
Watching the more experienced skier gracefully and effortlessly making their way down the mountain side is a joy. How do they do it? Not by having tight hamstrings, hips and sore knees that’s for sure!
Our hips and knees are the driving force behind each turn we make, moving into the turn we use the inside edge of the skies, lower the body, then raise the body on moving out of the turn. To execute this movement we activate the knees and hip flexors, if these joints are tight, we will put a strain on the back and knees. To lessen the pull on the joints the muscles around it need to be supple and stretched, thus avoiding putting extra stress on the body and enable an ease of movement in and out of the turn. |
Equally important in our skiing is balance and core strength. Awareness of our centre to initiate our movements will not only aid our progress but also minimise the effect of any unexpected obstacles that may occur. Equally, being correctly aligned on your skis will aid balance, and help to avoid the embarrassing domino effect imbalance and lack of concentration can cause whilst queueing for the chair lift.
As well as becoming more flexible and balanced through yoga we also learn to be more aware of the breath, and through its proper use, are able to bring a fluidity to our practise. This breath awareness is easily transported to the slopes and aids the smooth transition of each turn, enabling us to glide down the mountain in a graceful and comfortable style. |
So which yoga poses should we do? An excellent start would be sun salutation A and B, both of which can be found on my website on the resources pages. Do these every day for six weeks prior to your skiing trip and be amazed at how it not only aids your proficiency on the slopes but also minimises the muscle tiredness so often associated with those first few days back on your skis.
Yoga is one of the best ways to improve your skiing technique, its an extra insurance against injury and the key to a long and healthy ski life - don’t forget, ski passes are free for the over 70’s!
For more information about Cathy Haworth and her yoga classes go to:- www.bayogastudio.co.uk, Cathy@bayogastudio.co.uk or tel: 07711 066171 |
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