For skiers, the off-season is a time to balance fun summer activities, rest, and training. (And, yes, this principle still applies even if you’re still hitting the slopes this August.)
When you’re off the snow, your training should focus on building body awareness, control, strength, coordination, and mobility. By doing so, you’ll develop a solid foundation that will help prevent pain and injuries on the slopes.
Here, I’ll break down how to assess your current strength and offer five exercises to add to your off-season ski workout to start next winter off at your strongest.
Test Your Strength for Ski Season With a Side Plank
This test may seem simple—but that doesn’t mean it isn’t helpful. By doing this exercise, you’ll observe the strength (or lack thereof) in your hips, trunk, and core. Your obliques and hips allow you to rotate and stabilize while moving through different types of terrain. Weakness in these areas can increase your risk of back, hip, and knee pain on (and off) the slopes.
How to Do the Side Plank Test
Lay on your side. Position your elbow under your shoulder. Stack your legs on…
