| Late winter early spring is a time when many people | | | | time over the coming days. Then, by the time you |
| take to the slopes. The bitter cold of winter is | | | | hit the slopes you will have toned some of the most |
| beginning to subside, but it's still cool enough to enjoy | | | | heavily relied upon muscles for skiing. |
| the thrills and chills of skiing. This particular sport, | | | | Once at the slopes, be sure to stretch your muscles |
| however, poses special risks because most people | | | | prior to slipping into those skis. Lunge and calf |
| have not had formal lessons, and the possibility of | | | | stretches will help to prepare your legs, but don't |
| back injury is great especially because skiing is a | | | | forget about your arms. Stretch one arm at a time |
| sport that abruptly twists and jerks the spine. Just as | | | | by stretching to the opposite side of your body, |
| most people are not trained skiers, they also do not | | | | holding your arm parallel to the ground and keeping a |
| know the correct way to fall either at the end of a | | | | slight bend in your elbow. Also, bend over and touch |
| tow rope or down a mountain. | | | | your toes, stretching out those back leg muscles. |
| Risk is also associated with the skier's level of | | | | Now, you may also want to consider taking a lesson, |
| conditioning. The out of shape weekend warrior is | | | | especially if you are unsure of your abilities or have |
| the most vulnerable of all. If you are planning a ski | | | | had limited experience on skis. Not only can your |
| vacation, you should really begin getting into shape at | | | | instructor show you how to maintain control of |
| least six weeks prior to the trip. One of the best | | | | yourself through proper leg movements, but he can |
| training exercises is the pillow jump. Place a pillow on | | | | also help to ascertain your level of skill and can show |
| the floor and practice jumping with both feet facing | | | | you how to fall down, if need be, decreasing the risk |
| sideways, from one side to the other. This exercise | | | | of injury. |
| will help strengthen your legs as it simulates the | | | | By following this simple advice, much of the danger |
| turning motions you will make on skis. At the same | | | | associated with skiing can be eliminated. It is almost |
| time, it will help build your stamina. A good muscle | | | | inevitable, however, that you will experience some |
| building exercise is the wall-sit. Lower your back | | | | soreness after your ski vacation. |
| against a wall as if you were sitting down into a chair. | | | | For a full line of products designed for comfort and |
| You are in proper position when your thighs are | | | | support of your legs, back and total body, visit |
| parallel to the floor. Hold the position for as long as | | | | Contour Living online store. |
| you can without discomfort. Try to increase your | | | | |