Ski Clinic
Be Ready for the Slopes with The Jersey Sports & Spinal Clinic.
The change in temperature and the nights drawing in can only mean one thing, the winter snow season is coming!
Skiing and Boarding are both strenuous activities that require strong thigh muscles, supple calves and good balance. Most of us go from relatively sedentary jobs straight to the slopes with little or no preparation. For those who remain fit throughout the year, know that both boarding and skiing are unlike any other type of exercise we can undertake in the gym. However, the fitter you are, the better and longer you will be able to ski each day, the lower your risk of injury will be, and the more you will enjoy your holiday. So preparing for this type of active holiday is a must.
An injury, in any form, on a winter holiday can be frustrating especially if it stops you from skiing or boarding. Whether you are a regular to the slopes or a newcomer, conditioning your body to cope with the forces imparted on your body during skiing or snowboarding is essential for reducing the risk of injury. Good preparation can, improve your skiing performance, reduce your risk of injury and allow you to make the most of your holiday.
There is no upper age limit for skiing. As long as you remain fit, agile and have mastered a good basic technique, there is no reason why you should not ski well into your 70’s.
If you are preparing to go skiing or boarding this season, consulting one of our physiotherapists will help you to prepare and reduce the risk of injury.
Is it Fatigue or is it a Monstrous Mogul?
Most injuries on a skiing holiday occur in the second part of a holiday when your fitness becomes evident. Skiers have become confident but are physically tired and capability isn’t necessarily matched to confidence. The nature of potential injuries varies enormously. 50% are minor, such as muscular strains and bruises; the remainder include torn knee ligaments, leg fractures, dislocated thumbs and shoulders, and wrist injuries. If you have an injury it may due to one of the following:
Over exertion
Over use
Fatigue
Trauma
When should the preparation begin?
Training should start a minimum of 6 weeks before the holiday to achieve the necessary conditioning your body requires. The most important aspects of your training should include exercises to address:
- Muscle Strength - so you tire less easily
- Endurance – to ski longer runs without breaks
- Flexibility – to ensure a good posture position of your body and reduce the risk of ‘straining’ your muscles
- Balance to enhance your technique
- Aerobic Fitness – Due to the effect of high altitude on your body aerobic conditioning is a vital component to injury prevention
Overcome these problems at The Jersey Sports & Spinal Clinic in either our pre Ski clinic or book onto our 1:1 or group Modified Pilates classes (link) to start your body conditioning.
For advice on a more specific pre-hab or rehab programme to suit your needs, ask our physiotherapists for advice.
What’s different about our Pre Ski Check ups?
The Jersey Sports & Spinal Clinic offers Physiotherapy check ups that will screen for potential problems and offer you advice for you to make the most from the slopes. Our experienced Physiotherapists will check your alignment looking for problems / weaknesses in the knees, ankles, hips, pelvis or back. We will also advise on how you should manage an acute problem should you suffer whilst away on your skiing holiday. Specific exercises unique to you will be recommended to get you into shape for your holiday. Your session will last for one hour (£75).
Modified Pilates Classes
For ongoing structured, supervised exercise, Pilates is an excellent method for improving your condition for the slopes. You could join our Modified Pilates classes. Nigel is a certified Modified Pilates instructor with the APPI. Expect to challenge your balance, tone and build muscle strength and increase your flexibility. We recommend that before you go attend at least one 6 week course to ensure that you are as fit as possible before you leave. An introductory 1:1 session is required before attending the class.