How to Get in Shape for Snowboarding
As with any sport, the more you put into it, the more you get out of it and snowboarding is no different. By starting some very basic strength training and body conditioning in the off-season, you’ll be ready to hit the slopes well before the snow begins to fly. It shouldn’t cost you a lick either, so you’ll still be able to devote any excess funds to this wintertime sport.
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Instructions
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Start off with the basic lunge. Leg strength is important, especially when it comes to snowboarding. If you plan on not only hitting the slopes, but actually staying a while as your legs will need to be in shape—there’s no doubt about that. To perform the lunge, step forward with your right foot, making your stride long enough to bring your left knee close to the ground. Follow with your left foot, stepping forward again so your right knee now comes down toward the ground in your stride. Move across the room, stepping out with your left, then your right.
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Move on to the squat. For this exercise, you’ll just use your bodyweight and a certain amount of balance. To perform the squat, plant your feet on the floor with your stance at about hip’s width apart and then bend your knees until your body comes down into a squatting position. As you move yourself close to the floor, make sure that your feet remain flat and your weight is positioned back from your toes. This should keep your knees from coming too far out in the squat.
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Work on your balance. There’s no denying that you need a certain amount of balance (and a little experience) to get up on the board. To improve your balance, pick your right foot off the ground and perform a semi-squat on your left leg. Switch legs and do it again.
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Strengthen your arms with the very traditional pushup. This may just be one of the best exercises around and is a great way to condition your upper body for a day of snowboarding.
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Build your core. You may not realize how important your core strength is to almost every sport around, but it’s really your center of power. It is the foundation on which your movement, and the strength behind it, truly lies. Work this area with sit-ups, crunches, twists and reclined leg lifts.
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Tips & Warnings
Daily exercise and conditioning is the best. But if your time is limited, try to do these exercises, in any combination you see fit, at least three times a week.
For added strength training, hold a pair of dumbbells in your hands as you move across the room with the lunge.
Before any sort of strength or aerobic training, ready yourself with a warm-up, or two. After you’re done, bring yourself back to rest with a nice, easy cool-down.
As with any exercise, don't overdo it. If you feel tired, rest. When you're rejuvinated, start up again.
