The time to prevent a season-ending injury is now.
You probably take little precautions to avoid injury while skiing. As we age, the importance of preseason training may be increasingly important for a safer, healthier season.
The last thing any skier wants is to be sidelined by an injury.
There are probably plenty of little things you do to prevent injury during the season.
Not taking that last run when you’re tired.
Keeping your skis tuned.
Monitoring snow and trail conditions, then adjusting your plan if anything’s outside your comfort zone.
The list goes on.
But what are you doing this week? This month?
Yes, it’s Fall and while flakes may be starting to drift at higher altitudes the slopes aren’t open yet.
In addition to all those little things you do later you should be something big now.
This is the time is now to start reducing your risk of an injury by getting your body ready for the coming season.
When you get to day 1 on skis, will your joints and your muscles be ready for a day on the slopes, or even for clunking up and down the lodge stairs in heavy boots?
Most people end up pretty sore after day 1. Some can't ski the full day they planned to. If you never did preseason workouts before and still felt great, good for you. But don't expect that to stay the same season after season.
Balance declines with age. Muscle tone and mass declines with age, especially after 50. When all that goes downhill and you jump into skiing downhill cold, you may be not only sore, but more susceptible to injury.
So right now, make a plan. Depending on where you live, the season may be a couple months, or only a few weeks away. It’s time. Get your body moving. Warm up those muscles, work on some balance exercises. Consider talking to your physical therapist about your ski goals. Sign up at a gym and ask a trainer for a pre-season workout. Take an online course geared for skiing.
And of course, we have to tell you - Before starting any exercise program, always consult a doctor to ensure it's appropriate for your health. Very important.
Sure, you can take precautions on the hill.
But once you’re on the slopes, you can’t go back in time to get your body ready for skiing.
Start your season off right…today.
Your future self will thank you for getting off the couch now and making it happen.
Stay tuned for some upcoming interviews and articles where we go more in depth with experts on fitness for the season.