I have been ski-ing now 4 times, the first couple of times I felt fine and only had the odd aches & pains that you would expect. However on my recent ski holidays I have had trouble with my calf muscles after the first day of ski-ing & have been unable to walk properly let alone ski. I don't think it's the ski-ing that's to blame I think it's the drag lifts as the most recent places I've been have had more drag lifts than chairlifts. I'm off to Meribel in March 08 and would like to get myself ready so that my calf muscles don't cause me a problem, can anyone recommend any exercises or books I can get or has anyone had the same problem?
2007-08-20 03:47:21 · 3 answers · asked by Hamster 2 in Sports ➔ Winter Sports ➔ Snow Skiing
It's the tow lifts. I've skied for over 20 years and I avoid the tow lifts like the plague.
When you are getting pulled uphill on a tow lift the angle of your foot is causing you calf muscles to stretch. Put your ski boots on and stand on a ramp facing up the ramp...you will feel the stretching in your calf.
If I am forced to ride a tow, I often bend my knees as I go up the hill. I also try to lean back as much as possible. This helps, but does not completely eliminate the stretching.
Additionally, if you are riding a tow with a disc-like thing between your legs (commonly called a Poma) it will force you to keep your legs together making you use your leg muscles while going up the hill AND then going down the hill when you ski...so essentially you never get a break. You will tire quicker and you will be more sore than if you were riding a chairlift all day.
Squats, stairclimbing, and some weight training may help, but it really boils down to stamina if you are forced to ski a hill that only has rope tows.
I suggest moving closer to a place that has a Gondola :)
2007-08-20 10:02:03 · answer #1 · answered by Willie D 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I always stretch before skiing. If you do not you can tear a muscle. If you do not know the proper stretching techniques ask a ski instructor or ski patrol. I am sure they would be happy to show you. Make sure you drink plenty of water also. Dehydration can cause muscle cramps.
2007-08-20 05:54:57 · answer #2 · answered by skiingted 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hello, a few links to help you in shape before the snows arrival.
2007-08-20 03:58:05 · answer #3 · answered by Leo 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋