The Brave Ski Mom

Building a new generation of skiers and snowboarders.

Getting in Shape for Snowboarding

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What?!  Did I really just type the word “snowboarding” in the Brave Ski Mom blog?  Yes I did.  Being an open-minded sort of mom, I realize that there are many, many families in which one or more members of the family rides and in some cases, it is mom.  So here’s to you snowboarder mom.  You’ll want to get in shape, too! (And, of course, what is good for you is good for the whole family, dads and kids included).

And thank you once again to Bryan Whitesides of SOAR Physical Therapy and BetterRunner.com for suggesting and demonstrating them.

The BSM 15-Minute Preseason Snowboarding Workout

Equipment Needed:

Bosu Ball: Found at your gym or available at stores like Target (about $100) or online at Amazon.com (about $70-$120).

The Bosu ball is a balance tool upon which you can simulate many of the motions used in turning a snowboard and improve your balance.

1.  Balance. Put one foot at a time onto the ball, stand up and balance.   Position your feet as you would on your snowboard.

I am balanced. Not being a snowboarder, my feet are not in snowboarding position.

2.  Squats.  Balancing on the ball, squat 20-30 times.  This will strengthen your knees and quads.

Bryan, part way into a squat on the bosu ball.

3.  Hula Hoop. Remember the hula hoop?  The last time I used one was certainly not around my waist, but rather as a tool for corralling my baby skiers as they started down the slopes.  Pretend you have one around your waist and hula 10-20 times. Oh yeah, remain balanced on the bosu ball while you’re hula-ing.

Hula on the bosu.

4.  Touch your toes and arch your back.  This is a two-part exercise.  Start by touching your toes, simulating a motion similar to turning your board.  Stand back up, arch backward, again, simulating a motion similar to turning your board.    Do this 10 times.

Trying to get to my toes while remaining balanced.
Part 2: stand up and arch backward.

You’re done (for today)!  Try to do this workout 2-3 times per week.  Of course, as with the other skiing workouts, don’t neglect the cardio.  Keep running, walking and biking your way to winter!

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Comments

  1. thanks for your (seemingly) easy snowboard shape-up suggestions! i am totally and completely out of shape but we leave for ski trip in early March, YIKES. what can i do to get this par-tay started??

    • Sounds like you’re doing the right stuff! I have a hard time disciplining myself and doing these workouts. But, they pay off! Good luck and have fun!