Snowboard Offseason Training
Sure, a lot of us can make it look simple. But being able to twist, jump and shred on a snowboard takes a lot of practice and skill. To be truly proficient, you need a ton of strength and finely toned muscles too.
During the snowboarding off season (you know, that vile time of year when there isn’t snow), we all should take advantage of the chance to spend a bit more time working out. Hone those muscles so they are in tip-top shape for the blessed day when we can get out there and shred.
Just the basics
Snowboarding requires the use of well basically every muscle in the body. Twisting, turning, and jumping will stretch muscles you never knew you had. If you aren’t in top form, just a few runs down the mountain could leave you sore for weeks.
Take advantage of the time in the off season to really focus on overall strength. Pay special attention to your abs, hips, glutes, calves, hamstrings, quads, feet, arms, and shoulders.
We love the GoFit Balance Board for surfing, skiing, snowboarding or stand-up paddleboarding training.
Specific exercise ideas
Have no fear even the non gym-rats can get a quality snowboard-ready workout. In fact, there are plenty of exercises you can do at home. Work your core with crunches, bridges, and planks. You can strengthen your calves with simple heel and toe raises. Lunges will work your hamstrings, quads, and glutes.
Make sure you show plenty of love to your legs. After all, they play a pretty important role in the snowboarding process. Air jumps are an easy, yet effective, exercise you can do at home. To execute, get your legs and feet in the ready position (like you are going down the mountain). Jump as high as you can and land in the same position. Repeat 15 times. Switch leg positions and repeat another 15 times.
Sure, your lower body is a pretty important tool for snowboarding. But think about how important your hands and arms are too. How would you even get up off your caboose without the use of your hands and arms? Here is a simple exercise idea that will work your triceps. In fact, it is so easy you can do it while you watch TV.
While seated on the sofa, place both feet solidly on the ground. Place both hands beside your body on the sofa and ease your butt forward. Bend your arms to a 90 degree angle and lower yourself like you are going to sit on the floor (but don’t actually sit). Keep your weight on the heels of your feet. Once you’ve gone as low as you can go, use your arms to push your butt back up to a position level with the sofa. Try 15 reps.
Balance, baby
I dare you to find a snowboarder who doesn’t value good balance. I’ll give you a hint they don’t exist. No way could a snowboarder even get vertical if he/she didn’t have good balance. However, in the off season, we might not put those skills to use as much. In order to be in tip-top shape when the season opens, do some simple balance exercises often.
Place two tennis balls under your feet. Stand on them, keeping your feet from touching the ground. For the first couple of tries, you’ll want to do this exercise by the wall in case you need some support. Once you are able to maintain your balance without assistance, incorporate some strength training; try some squats while standing on the tennis balls.
You might as well be exercising during the offseason; it’s not like you have anything better to do with your time! In addition to keeping your mind off the slopes, strengthening your snowboarding muscles will help you come out of the gate strong and avoid injuries that will bring your fun to a halt.
Want to really get in shape this off season, order the GoFit Ultimate Core Wobble Board with Adjustable Base on sale for $37.44 at Amazon.com
Guest blogger Brian Becker can’t wait for fresh powder. When he isn’t on the slopes, he is at the gym. Since it is a lot easier to move an in-shape body down the mountain, Brian uses an hCG diet (learn more here) in addition to exercise to maintain his target weight.
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