Here are 6 recommended yoga poses to try prior to leaving for the mountains, before a day’s skiing and after a day on the slopes. The suggested poses can be used to build strength in the legs, ankles and core, whilst also helping you develop a greater sense of balance and flexibility.
If you want to follow a structured programme to get SkiFit, our 6 week online programme provides over 6 hours of video content for you to follow before you head to the slopes. With cardio conditioning, yoga and meditation sessions each week – you will be ready to make the most of your holiday.
Each class is no longer than 35 minutes, so even the busiest person can find squeeze in the time to get SkiFit.
For those that have everything, you can purchase the a gift card to share this programme with a friend or family this Christmas for only £39.99.
Chair pose (Utkatasana) / Pre holiday
Pose strengthens quads, glutes and calves.
Plenty of variations including adding pulses or balancing on one leg, moving weight forwards and backwards or side to side or adding spinal twists to engage the core.
Strengthens standing leg and ankle, whilst also engaging abdomen and glutes. The poses also opens up the shoulders and hips as stretching position. Builds greater sense of balance prior to your time on the slopes.
Feel free to use a block to help balance in this pose. Your gaze can initially be to the ground. As grow in confidence you could move your gaze to the raised hand.
Twisted high lunge (Parivrtta Anjaneyasana) / Pre holiday
Quad, hamstrings and core are strengthened as you maintain a stable balance. Twisting opens up the back to enhance greater flexibility and agility.
To modify the back knee can be lowered onto the floor to provide greater stability. Gaze can either be to the side or over the top elbow / shoulder.
Downward dog (Adho mukha svanasana) / Before and post skiing
Arms and legs are strengthened as weight is distributed equally through palms and heels. Spine, shoulders, hamstrings and calf are stretched as the sitting bone rises high. Dynamic movement such as peddling the feet, moving the hips from side to side can help warm the body up. Including the pose as part of Sun Salutation B is an ideal, complete, body warm up before getting on the slopes. Helps increase blood circulation and calming the mind.
Standing leg and ankle are strengthened, whilst also focusing on balance. This position also provides a back bend and a quad stretch for the lifted leg. Try before skiing to focus on balance and engagement of legs from both a strength and stretching perspective.
Enables a spinal twist after a day’s skiing when you may want a gentle stretch. Look to the opposite direction that the knees are pointing towards. Either hold the position and take a few breaths or raise and lower to opposite sides in coordination with your breath.
