5 Preseason Cross-Training Alternatives for Skiers

FasterSkier · July 12, 2022

Cross-training for skiing has become a big business. They offer particular exercises to help you maintain your body in perfect shape, even when the ski season is over. However, we know that cross-training for skiers can get pricey. But this doesn’t have to mean that you should spend your money. You can enjoy specific sports to avoid the extra expenses but keep your body fit. In this post, we share the best five sports you can practice!

Hiking

You don’t need extra equipment if you wish to train all year round. We understand that skiing is an expensive sport, and you don’t want to spend more money than you have. Hiking is an excellent alternative to cross-training for skiers if you do it frequently. This will increase your stamina and have you prepared for skiing. Hiking will target the glutes, hips, core, and hamstrings. You get even more benefits if you decide to hike on uneven terrain. In this case, the calves, feet, and ankles will also enjoy the benefits. This makes walking a complete lower body workout ideal for skiers. However, be careful when going downhill. The motion will put a strain on the joints, so be sure to keep the hips in a tucked position.

Football

Football is a highly popular option and a favorite for many. Despite watching the game and checking the NFL Week 1 odds, you can start practicing this sport. Why? Because it is an ideal exercise. This sport enlarges the hips and hamstrings, resulting in increased lower body strength. However, this isn’t the only benefit of football. You will also strengthen the core, practice balance, and engage the joints. These activities will have your body active and prepared for skiing. However, both football and skiing will put a strain on the joints, which can lead to injury.

Skating

The best practice for skiing is skiing. But when the season is over, you are left to look for alternatives. And one of them must be inline skating. It is a low-impact workout that you will actually enjoy doing. This activity focuses on the core and lower body. However, it doesn’t put excessive strain on those parts. Therefore, get your blades and go around the local bike path several times.

Basketball

If you don’t like the gym, basketball is an ideal alternative to cross-training. The game includes a lot of dynamic motion and speed, but also vertical and lateral strength. Basketball is an excellent aerobic activity with repeated short movements. It targets the hips, glutes, and ankles. Therefore basketball is an ideal alternative for lower leg training. However, you would want to be careful as it can cause joint injuries.

Pilates and yoga

Although underrated, yoga and pilates can do a lot for you. They are ideal for loosening the muscles and preventing injuries. This is the right choice if you are looking for a low-impact exercise that helps with core strengthening. You can strengthen the muscles without the risk of an injury. The best thing is that there is a wide choice of positions and exercises so that you can choose the right fit for your needs. Whether you prefer to do it at the gym or at home, you can always enjoy a good pilates or yoga session.

Final thoughts

Whether you need low impact or more dynamic, you can choose the activity you enjoy doing and the best suit for your exercise practice. You don’t need to spend lots of money on expensive cross-training for skiers. Football, basketball, pilates, yoga, hiking, and skating are excellent alternatives to keep your muscles engaged.