This is Part 3 of a series delving into how biomechanics and movement patterns affect skiing technique. If you haven’t already, start with the introduction, Part 1 which introduces the concept of a neutral spine posture, and Part 2 which describes spine stability and mobility. The ability to balance and be stable on one leg is where the rubber meets the road (or ski hits the snow). True, we generate propulsion with strength and endurance,...
This is Part 2 of a series delving into how biomechanics and movement patterns affect skiing technique. If you haven’t already, start with the introduction and Part 1, which introduces the concept of a neutral spine posture. There are many ways to conceptualize biomechanics, but they all need a starting place. If we think about ski technique, where do we want to start? On the glide leg? With the poles? At the hips? For this...
Building a Better Skier is a multi-part series born from the inquisitive mind of a physical therapist and late-blooming Nordic skier. (You can find the intro to the series here.) The objective is to explore how biomechanics and movement patterns affect skiing technique, and more importantly how you can apply these concepts to improve your skiing. To cover this topic thoroughly would likely require a hefty book, so apologies in advance if these articles lack depth or...
Whether you’re an elite athlete or a master blaster, you want to be strong enough to ski at your fastest in your target event. If strength training isn’t part of your training plan, you’re missing an important fitness component. “Functional training is considered to be training that attempts to mimic the specific physiological demands of real-life activities.” — Ives et al., Psychophysics in Functional Strength and Power Training (February 2003) There are many great fundamental...
Editor’s note: This week’s workout was submitted by a company specializing in performance training. We were not paid for this, but chose to run it based on its merit and anticipated value to readers. *** Race-Season Prep: Building the Posterior Chain Race season is here! Are you ready for explosive, double-pole starts and mid-race attacks? How about sprint finishes? With race season already firing up across most of North America, SISU Strong wants to make sure you’re...
We stretch, stretch and stretch some more, so why are we still so tight? Exercise physiologist Stuart Kremzner explores the issue of muscle tightness and how to remedy a larger area of the body rather than a specific muscle group. Doing so could yield big results and ward off injury.
Increased the training this summer and now feeling the pain? Sounds like you're dealing with some imbalances. Exercise physiologist and nordic coach Stuart Kremzner goes over some of the most common aches or injuries, and how they can be prevented.