Blog

The Lift Pilates on Twitter

The Lift Pilates on Flickr

Tags

abs balance Balanced Body Belly Burner breath CoreAlign core strength Criss Cross Double Leg Stretch Double Straight Leg Stretch feet Fit Milwaukee FitMKE fitness flexibility Fox Point Hayley Healey health holiday balance instructors Jobs Joseph Pilates marathon mat class matwork Milwaukee Patty McNichols Physical Therapy Pilates Pilates Day Pilates Method Alliance posture Runners Running Shawn Healey Single Leg Stretch Single Straight Leg Stretch Stomach Series summer The Lift Pilates Studio the Pilates method training triathlon Wisconsin Yoga

Build, balance, and bundle up for winter sports!

Posted on December 14, 2011

 

For some, the elements of ice and snow are just a thing to endure. But for others, harnessing outdoor conditions is in all in the name of fun and fitness. One thing is certain; no other season challenges our balance, coordination and core strength more than the winter months. Here are a few reasons that when it comes to winter sports, Pilates and CoreAlign are great training tools.

Skiing – propel and plant it
Since maintaining a center of balance is critical on the slopes, core work gives a skier the solidity they will need at any angle. Skiing movements start in the core and then sweep outwards, much like movements in our routines. Correct ski posture requires leading from the upper body, as opposed to the hips. The “grounded root” feeling one gets from Pilates and CoreAlign can offer a skier the freedom to navigate with head-to-toe confidence.

Snowboarding – build your balance
Because a snowboarder’s form is asymmetrical, this sport presents a unique set of workout needs. A veteran snowboarder may start to favor and work one side of the body more than the other, so it’s important to be aware of that in the studio. Rather than over compensate for any imbalances, your instructor can tailor a program to return balance to your body, without weakening your form. Targeted exercises can emphasize the ligaments of your calves and feet for added flexibility.

Skating – push your posture
Ice-skating requires list of skills that reads like chapters straight out of a book on Classical Pilates; alignment, coordination, flexibility and core strength. Your Pilates and CoreAlign instructor can show you front support exercises for skaters that target upper body strength, while at the same time, work stability for one-legged balances. Push-off moves and leg extensions exercises can duplicate many skating moves and acclimate your muscles to the ice long before the first freeze.

With a focus on balance, core strength, flexibility and alignment, Pilates and CoreAlign at The Lift can help you keep strong an injury free throughout the winter sports season.

How has Pilates and CoreAlign helped you train for winter sports? Share your tips!