Skiing Proves There’s ‘No Off-Season’ for Exercise

• Cardio. Be sure to go on a few walks each week and take the stairs when you can. Or, if your stamina is already fair, then work in two or three cardio workouts weekly. Martin also recommends jumping rope.
• Resistance training for legs. Most of the muscle strain from downhill skiing is on your thighs, butt, hamstrings and calves. A nice leg circuit twice a week will help get you ready. That means squats, lunges, leg curls and calf raises. Ask for a demonstration if you’re not familiar with proper form.
• Core. Skiing requires a strong core because of all the twisting and leaning forward. Get ready with planks, leg raises, and other exercises we’re happy to show you.
• Flexibility. Do a dynamic warm-up before working out with weights, walking or running–and that includes your lower back.

She Doesn’t Let Anything Stop Her

Dawn Lowery,61, also started as a child, and this will be her 50th year in a row of skiing–“even the years I blew out my ACLs–both knees, different years,” she says.

Dawn, a physician’s assistant and member of the ski patrol, stays in shape by hiking and biking during summers.

She practices Pilates and goes to the gym, as well, and says her core and leg strength have been instrumental in helping her bounce back after injuries and surgeries.

“Being active is very important for all seasons,” she says. “There is no off-season for exercise.”