burning thighs after about 30 to 40 mins of skiing

Can anyone tell me what are the best exercises to do before skiing to get the legs in shape? the trainers at my gym, who don't ski, all say one thing, the old-timers say 'squat against a wall', other say just pound out the miles on the bike... ideas?

Timeforabeer,
I have an excellent little ski exercise book which I got free from Inghams a few years ago. It's called 'fit to ski' by Dr Steve Ingham and I think you can buy it.

It has graduated exercises according to the number of weeks you've been training for. After doing the exercises for about 8 weeks I had no trouble ski-ing with sore legs or anything else.

It has a mixture of general exercises like jogging on the spot, squats, lunges etc. together with specialist exercises like side shuffles and rotating jumps plus balancing ones like the double footed rotating lift, and lots of stretching ones. It also advises running or cycling or whatever as well.

Hope this helps,

Ally

Hey,

Pounding the pedals on the bike is always a top option - especially hitting the dreaded hills.

Obviously as AllyG has said above, the usal squats and lunges apply - and always will. You can get really creative with all this stuff though and start to combine leg strenth manouvers with balance and coordination exercises.

If your always changing the exercise the body will never get used to one specific drill and will be trained to adapt more easily. A skill which greatly enchances skiing abiliy at any level, as terrain and conditions can never be fully controlled.

You could try:
One legged squats whilst closing an eye (then this could be progressed onto a Bosu ball or similar product)

You can do your usual squat sets and start lifting your heel off the ground on the descent/ascent of one of the sets.

Box Jumps are always a good one

Hold a one legged squat position as low as possible and try to catch a ball in one hand with the opposite eye closed etc.

You could create your own little circuit and play around with different ideas. This way you can make your training more creative and interesting, learn what works etc.

There are loads of cool ideas floating around the internet, I suggest you take what inspires you and what you'll be motivated to do and incorporate it with a standard cycle training programme or similar.

Oli

I use the bosu all the time ...great for core strength ...try holding a weight (10-20kg)in front of you and swinging it from side to side arms outstretched pushing the balance from foot to foot..but be careful with one leg squats till you get fitter ..they can put a strain on the ligaments round the knee...keep on changing the exercises as the muscles can get used to them and not develop

That all sounds very complicated - get a dog !

I walk my hound around 2 miles morning and afternoon every day, over the South Downs - equivalent to at least a marathon a week.

I reckon to ski around 5 hours a day and don't suffer with burning thighs, calves or any other muscular problems - just walking does it for me

Hi

I am over sixty and I do NOT suffer from this problem and I ski three times (6 days at a time) each year
A few years ago it did happen with a new pair of Ski Boots on the first day it was very painful - they were too stiff and were made for racers (I had been sold the wrong type of boots for me) - changed the boots to a more flexible pair and that cured the problem

I agree with previous posts if culd also be a combination of things - like posture and position on the skis equiptment etc

Hope this helps in some small way

try weighted squats(20kg barbell should do it) pulse at the bottom of the squat for best effect

Yes doing exercises can help but,,,,even a body builder who trains everyday will have "burning thighs" after skiing 30-40 IN AN INCORRECT STANCE !

90% of skiers ski with weight on their heels and as speed increases they tense up and lean back even more !

Just watch beginners and,,,,,,,look at their ski tips often off the snow,,flapping !!!! A sure sign of heel pushing!

Try this,,to solve the thigh issue! ( assuming you are fit !

Begin with mind. Think "pressure at all times at ski tip"
Think relax and let skis do work.
Think soft with edges
Think,,,"too fast" then go across and up slope ! Let slope slow you down!

Then;
Put pressure on big toe at all times

Do NOt go so fast down hill

Enjoy your skiing,,why go so fast,,,,

Here is the critical hint ( which will seem wrong to you !

The faster you go,,,,the softer you must be with edges
The faster you go,,,,the less body motion is required.
The faster you go,,,the less muscle you need to tun skis
The faster you go,,,the more forward you must be! ( to be ahead of the skis in the turns)
The faster you go,,,tiny "adjustments" are multiplied 10 times !

Just move your nose a few millimeters to the right as you soar,,,,,see what happens!

Hope this helps you,,this season!

Pavel