Benefits of Downhill Skiing

Downhill skiing is a great sport that allows you to get outside and increase your fitness levels in a seemingly effortless way. An article from Fit Day called "The Health Benefits of Downhill Skiing" focuses on the many aspects in which skiing benefits your body.

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This article states that a high level of flexibility will benefit you greatly when you ski. If you are flexible, it is more likely you will not experience a strain or sprain. The article suggests that you stretch routinely, focusing on the core muscle groups such as your abdominal, obliques and hips which are used most when downhill skiing. One great stretch this article suggests is called "the superman". This is when you lie on your stomach and slowly raise your arms and legs stretching them out and lifting your head at the same time. You should hold this position for about ten seconds then start again. This particular stretch targets your lower back, core muscles and upper thighs.

Secondly, this article focuses on muscular fitness. Stability is key when downhill skiing, therefore you need to ensure you have strong leg muscles to keep your balance. When you ski downhill, your athletic stance includes having your knees bent putting you in a slight crouch and your feet at shoulder width apart. To ensure your legs will keep you stable while skiing you can do squats to build your leg muscles.

Lastly, this article talks about the cardiovascular benefits of skiing. To start, your heart rate will increase when you are hiking and carrying your ski equipment as well as when you are going down the hill, but there is also a healthy psychological part to skiing. When you ski your body releases endorphin's and adrenaline into the bloodstream, which elevates your mood ultimately making you happier.

Overall, I agree with many of the points stated in this article because I can easily relate to what it is talking about. I have downhill skied for many years and have also done training specifically for downhill ski racing. Throughout my years of training I have noticed that my skiing has improved as my strength and flexibility have increased. I also agree that skiing does put me in a great mood and it makes me enjoy each day so much more when I am outside on the slopes! Overall, skiing is a great way to get outside, enjoy the fresh air and benefit your body in many different ways.

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For more information on this article or related ones you can visit the link below.
http://www.fitday.com/fitness-articles/fitness/sports-training/the-health-benefits-of-downhill-skiing.html#b