When skiing season finally hits its full swing, you need to make sure that you’ve been stretching and preparing all summer long to ensure that your weekend on the slopes doesn’t end in a dangerous injury. Here at Orthopedic Associates of Denver, we’re proud to provide you with a number of different resources that should help to ensure that you’re well-prepared to hit the slopes and enjoy the wonderful winter past-time sport of skiing.

In our last installment, we talked about the low lunge workout, and how this particular stretch can help to increase the flexibility and strengthen a number of important body areas that are used during the demanding sport. Today, we’ll introduce another stretch that will also help to increase your flexibility and build strength in your core, which will make all the difference between a successful run and a dangerous run.
Take a look below and let’s get started.

Exercise #2: The Sitting Side Stretch
Now, the sitting side stretch is just as important as the low lunge – if not more so! Why? Because the sitting side stretch helps to stretch out the muscles that you’ll use to side bend. More than likely, these muscles are going to be critically important as you rush down the hill and look to efficiently and effectively edge through those sharp and intense turns.

Here’s How You Do It!
• Step 1: First, take a seat down on the floor, and fold both of your legs over to the left side of your body.
• Step 2: Then, reach your right arm high over your head, and make sure that you’re not allowing your back to arch during the movement.
• Step 3: Check to make sure that your core and abdominal muscles are highly engaged during this movement.
• Step 4: Hold this pose for about five breaths before slowly straightening out.
• Step 5: Repeat on the opposite side.

And from there, you should have everything that you need to best prepare your body for those hairpin turns while skiing down the slopes at warp speed. Not only will this stretch help you build the flexibility that you need to remain agile and quick on your feet while speeding down the hill, but they’ll also help you to strengthen your core, find your balance, and protect you against injury, should you ever experience a slip or a fall.
If you should ever have any questions about how to best prepare your body for your ski weekend coming up, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. At Orthopedic Associates, we’re always ready to help ensure that our clients are well-prepared have a safe trip.

So, for your next ski trip, be sure to practice this stretch at least 4 times a week in the weeks leading up to your date, so that you can best prepare your body for a weekend on the slopes. Never risk an injury, just simply enjoy!