Get Ski Fit

27 January 2012

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Ski-season is upon us and to those lucky enough to be heading off to the slopes best be ready for a work out.

Avoiding injury whilst skiing is sometimes a difficult feat, but thanks to Bupa and Britain's number one female skier, Chemmy Alcott, they're helping to get us ski fit and be as safe as we can be on the snow.

After breaking her leg training for the World Cup downhill race in 2010, Bupa provided Chemmy with the medical care she needed to get back to health.

Chemmy and Bupa have issued the following five tips to get ski fit and help prevent injury.
 
1. Preparation: Winter sports use muscles that many people aren’t used to exercising. To cut the risk of injuries, workout regularly for at least six weeks before your holiday and focus on exercises to strengthen your ankles and knees.
2. Stretching: Cold weather can make muscles contract so spend 15 minutes doing some simple leg and back stretches before you hit the slopes. This may help to minimise aches and keep your muscles more supple.
3. Dehydration: Strong sunshine on the slopes can cause unexpected dehydration and even sunburn, so make sure you keep yourself topped up with water, particularly if you’ve been enjoying the après-ski the night before.
4. Wear a helmet: The best thing you can do to prevent a head injury while skiing or snowboarding is to wear a helmet.
5. Insurance: Take out the right travel insurance. Many travel insurance packages don’t include winter sports so check yours before you go or take out additional winter sports cover.