Wondering how to increase your leg strength for skiing with the TRX Suspension Trainer?
To address this question, top ski coach Marc Digesti focuses his ski training programs specifically on building up both cardio strength (increase heart rate without burning out the legs) and leg strength (gradually increase the workload to target leg strength, without exhausting the cardiovascular system), while preparing athletes to efficiently handle higher training volumes when getting on the hill. There is a big emphasis on form and technique throughout this theme to ensure skiers are ready for the impact forces placed upon their joints as they begin to build their cardio and leg strength, helping their transition from the training floor to the slopes.
When programming for alpine skiing, Marc emphasizes “core” movements, which are critical in the adjustment and maintenance of the skier’s center of mass. The core movements are essential for upper body stabilization placed on the skier during each run, in the park, back country and hucking cliffs. As such a dynamic sport, the movements of skiing involve vertical, lateral and rotational planes of movement. With all of this in mind, Marc has provided four movements that will compliment an existing ski training program:
Vertical Push Movements:
- Split Squat (Single Leg Emphasis)
- Squat Jump (Double Leg Emphasis
Lateral Push Movement:
- TRX Lunge (with Jump)
Rotational Movement:
- TRX Lunge (with Med Ball Slam)
Stabilizing Movements:
- Lateral Bounds (Lower Body Emphasis)
- TRX Plank (Upper Body Emphasis)
While incorporating these four phases of movements into your existing training routine, the stabilization and strength will prepare the body for the impact and stresses the mountain will place upon it.
Marc Digesti is the founder of PerformanceEDU (www.performancedu.com). He has a degree in Exercise Physiology and is the head strength coach for US Disabled Ski Team.
