Ski fitness training & trends of Summer 2012 – getting you ski ready!

In 2010, the Daily Telegraph published the shocking statistic that over 40% of deaths on the slopes of the Austrian Alps had been caused by cardiac problems. The research, conducted by the Medical University of Innsbruck, found that half of those who suffered a heart attack had been doing less than two hours of sport per week in the run-up to their ski holiday. Add to this the effects of altitude and colder temperatures on your body and you are putting your heart under some serious strain.

But we don’t want to scare you off skiing entirely. Instead, as the Summer whizzes past us, now is the time to start thinking about your ski fitness for next Winter whether heli skiing or off piste next winter. So here at Pure Powder we have (exhaustingly) researched the latest fitness trends of 2012 and come up with the best programmes to get you going on your ski fitness this Summer:

1. Skier’s Edge

Recognised as the #1 technical ski conditioner in the world, the Skier’s Edge will get you ski ready in no time. Used by World Cup racers and Olympians, Graham Bell has been waxing lyrical about these machines for years which combine a great cardiovascular workout by simulating the movement of skiing.  It also helps improve your balance on your skis so don’t be surprised if your carving technique improves dramatically when the slopes come a-calling!

Skiers Edge have their new quieter T5 model available in Classic, Big Mountain or World Cup Plyometric Powder (for the racers amongst you)

2. Powerplate

It might not look too glamorous, but wobbling about on a powerplate is a great way to tone up and get energized in just 25 minutes. Powertone have studios throughout London where you can improve your muscular endurance and develop core strength meaning you can ski for longer and avoid injuries whilst on the slopes. The Chelsea studio even has  ionised air on site which re-creates the effects and benefits of mountain air. It’s like your one-stop-shop for mountain preparation!

Powertone Chelsea are offering Pure Powder blog readers a free trial class followed by an exclusive 20% discount off your first block of 5, 10 or 15 sessions. Be sure to take advantage of this when they start their ski fitness classes in October quoting purepowder 

3. Barrecorre

We all know core strength is hugely beneficial to staying injury-free on the slopes. This is where trainer to the stars, Niki Rein, realised the disciplines of ballet were a fast effective method to work the muscles for a full body programme. But you can put thoughts of ballet shoes away as Barrecorre uses the ballet barre, resistance training and weights to perform small movements, finding muscles you didn’t even know existed. Having thought of ourselves as pretty fit, we were stunned by the muscles awakened from a Barrecorre class and sure this will improve your ski endurance for next Winter.

The Barrecorre Chelsea studio is closed from 27 July – 28 August 2012 whilst they build a new studio to satisfy demand so make sure to check their introductory offers now to sign up ready for a September body blitz!

4. Absolute Pilates

Pilates is famed for its dynamic strengthening workouts which is why it’s a great tool for your overall fitness helping you develop your core strength, endurance and improving your posture and flexibility. As a fan of pilates reformer classes rather than the boring old, we found Absolute Pilates in Fulham to be the best of its kind with well qualified trainers on hand and helping assist with any injuries you may have. With only 8 spring-loaded reformer beds in the room, there is plenty of guidance and the use of weights, bands and magic circles keeps the interest levels piqued!

Pilates classes start from £24 for 1 hour. However, if you are new to Absolute Pilates you can register free for your first class quoting purepowder

If you have your exercise regime all figured out, then keep that running/cycling/swimming going. However, at least 8 weeks prior to your ski trip, you can start Pure Powder’s ski fitness programme co-created with Craig McLean from the Putney Chiropractic Centre which are a series of stretch and strengthening exercises specifically designed to get skiers ready for the slopes. And with your fitness taken care of, it’s worth spending some time thinking about the right ski equipment and skiwear too. Enjoy!

Please take advice from your doctor before embarking on any new exercise regime.