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How to prepare for winter without a gym

Run forest, run

Top 5 training secrets to having the best winter holiday with Hokkaido Ski Club

Would you like to get the most out of your lessons with Hokkaido Ski Club? Skiing and snowboarding are physical activities. Doing some exercises before your winter holiday can really benefit the progression you can make during your time with us. We reveal five training secrets that will help you progress to be the best skier or snowboarder on the mountain. The slopes and snow conditions in Niseko and greater Hokkaido are great for developing new skills. Are you ready to take yours to the next level?

5 training exercises

Training your body for winter sports is important for two reasons – injury prevention and increasing progression potential. Arriving with a healthy body will also exponentially increase the number of smiles you will have on the mountain.  

It is always a good idea to train the muscles around your joints. The worst injuries usually involve some type of issue with the muscles surrounding your ankles, knees or shoulders. These injuries take the most time to recover from. That is why we should make sure that our joints can take a small beating from time to time. Here are five things you can work on before setting foot on snow.

Squats

Training your body for winter sports is important for two reasons – injury prevention and increasing progression potential. Arriving with a healthy body will also exponentially increase the number of smiles you will have on the mountain.  

It is always a good idea to train the muscles around your joints. The worst injuries usually involve some type of issue with the muscles surrounding your ankles, knees or shoulders. These injuries take the most time to recover from. That is why we should make sure that our joints can take a small beating from time to time. Here are five things you can work on before setting foot on snow.

Pushups

Training your body for winter sports is important for two reasons – injury prevention and increasing progression potential. Arriving with a healthy body will also exponentially increase the number of smiles you will have on the mountain.  

It is always a good idea to train the muscles around your joints. The worst injuries usually involve some type of issue with the muscles surrounding your ankles, knees or shoulders. These injuries take the most time to recover from. That is why we should make sure that our joints can take a small beating from time to time. Here are five things you can work on before setting foot on snow.

Cardio

Cardio training might not seem that important for winter sports. However, if you want to be able to enjoy the mountain for multiple hours a day, it is wise to do some cardio exercises before your stay. There are some easy ways to improve your cardio. Instead of taking elevators, walk the stairs. Instead of driving your car to work, grab your bike. Improve your cardio, even if just a little bit, and you will have a much more enjoyable holiday!

Balance Exercises

Balance is of great importance when skiing and snowboarding. The better your balance, the more progress you will be able to make. There are multiple ways to improve your balance, both on and off snow.

Exercises that can improve your balance:

–   Stand on one leg with your eyes closed for a period of time (also trains ankles and knees)
–   Improve your core-stability with planking
–   Slackline practice
–   Trampoline jumping (also good for air awareness amongst other things)

Improve your balance, and you will pick up on certain exercises on the mountain much quicker!

Yoga

Yoga is a great activity after your day on the mountain. Stretching your muscles after skiing will benefit your learning abilities the next day. Yoga practice can really relax and stretch your muscles. You don’t need to practice yoga for several hours. Just 10-20 minutes after skiing will already be extremely helpful. There are many fun Yoga classes you can follow on Youtube. Do some Yoga in the comfort of your own home, and experience how much better the Hokkaido snow feels the next day.

Exercising in the comfort of your own home

If you don’t want to spend too much time on going to a gym, it is possible to download an App on your phone. One of the best apps out there is called 7-minute workout or 7MWC. It can be downloaded for free. This high-intensity training is both effective and efficient and really worth checking out! Alternatively, you can also access it on YouTube.

Ready for Japan?

Do you want to make the most out of your stay with us? Now is the time to get in shape for your winter holiday! Try the exercises that we have mentioned in this blog, or talk to a personal trainer so that you will arrive in Niseko and Hokkaido in shape! Are you ready to be the best skier or snowboarder on the mountain?

If you have any questions or concerns about your workout program, or would like more information on how to prepare for your next lesson with us, contact us at [email protected].

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Hokkaido Ski Club

Hokkaido Ski Club comprises an international team of professional snowsports instructors, coaches and mountain guides. Every member brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise with over 100 years of total shared experience in the international snowsports industry.
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