Getting The Most Out Of Your Warm Up Run

It is very tempting to blast the first run of the day. In fact, I made a career of it during my early years of teaching skiing. Some of my fondest memories are of ripping down glistening groomed slopes on sunny bluebird days.

Some days I would greet clients with tears rolling down my cheeks thanks to my windy goggles. It was an amazing way to start the day. The adrenaline buzz another reminder, you're still alive.

Now for all you kids out there, I was a trained professional, I skied in control and respected the Alpine Responsibility Code!!!. The slopes were clear of skiers and no animals, even small ones, were harmed.

Given that I was skiing more than a couple of hundred days a year and my body was in tune to the different routine skiing places on it. I could afford to occasionally blow off doing a full warm up run and fast tracked things a little.

Now, if you ski infrequently, aren't 22 and are keen to maximise your skiing experience, then there are a few simple things you can do to warm up. Lets assume you have been doing your summer training.

You've been stretching for increased flexibility. Doing some strength work to handle the higher speeds, bumps and steeper terrain. And some balance work to increase your strength, feel and options for when the slopes bring you that unexpected surprise! (This is a big Hint for next pre-season if you let things slip this year).

Ok. You're in your ski gear and standing on top of the hill. Lets go for a warm up!!!

Balance is your very best friend when skiing. While standing on a flat slope try lifting one foot and ski off the snow. Use your poles for added support. Try again, this time keep your poles off the snow as well. Change feet and repeat.

From a traverse across the slope, try lifting the uphill ski. You should be able to balance and leave a straight pencil thin line across the slope. Even in icy conditions. Repeat on the other side.

If you can't do this after several attempts, your alignment may be out. Best to contact Harald (http://www.harbskisystems.com/) for and alignment check up or go to one of his camps.

From a traverse across the hill, this time lift the downhill ski and leave a straight pencil thin line across the slope with the uphill ski. Again this should be a simple task. If you're out, you know the drill - go see Harald!!!

Next - A great move in skiing is the release. A release is the ability to allow the stance ski (usually downhill) to flatten to the snow. The stance ski flattens from its big-toe-edge to flat. This sets up a chain reaction where the skis begin to slide (hence the name release - of the big-toe-edge) and seek the fall-line.

To continue across the fall-line begin to lighten and tip the ski that you just flattened (released) to its little-toe edge.

For more detail on the release visit http://www.harbskisystems.com.au/instructors/layout03_instructors.htm then go to the blue lesson. Select number two - Release to full turn. To increase your ability to cross the fall-line - blue lesson select number three.

For advanced skiing you should be able to perform a one and two-footed release within the space of your arms width. Skiers who have the book and or video Anyone can be an Expert Skier 2, revisit the one and two-footed releases (page 63 book).

These releasing exercises are a brilliant warm up. Done properly, they are the best way to start the day.

From the releasing exercises, you can increase the movements into dynamic turns. Once warmed, you can dial things up further with some one footed skiing. One footed skiing is another way to take your warm up and skiing to the next level.

So there you have it. A couple of balancing movements while standing. Some traversing to blow out the cobwebs. Releasing movements that build the fundamentals of a powerful turn.

And to take it to the next level, some one footed skiing.

How do you warm up on a powder day I hear you ask?

Remember, there are no rules on a powder day!

Article brought to you by ex-ski coach now peak performance life coach Peter Stone from www.peak-performance-coaching.com.au. Visit us for free resources on how to live a rich and fulfilling life with all the energy, time and money you need to do what you want!