THAT New Year’s resolution to get up early and go to the gym has been broken so often that it is now a distant, if somewhat guilty, memory. Well, don’t despair. All around you is something which can get you trim and even prepare you for a half-term break on the ski slopes – the stairs. Experts at The Physios in Broomhill have long since recognised the problems associated with that rush of enthusiasm for the snow and slopes of Scotland, Switzerland, Austria or Andorra, particularly when the dark mornings and short days of the winter months make physical exercise unattractive. A dash, or even a jog, up and down the stairs morning and evening is an effective way of warding off those aching joints associated with skiing and snowboarding. Running, cycling, swimming and team sports are also good ways to increase muscle tone and build up stamina. “Strengthening the muscles specific to skiing and boarding, such as thigh, calf, stomach and arm will reduce the risk of injury,” said principal physiotherapist Paul Hattam. “To increase enjoyment and endurance on the slopes you need to use ski-specific movements which will improve the relaxation-contraction co-ordination of the prime movers and stabilising muscles which will, in turn, lead to more efficient movement and performance.”
Paul and his team at the rapidly expanding Broomhill practice have devised an exercise programme which, coupled with a snow sports assessment, aims to keep skiers on piste. And once you’ve arrived at your destination, it is important to warm up before taking to the slopes. “One of the main contributors to injury for the recreational skier is the lack of a pre-ski warm-up,” said Paul. “Some people will even ski to warm-up which at the very least leads to muscle strain. A warm muscle can give a 15-20 per cent increase in elastic properties which has the added benefit of improving performance.” Anyone who does sustain an injury on the slopes is advised to see a physiotherapist as soon as possible.
THAT New Year’s resolution to get up early and go to the gym has been broken so often that it is now a distant, if somewhat guilty, memory. Well, don’t despair. All around you is something which can get you trim and even prepare you for a half-term break on the ski slopes – the stairs. Experts at The Physios in Broomhill have long since recognised the problems associated with that rush of enthusiasm for the snow and slopes of Scotland, Switzerland, Austria or Andorra, particularly when the dark mornings and short days of the winter months make physical exercise unattractive. A dash, or even a jog, up and down the stairs morning and evening is an effective way of warding off those aching joints associated with skiing and snowboarding. Running, cycling, swimming and team sports are also good ways to increase muscle tone and build up stamina. “Strengthening the muscles specific to skiing and boarding, such as thigh, calf, stomach and arm will reduce the risk of injury,” said principal physiotherapist Paul Hattam. “To increase enjoyment and endurance on the slopes you need to use ski-specific movements which will improve the relaxation-contraction co-ordination of the prime movers and stabilising muscles which will, in turn, lead to more efficient movement and performance.”