Skiing Proves There’s ‘No Off-Season’ for Exercise

Martin Pazzani grew up skiing and was even a downhill racer in college.

But by his mid-40s, he had drifted away from the sport and fitness in general, having devoted much more time to work. So, things didn’t go well the next time he tried to ski.
 
“Skiing when you’re not fit sucks,” recalls Martin, now in his 60s, a fitness entrepreneur and marketer. “It really does.”
 
That day was hard on his thighs, and he didn’t have as much control and balance. “I thought I was done with skiing for the rest of my life at age 45.”
 
But by the time he went skiing again seven years later, Martin had regained his fitness, so he had the necessary strength, endurance, and balance. This time, skiing was more like it’s supposed to be: fun.
 
“I skied top to bottom my first run and didn’t even stop. I had got it back. It’s all about conditioning.”

Hitting the Slopes in Large Numbers

Baby boomers make up about 20 percent of US skiers, with millions more people over 50 also hitting the slopes. Nowadays, it’s not as physically challenging as it used to be because skis are wider and easier to control, other equipment is also better, and the slopes are groomed to be much smoother.
 
Plus, “senior” discounts are plentiful, with some mountains even offering free passes to people over a certain age.
 
Skiers love the fresh air, spectacular scenery, and community atmosphere at most ski spots.
 
Here are some general suggestions about getting ready for your first ski trip this year or maybe even several years.

• Cardio. Be sure to take a few walks each week and take the stairs when possible. Or, if your stamina is already fair, work in two or three cardio workouts weekly. Martin also recommends jumping rope.
• Resistance training for legs. Most of the muscle strain from downhill skiing is on your thighs, butt, hamstrings, and calves. A nice leg circuit twice a week will help get you ready. That means squats, lunges, leg curls, and calf raises. Ask for a demonstration if you’re not familiar with the proper form.
• Core. Skiing requires a strong core because of all the twisting and leaning forward. Get ready with planks, leg raises, and other exercises we’re happy to show you.
• Flexibility. Stretch before working out with weights, walking, or running – including your lower back. 

She Doesn’t Let Anything Stop Her

Dawn Lowery, 61, also started skiing as a child, and this will be her 50th year in a row – “even the years I blew out my ACLs- both knees, different years,” she says.

 
Dawn, a physician’s assistant and ski patrol member, stays in shape by hiking and biking during summers.

She also practices Pilates and goes to the gym, and says her core and leg strength have been instrumental in helping her bounce back after injuries and surgeries.
 
“Being active is very important for all seasons,” she says. “There is no off-season for exercise.”