Skiing shape?

[peter]

In three months, I'll be going to Colorado with a couple friends during a break from school, in order to go skiing. I would like to lose 10-15 lbs before then.
I know that I need to get into better shape. I'm a little round right now - great for rolling down the hill, but I don't that's the most conducive to real skiing.
We'll take care of the skiing aspect by practicing around here, but what about the other stuff?
I'm mostly concerned with:
1. Being at altitude.
2. Having the muscular strength/endurance to ski all day for four days straight.
3. Being in good enough shape to handle the inevitable tumbles.
Any thoughts/suggestions?


Oh yeah. Also - any good ideas for writing my last will & testament before leaving? Thanks!
peter

[Free]

I recommend doing tons of Hindu Squats, while breathing only through your nose.

[peter]

Why only through the nose?

[Free]

Because it will train you to become much more efficient with your oxygen, and hopefully help you with higher altitudes. Just a theory.

My experience with the Hindu Squats is they are excellent for training the quads, which is the first place you will give out when skiing.

[Free]

Peter, a couple more things to keep in mind. When at altitude, make sure you drink lots of water, and stay away from alcohol. Also, when skiing, make sure you pay attention to when you start getting tired, because that is when injuries happen. Have fun!!

[JoeJustice]

What about wall squats? I've never skied before but I've heard wall squats called "ski squats" because a lot of skiers use them.

-Joe

[Bruno]

There's a fellow named Adam Steer out of Canada. He has a blog with all sorts of frre info and he is a ski coach. If you google him, you should find various bwe drills.

[Jon88keys]

Joe, I believe you're correct.

I used hindu squats myself when I was getting ready for the hill, and they really worked wonders. The first season I tried them I was amazed that I could ski all day and my legs felt fine.

But I also know folks who swear by the isometric wall squat too.

Jon

[peter]

Wow! Thank you so very much for your thoughts! I did try breathing only through my nose last night while doing some squats - oofdah. It's a good thing there are a few months yet...
peter

[Free]

Another advantage to training to be a nose breather for skiing, is that you will be in a cold and dry environment. Breathing through your mouth in that environment will dehydrate you, and possibly not be good for your lungs.

Here is an interesting article on nose breathing:
http://www.sethigherstandards.com/increase-your-endurance-and-reduce-stress-with-one-simple-technique/