Dryland Balancing Exercises

[dburdenbates]

Obviously, balance is an important component of any successful skier. Do you do any specific exercises or practices to assist in building your balance, either fore-aft or lateral? I know bosu balls are popular, do you use them? If so, how?

Lisamarie, I hope you're lurking out there. I know you'll have a few gems.

 

[SnowHot]

All I really do for balance is sit on an excercise ball when I do light weights.
It builds a good core strength and helps me in my balance for everything

I thought it would be a minor thing but it really has increased my core and my balance.

 

[Jilly]

I've always had good balance, but I saw something on TV where the Canadian team was training using the exercise ball. The guy was in a tuck, on top of the ball. So, I got the ball out at the gym. Move near the balance bar. Couldn't let go of the bar. You need that strong core too. So, I've been doing more twists and ab stuff since then. Next summer it's Dragon Boat Racing. That will build up the core, if I don't take my shoulder out first!

 

[ISki]

I just do one thing: not use the handlebars on the elliptical. I do 40 minutes just balancing on it. This make the tedium kind of fun and with a good song and a good imagination, one can be "skiing".

Not that this is saying much because I think this is how they are supposed to be used. At my gym, however, everyone hunches over and grips the handlebars.

 

[Lisamarie]

Standing on a stability ball is not a really good idea. I explained why in this thread on Epic. https://forums.epicski.com/showthread.php?t=43686

You can practice squats on the Bosu or Dyna Disc. On your last rep, hold a tuck position, and practice edging your feet from side to side.

For lateral balance, you can stand on a balance board, and hold a 5-pound weight in your left had. Then, slowly do a side bend to the right. Try not not the board touch the floor. perform about 8 reps, then switch side.

There are also a bunch of side bends you can do on the stability ball and bosu, but I have to hunt down some pictures.

BTW, if you are an Epic member, please ask me some questions for the podcast!
https://forums.epicski.com/showthread.php?t=44655

 

[tcarey]

https://www.skinet.com/skinet/ Some good stuff here with some pics Scroll down to the fitness and insrtuction section.

Terry

 

[Jilly]

Yeah Lisemarie - I think that the episode on TV should have come with that disclaimer - This is being done by professionals, do not attempt at home.