StyleNest team up with clinical lead physiotherapist at Nuffield Health, Simon Cabot to bring you winter sports advice to help ensure you avoid any injuries or muscle aches.
To help prepare yourself for your trip to the Alps, Simon Calbot talks to StyleNest about winter sports on how best to prepare, prevent and treat snow related issues. So before you hit the slopes this winter, check out our tips for the best way to prepare and avoid any bumps in the snow.
Tip 1. Preparation
Hit the gym for strength and conditioning, such as squats and lunges, as well as interval training on the cross-trainer and step machine for a month in the lead up to toughen up your legs and core. Some Nuffield Health centres offer free ski-fitness classes to get you in shape before you fly to snowy climes.
Tip 2. Good quality equipment
If you’re a regular on the slopes, invest in your own boots to give you individual, fitted support. If you’re new, ensure your hired boots fit you comfortably. Don’t be shy – swap them if they’re causing you to blister or cramp.
Tip 3. Prevention
If you have a vulnerable joint, buy an effective support to give it the structure it needs. For advice, see a physiotherapist or someone in the shop should be able to assist you.
Make sure you do an active warm up of a couple of warm ups runs. Start with some light exercises, before heading to more difficult slopes. Remember that cooling down is just as important as warming up.
Get to know the mountain, such as trees, rocks, and ice patches so they can be avoided. Stay on marked trails and be aware of slippery surfaces in the town.
If you’re tired take a break – you are most likely to injure yourself when you’re tired.
Wear a helmet. They may not be the greatest fashion accessory, but wearing a helmet could save you from a very serious injury. If you’re snowboarding make sure you also wear wrist and knee guards.
Tip 4. Methods to get you on the mend
Massages are the perfect way to tend to your tight muscles after a day on the hill.
If you can, health insurance for your trip will give you peace of mind. If you’re unlucky and injure yourself, you need to seek medical help ASAP. If you injure yourself on the slopes, do not ski down, stay still, stay warm and get help from ski patrol.
For more information, visit www.nuffieldhealth.com