Getting Ready for Ski Season Here's hoping that they actually get some snow out in Colorado before I hit the slopes next month! With that said, I have started my core and leg training for the trip. Nothing trains you better than being out in the mountains, but there are some great moves you can do in the gym to improve your performance for skiing and snowboarding. 1) Ski Slide Lateral Lunges: Stand with one leg on the ground and the other leg on the slide (you can also use the Val-slides for this move). No weights needed here until you get used to the range of motion. Keeping most of your weight through the foot on the ground, slowly slide your leg out to a comfortable position, then using the leg on the ground, pushing through your heel, work your way back up to a standing position. Do 3 sets of 12-15 reps on each side. 2) Lateral Bosu Jumps: Start with one leg on the bosu and one leg off the ground. Push off and jump laterally to the other side. Use the bosu to push off and get more height in your jumps. Do 3 sets of 20-30 reps. Lateral Bosu Jumps 3) Pushup Push-offs: One of my favorite moves! If you tend to fall snowboarding, this will prepare your upper body. You will need a stable bench or Smith Press for this exercise. If you have any issues with your shoulder, you should skip this one. You can do this exercise on one leg or two (two legs is actually tougher). Start on one leg with the bar set to the second lowest setting. Let yourself fall to the bar catching yourself with your arms and pushing yourself back up to your starting position. Do 3 sets of 8-10 each side. Pushup PushOff on Smith Press 4) Single Leg Squats: Yes, I know you've seen these before on my newsletter, but they are the best! Stand tall and bend from the knees and hips keeping the foot flat, reach for the ground with both hands and then return to your starting position. Do 3 sets of 12-15 reps on each side.