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POSTED IN 01/10
GLENN BOND
Contributing Editor
Glenn is the Nordic Manager of Silver Star Mountain Resort. He made a career as a professional athlete in Nordic Skiing for 10 years. (1992-2002) He is the Western Canadian Champion, BC Champion, World Cup Thunder Bay, Whistler Cup Champion and Top 5 in Canada Cup.
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It is all about BALANCE!!!
I heard it all the time… “Nordic skiing is hard” “why would you want to ski uphill… That is why they built lifts!” and the list goes on…
First, let me say Nordic skiing (the new lingo for Cross-Country Skiing) has changed a lot since you were in school being made to try it. The equipment is light weight, comfortable and provides control/stability!
Priority #1 get good equipment so you can enjoy the sport to it’s fullest. There are many great Nordic shops where you can buy or rent Nordic equipment.
Ok, you have the equipment but how do I make these skinny skis move forward? In my opinion one of the most important elements in Nordic skiing is BALANCE! You can gain better balance from many sports or specific training methods.
1. Can you walk along a 2x6 (plank) on its edge for 12 feet?
2. Can you jump and land on one foot and maintain your BALANCE?
3. Can you stand on one foot and tie your laces?
These are simple tests that will give you a reference point on where your BALANCE is today.
To improve your balance; try these simple exercises:
Put your socks on in the morning without sitting down, standing on one leg at a time. When this gets easy do it with your eyes closed. Not so easy is it…
When going to the gym (you should be doing strength workouts twice a weeks ideally), instead of using a bench use an exercise ball instead this will activate your “core” muscles and strengthen them to provide better BALANCE.
Test yourself to see if you are improving. Stand on one ski and glide as long as possible without putting your other ski on the snow. Do this on an easy downhill slope and keep your eyes focused three meters in front of you. Try to stand relaxed without fighting for the BALANCE.
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