Practice Injury Prevention and Exercise Recuperation
Skiing is a comprehensive workout that really utilizes your legs, and the more time you spend on the slopes, the more lactic acid you will accumulate in your muscles. To recover faster from your workout, Keely suggests you use an exercise or Spin bike for 20 to 30 minutes after your ski session. This will flush out the lactic acid (the heavy feeling in the muscles) and help you recover much faster, especially if you plan on skiing the next day.
Another method that helps you recover is the hot/cold water treatment. This treatment suggests you spend 5 minutes under cold water in the shower and then 5 minutes under hot water (or in the sauna). Repeat this for three sets after a ski session to help soothe your aching muscles.
Stretching is obviously important to any sport, and skiing is no exception; yoga is a great way to keep your muscles loose and limber for ski performance. Being flexible also helps prevent injuries if you crash on the slopes.
More: How to Test Flexibility to Avoid Injury
Maintain a Proper Diet
Skiing burns a lot of calories; it's important to supply your body with quality calories before, during and after your workout.
Before you ski, don't eat a heavy meal. A lighter breakfast of oatmeal with fruit or protein (nuts, peanut butter) will suffice. While on the hill, occasionally eat granola bars (with good nuts and sugars) and food with lots of glucose (gummy bears). After your workout, indulge in a hardy meal of complex carbs, proteins and vegetables.
Beyond these tips for how to ski better, Keely Kelleher just wants to spread the joy of skiing. She has genuine excitement in her voice when she talks about her passion and she hopes to share that joy with others. After all, a healthy skier is a happy skier.
More: Instant Hot and Healthy Breakfast for Athletes
For more information about Keely Kelleher, please visit her website at www.keelykelleher.com and check out the incredible youth-empowering work she's doing at www.keelyscamp.com.
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