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Snowboarding

Exercise Description:

Snowboarding is a popular winter sport that requires leg strength, endurance, coordination and balance.  It requires a great deal of commitment, dedication and practice.

It is a fun sport that with practice you can develop your own personal style.   Snowboarding comes in four main styles, alpine, freeriding, freestyle and racing.

What Muscles You Work:

Snowboarding primarily uses the muscles of the hips and upper and lower leg; however it also strengthens the back muscles, stomach muscles and those in the buttocks.

Tips To Improve Your Snowboarding:

  • Practice, practice and more practice. Your first attempt at snowboarding will not be a thing of beauty. In fact, it will take multiple twists and falls before you feel comfortable on the slopes. 
  • Before trying this sport on your own, our most noteworthy suggestion is to practice under proper supervision with a trained and experienced instructor. He/she will help you glide the slopes with balance, coordination and agility. They are also the best people to educate you on proper form to avoid injury. 
  • Remember, the power of flexibility, enhanced by stretching. Stretch prior to and after snowboarding to increase flexibility and range of motion around your joints. This will enhance your overall snowboarding performance. 
  • Enhance your muscular strength by adding some resistance training to your daily routine. When off the slopes, exercises such as back and leg extensions, leg curls, calf raises and abdominal crunches will aid in stabilization and strength.

How Not To Get Hurt:

Avoiding injury lies in following the rules of the slopes and wearing protective gear properly. 
  • Ensure that equipment, bindings, snowboard are kept in good condition and that your boots are well-fitted to assist in your overall safety. 
  • To avoid injury, be aware of hazardous snow conditions and always take extra care when snowboarding on unfamiliar runs. 

Essential Equipment:

  • Board, boots and bindings. It is best to get fitted properly by a qualified and experienced retailer or instructor. 
  • Protective gear. 
  • Warm, waterproof clothing. Hat and gloves (to protect your ears, head, neck and hands) made of material such as Gore-Tex® is recommended. Do not hit the slopes in jeans or shorts! 
  • Socks made of wool or special thermal material to keep the feet warm and avoid frostbite.
  • Water bottle and drink water, water, and more water. Dehydration is more likely to occur at higher altitudes, but may be less obvious with cold weather activities.
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