I always hear from the skiers in my barre classes how much barre has helped improve their skiing. I haven't skied in almost 15 years, so I have had to take their word for it. Until now! I have to say WOW it is true. I had an absolute blast skiing and was amazed at how strong and balanced I felt on the slopes. I have always talked about the benefits of barre for skiers, and now on a recent family trip to Breckinridge, CO I got to experience it for myself.
Barre helps develop strength, endurance, and mobility in the lower body (thighs, glutes, hips) needed for balance, stability, and for downhill skiing. I certainly felt all of that. I especially think the many barre exercise that require balancing on one leg, helped me be able to make turns and shift my weight into one leg while traveling down a hill. Overall, the biggest benefit was being able to enjoy the day because I was able to ski with ease and control. Just another reason to love barre!!
If you are new to Barre, barre is a type of exercise that focuses on strengthening and toning the muscles of the entire body. In my classes, I do focus a lot on lower body moves, particularly the legs, hips, and glutes. These muscles are essential for skiing, as they provide the strength and stability needed to maintain balance and control while skiing downhill.
Practicing barre exercises regularly is a great way to cross-train for skiers. Barre exercises can develop the strength, endurance, and flexibility needed to perform well on the slopes. Specifically, barre can benefit skiers by:
Building leg strength and ankle stability: Barre exercises, such as thigh work, lunges, squats, calf lifts, and isolated glute work can help strengthen the muscles in the legs, which are critical for skiing.
Improve balance and stability: The foundation of my Barre class is core work, which is so important for balance and injury prevention. Barre workouts often include exercises using one-leg moves which also supports balance and ankle stability.
Increase flexibility/Mobility: Barre workouts include stretching and mobility, which can improve flexibility and range of motion. This can help skiers move more fluidly and with greater ease on the slopes.
Overall, practicing barre exercises can be an excellent way for skiers to prepare their bodies for the physical demands of skiing and to improve their overall performance on the slopes.
Move with me anytime at www.jessicadiazwellness.com! Over 100 on-demand barre workouts.
