Coach Gethin Rhys James

Monday, 24 August 2015

Considerations for snow boarding

The thigh burn is always a prominent issue among recreational boarders. This sport is physiologically demanding but by considering various interventions, we can lower that dreaded strain on the slopes!

First of all, why not look at the surrounding skeletal muscles. The largest and most powerful muscle group in sport performance is of course the Gluteus Maximus. The Gluteus Maximus (the backside muscles) are muscles that extend the hips. If they contract statically, they can share the work load. I would recommend practicing the Glute Bridge. For anyone capable of holding this position for more than a minute should begin to practice the single leg variation. Ensure that you use a high set range. Four sets of one minute should be your initial goal.

Practice your squats. We mimic this movement pattern as we face down the slope. You can practice holding the bottom position for extended periods of time, if you wish to be very specific but to teach your quadriceps how to utilise oxygen more efficiently, I would suggest high repetitions at a fast but controlled tempo. Attempt three sets of twenty repetitions. If you have a vast experience in resistance training, you may wish to implement plyometrics into your training.

Remember that the main job of the mid section muscles is to prevent movement, not cause it. Working the anti-rotational properties of your abdominals and oblique’s will result in more stability. This will decrease the demand on your thigh muscles. A side plank is a great exercise but consider moving the free arm in multiple directions to improve reactive properties of your mid section. Four sets of thirty seconds should be your initial goal.

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