Prepare your body for a fun time on the snowy slopes with these 3 exercises.
The following exercises are designed specifically for Snowboarding. They emphasize the importance of ankle flexibility, while learning to bend at the knees and keeping a relaxed straight back.
Exercise #1: Snowboard Squats
We’re providing you with two versions of this exercise:
- Regular Foot Position with Left Foot Lead
- Goofy Position with the Right foot Lead.
For these two versions, keep in mind that the SnowBoard Squat motion starts by initiating from your knees and ankles while gently pressing the hips forward. Simulate the feeling of pressing forward into your boots.
Let’s start.
- Placing the left foot forward, point left.
- Squat and rotate shoulders slightly right to simulate a right turn.
- Repeat 10 times.
- Switch position by keeping left foot forward, pointing right.
- Rotate shoulders slightly left to simulate a left turn.
- Repeat 10 times.
- Right foot forward, pointing right.
- Squat and rotate shoulders slightly left to simulate a left turn.
- Repeat 10 times.
- Switch position by keeping Right foot forward, pointing Left and rotate.
- Shoulders slightly Right to simulate a left turn.
- Repeat 10 times.
Exercise #2: Snowboard Crabwalks
- Initiate the exercise by flexing the knees and ankles and pressing the hips forward.
- Simulate the feeling pressing forward into your boots.
- Take lateral step looking towards your lead leg, maintaining straight back position.
- Refrain from rocking side to side with your trunk.
- Take 8 steps to left and then reverse the direction.
- Repeat 2 times.
Exercise #3: Hydrants
- Stand on one leg, keep back straight.
- Go to a comfortable depth by flexing from your knee and ankle.
- Lift opposite leg out and back with knee bent while maintaining alignment of ankle, knee and hip of stance leg.
- Switch leg and perform 2 sets of 10 reps.
Snowboarding for the first time? Make sure you take a lesson with an instructor, it’s the best way to stay safe! We love to share exercises designed to supplement your exercise plan for your activities.
Please note: This article is intended solely as supplemental information to your exercise plan. No internet article or video can replace proper instruction and experience. Your safety is important to us. Be sure you’re practiced in proper techniques and safety requirements before you engage in any outdoors activity.