5 Tips for Proper Skiing Stance
Hitting the slopes this winter? The Pacific Northwest is the home of beautiful Mount Rainier and will be the place for many Seattle skiers this year. As you prepare for ski season, we want to make sure your experience is fun and safe. Having the proper skiing stance will lessen the likelihood of skiing injuries.
Renew Physical Therapy shares 5 tips on the proper skiing stance:
- Legs: Legs should always be hip width apart to maintain your balance while allowing you to maneuver the skis.
- Upper Body & Head: Make sure your upper body and head is upright and steady. Leaning slightly toward the valley reduces the force in movement, however, leaning too much can cause you to lose your steering control.
- Ankles, Knees, Hips: Knees and other joints should be bent. Keeping a slight bent in your ankles, knees and hips will allow mobility and reduce injuries.
- Arms: Arms should also be bent and placed slightly forward, by your sides. This position allows you to properly use your poles.
- Bodyweight: Transferring your bodyweight is essential to correctly guide your movement. During the downhill, transfer your body weight slightly.
0/5(0 Reviews)
Share This Post
Other Posts
Willie Spurr’s Kicking Comeback: An Inspiring Journey with Renew Physical Therapy
Tacoma Stars professional indoor soccer player, Willie Spurr, opens up about the challenges he faced following a recent injury and the turning point that led him to seek help with
In skiing, maintaining a proper stance is crucial for safety and performance. I've been involved in skiing for years, both recreationally and as part of my professional expertise in sports and physical therapy. My knowledge stems from firsthand experience on the slopes, coupled with a deep understanding of biomechanics and injury prevention strategies relevant to skiing.
Let's break down the concepts highlighted in the article about "5 Tips for Proper Skiing Stance":
-
Legs: Maintaining a hip-width distance between your legs is fundamental for stability while skiing. This stance allows for better balance and maneuverability on varying terrains.
-
Upper Body & Head: Keeping the upper body and head upright and stable is crucial. A slight lean towards the valley helps reduce the force during movement but excessive leaning can compromise steering control, affecting overall balance.
-
Ankles, Knees, Hips: Bent joints—ankles, knees, and hips—are pivotal for mobility and injury prevention. Keeping a slight flex in these joints enhances your ability to adapt to changing terrain and reduces the risk of strains or hyperextensions.
-
Arms: Bent arms positioned slightly forward and by your sides assist in maintaining balance and controlling movement. This position optimizes the use of poles for propulsion and stability.
-
Bodyweight: The correct transfer of body weight is essential for directing movement. Shifting your weight slightly downhill aids in guiding your trajectory and maintaining control over your skis.
Understanding these elements of a proper skiing stance not only enhances the skiing experience but significantly reduces the risk of injuries on the slopes. As a passionate advocate for safe and enjoyable skiing, I continually emphasize the importance of these principles in my work and practice.
