A Workout To Help Snowboarders

Snowboarding takes a tremendous amount of muscle strength and skill. Snowboarders need to strengthen their entire body to excel at this popular winter sport. According to Aspen Post, "To be a good snowboarder, you will need a high degree of strength and balance to transition from edge to edge while maintaining your balance despite never ending changes in speed, terrain, and weather." Engaging in strength training and balance exercises improves a snowboarder's performance on the slopes.

Squats

Holding a dumbbell in each hand, stand with your feet shoulder-width apart. Keep your head up, roll your shoulders back and lower your body down like you are going to sit in a chair. It is important to keep your knees from going in front of your toes to prevent knee injuries. Perform three sets of 10 to 15 repetitions to increase the strength in your legs.

Lunges

Take a big step forward with your left foot, approximately 2 to 3 feet in front of your right foot. Keep your body upright, and slowly lower down until your left thigh is parallel to the floor. Perform walking lunges for a greater challenge. Perform 3 sets of 10 to 12 repetitions, then switch sides.

Push-ups

Depending on your fitness level, you can perform this exercise on your hands and knees. Pushups strengthen your arms and abdominals. Position your hands slightly wider than shoulder width apart and at the level of your chest. Lower your body down, keeping your elbows aligned with your wrists. Perform 15 pushups and then remain in the up position, not allowing your stomach and back to drop for 30 seconds. Then perform 15 more pushups.

Tricep Dips

Strong tricep muscles will help you get up off the snow. Sitting on a bench, place your hands on the edge and drop your buttocks off the bench, bending your arms, lowering your body towards the floor. Your elbows should be bent at a 90 degree angle. Push back up. The majority of your weight should be in your heels and hands. Do 15 and repeat.

Balance

Balance is very important when snowboarding. Practice and improve your balance with this exercise. Place a tennis ball under each foot. Hold onto a stationary object until you are balanced. As your balance increases, while standing on the tennis balls, incorporate strength training moves, such as small squats.