In the old days, typical alpine skis measured over 200 centimeters. These long straight boards weren't as curvaceous as those you see in any modern ski shop. Back then, only the athletically gifted participated in the challenging sport of alpine skiing.
In those days, you had to be pretty strong to turn your skis. As such, ski fitness training coaches were obsessed with brute strength. Then, the easy-turning shaped skis were invented. Suddenly, the common folk were able to experience the grace and finesse of alpine skiing. People who once hated winter found that a day on the slopes was a perfect cure for the winter blues. As they embraced the sport, they searched for the best ski fitness training programs.
Before long, it became evident that skiing on shaped skis required less brute force and more dynamic balance. Gradually, as professional coaches saw the light, ski fitness training programs underwent some big changes. By coincidence, changes in ski fitness philosophy occurred simultaneously with some of the most significant changes in the fitness industry.
Respected fitness presenters were talking about "training movements, not muscles." Athletes learned that the best fitness programs for their sport were those that most accurately mimicked its movement patterns. The ski industry quickly adopted this philosophy. Manufacturers began to create a variety of machines designed to simulate the movements of skiing.
What to Look for
If you want to get a competitive edge on your ski technique, consider one of these ski training machines. While some can be an effective addition to your ski conditioning program, others miss the mark. Consider the three primary movements of alpine skiing;
1. Edging
2. Pressure
3. Rotary movements
When comparing ski fitness training machines, determine which one will best enhance these skills. Some ski conditioning machines have foot pads that can be placed on edge and rotated. Others focus more on the gliding movements that are popular in Nordic skiing.
Make sure that you have enough space for this machine. Considering that they can be costly, choose equipment that can be used for other types of workouts, such as abdominal exercise, upper body work or aerobic conditioning.
Common Pitfalls
Read the instructions and make sure that they make sense. Does assembly require the use of a multitude of tools? Check the cords and attachments. Are they made of sturdy materials or do they look like something that your dog can chew apart in a split second?
Is the stance and alignment you would use while exercising on this machine similar to the functional, athletic stance that you would use when you ski? Some so-called ski fitness machines put you in an alignment that can only be described as dysfunctional.
While performing exercises on this ski fitness machine, are your quads working harder than your hamstrings? If so choose a machine that provides an equal balance between the muscle groups: hamstring/quadriceps imbalances are one of the causes of poor ski technique. In some cases, this imbalance can lead to injury.
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