Curves

Skate Skiing: My Unexpected Core Workout in the Snow

Last week, I found myself in a snowy wonderland with nothing but my skate skis. Far from my usual gym setup, I faced a dilemma: how to keep up with my race training? Refusing to let a little snow stop me, I turned this into an opportunity for an improvised outdoor core workout. Let me tell you, it was an adventure!

Skate skiing, for those unfamiliar, is like the love child of cross-country skiing and ice skating. You glide over snow, pushing off each ski in a V-shape. Not only is it a fantastic full-body workout, but it also particularly targets your core, legs, and arms. I experimented with different techniques:

• Double Polling: Here, you use both poles for propulsion, keeping your skis parallel. This isn’t just a test of coordination; it’s a full-on assault on your abs, back, shoulders, and triceps.
• Single Polling: It’s all about alternating poles, one side at a time. It’s a dance of obliques, chest, biceps, and forearms.
• Skating Sans Poles: Trusting solely in the power of your legs, using arms for balance. Hello, quads, glutes, hamstrings, and calves!

I played around with intervals, mixing up speed, intensity, and duration. Picture me there, in a landscape of pristine snow, pushing myself in what felt like a “pain lab with a view”. I took breaks, not just to catch my breath, but to soak in the breathtaking scenery and snap a few memories.

By day’s end, I was a delightful mix of exhausted and exhilarated. I had conquered a full-body workout in the most unexpected of gyms. Then off I went to Missoula, rewarding myself with a foam roller session and a much-needed hot shower.

This snowy escapade taught me a crucial lesson: training isn’t about the perfect conditions or equipment. It’s about making the most of what you have, wherever you are. And sometimes, it leads to the most rewarding experiences.

Resources to Enhance Your Day

If you are interested in learning more about skate skiing, core workouts, or race training, here are some useful resources that I recommend:

• Skate Skiing 101: Tips and Techniques – REI Co-op Journal: This article explains the basics of skate skiing, and provides some tips and techniques for beginners and intermediates.
• The Ultimate Core Workout for Skiers – Outside Online: This article shows you how to do a core workout that will improve your skiing performance and prevent injuries, with videos and instructions.
• How to Train for a Race in 12 Weeks – Runner’s World: This article gives you a 12-week training plan for any race distance, from 5K to marathon, with advice on how to adjust it to your level and goals.