Ready, set, snow

The long-awaited snow has finally arrived across Europe’s ski resorts as thousands of Brits are dusting down the salopettes in preparation for this year’s ski season. And, according to leading health and fitness clubs, David Lloyd Clubs, there is one area where avid fans of the white stuff are failing to prepare – their physical fitness.

According to David Lloyd Clubs Group Health and Fitness Manager, Elaine Denton, getting into shape before you hit the slopes is important if you want to make the most of your ski break. She says, “Skiing holidays are an exhilarating way to enjoy the great outdoors, whilst having a complete break from everyday life. But skiing is incredibly demanding on the body and if you don’t prepare in the right way, you could end up with sore legs and a stiff back, and come back more tired than when you left. Or even worse, you could injure yourself. Ensuring you are in peak condition is key to enjoy your experience at its full”.

Elaine suggests 5 ways to prepare for the slopes:

1. Follow this gym routine regularly before you go as interval training mimics the action that you do when you Ski, and also gets your heart rate used to the highs and lows of the slopes...

Warm Up on the Cross Trainer on Quick Start at a comfortable level until you feel physically warm and prepared- 5-10 minutes.

Walking lunges with a medicine ball rotation

(Legs and obliques) 3 x 10 (20 lunges in total)

Squats with forward raises

(Legs and shoulders) 3 x 10

Life fitness StairMill or Stairmaster

Interval training: 1 minute pushing yourself, 1 minute comfortable for a total of 10 minutes. Spending more time on more time on the step machine (or cross trainer), rather than running will strengthen your legs as well as boost aerobic fitness.

Single arm row

(back and biceps) 3 x 10-12 on each side

Bosu Balance stand

(core strength and muscles used for balance)- 3 x 15- 30 seconds

Ask a personal trainer to assist with the moves or create a bespoke workout for you.

2 .Take a group exercise class that builds strength. Les Mills GRIT, Body Pump and Body Attack all involve combination exercises which are ideal as skiing doesn’t isolate upper and lower body, so this will get your body used to working both at the same time. A fun way to work out as a family during the winter months is to join in with David Lloyd Clubs’ Synrgy 360 Snowfit sessions which can be enjoyed by adults and children over 11+.

3. Keep supple as it will help with recovery after a day at the slope as prevent injury. Try Pilates and yoga or take the plunge in the pool to stretch your muscles.

4. If you don’t have access to a gym, then try this simple circuit at home (or on location), as demonstrated by blogger, Em Sheldon of www.emtalks.co.uk.

  5. After a workout try some après-ski style relaxation. Head to the sauna, stream room or whirlpool to relax muscles and let tension and packing worries soak away. A heated bed is perfect for soothing any aching backs and legs as well*.

For further information visit www.davidlloyd.co.uk.

*Spa facilities vary

ENDS

Notes to editors: For further information about this press release contact the David Lloyd Leisure press office on 01707 289833/4 or email [email protected].

About David Lloyd Leisure Group

The David Lloyd Leisure Group operates 83 clubs in the UK and a further 11 clubs across Europe, comprising David Lloyd Clubs, Harbour Clubs, plus the high street concept, David Lloyd Studios. It has approximately 486,000 members and employs over 6,300 people. This includes an expert health and fitness team of over 1,800, while it contracts the services of more than 400 tennis professionals. Across all clubs, David Lloyd Leisure has over 155 swimming pools (of which half are indoor) and offers over 12,000 exercise classes per week. Every week nearly 22,000 children learn to swim at David Lloyd Clubs and 13,200 learn to play tennis. Its racquets facilities are unparalleled with 870 tennis courts as well as 180 badminton courts and 140 squash courts. Additional facilities include health and beauty spas, club lounges with free internet access, crèches, nurseries and specialist sports shops.