Get Your Body Ready for Ski and Snowboard Season!
By Coach Keller
Summer is officially over, and it’s time to start getting your body ready for winter! Whether that means prepping your core and legs for skiing and snowboarding, or just staying in shape through the dark winter months, our 8-Week Winter Training Program is exactly what you need.
Starting October 14th, our Mountain Sport Strength classes will be programmed to generate balance, power, and endurance for the upcoming winter season. Did you take a little hiatus from the gym this summer? Now is the time to recommit to your fitness, build strength, and increase your body’s resilience to injury. Let’s make this your best winter season yet!
Here are 5 reasons the 8-Week Winter Training Program is great for you:
Switch up your fitness routine & add variety.
Did you ride your bike all summer? Run marathons? Climb and hike? All movement is valuable, but when we stick to the same movement patterns, we recruit the same muscle groups while others go unused. Evergreen’s programming targets the often neglected posterior chain, including hamstrings, glutes, and core, as well as contralateral or single-leg/arm movements. This variety, as well as isolated movements, helps build balance, improve body mechanics, and increase strength in underutilized muscle groups. Just how you need to eat different foods to get complete nutrients, your body also needs the change in movements to stay balanced and holistically strong.Reduce risk of injury.
Strength and conditioning is one of the best ways to reduce your risk of injury. Skiing and snowboarding are some of the most injury-prone sports out there: knee sprains, fractured wrists, broken legs, tendon tears, shoulder dislocations, head injuries, and ankle sprains all make the list. And although we can never fully prevent injuries, you can prep your body to be more resilient to them. Even when injuries do occur, a stronger body heals much faster! Those with more muscle mass often have better blood circulation, which means nutrients and oxygen can reach the injured tissues more effectively, aiding in faster healing. Stronger muscles also provide better support to injured joints or bones, reducing strain and promoting faster recovery.Build consistency.
Fall is the perfect time to reset your routine. Summer trips have subsided, the days are getting darker, and now you can use this time to create a new schedule for yourself. Consistency is key to progress, so aim to get to the gym 2-3 times a week! Pick the days and times you want to come, book your spot in class ahead of time, and put it on your schedule as a mandatory appointment. Are you too busy with work? Consider exploring our Small Business Wellness Program. Not only will your boss give you the time to workout, but they will pay for it too!Build community.
The Evergreen community is unlike any other in Bellingham– just ask anyone who attends our classes! From teachers and parents, to athletes and firefighters, we have a diverse and inspiring group of members. Whether you are new to town or have been coming for years, the Evergreen community is an excellent place to build new friendships and meet like-minded people. You don’t just get a great workout here, you’ll also get beta on new backcountry spots, find carpool crews for Baker, and receive invitations to join running groups. Surround yourself with people who inspire and bring out the best in you!Take care of your mental health.
Life is challenging, and it can certainly feel harder in the dark, rainy days of winter. Working out is a quick way to significantly improve your mental health! Through the release of endorphins, serotonin, dopamine, and the lowering of cortisol, you truly become happier and less stressed. A good gym session also improves your sleep quality, self-image, and ability to concentrate as well. Give your brain the break it needs!
Our 8-week winter training program will add variety to your movement patterns, reduce risk of injuries, build consistency and community, and leave you feeling happier and less stressed! Also- these classes are for everyone, not just winter athletes. But for those looking to get after it this winter, this is the #1 way to get your body prepped for the deep days ahead. ❄️
