Summary:
While many people spend significant amounts of money on ski equipment and ski clothing, successful snow sliding depends on optimal postural alignment. This article discusses the postural misalignments that can have a negative effect on ski technique, while demonstrating exercises to improve posture.

Details or Sample:
Most experienced ski instructors will tell you that they can predict your on-snow skills as soon as you walk towards the meeting area of the lesson. How can they do this? The answer lies in two words: Postural alignment.

Most people have at least one or two significant postural misalignments. The conveniences of modern technology, as well as modern fashion trends are partially responsible. The way we sit at our computers or walk in high heels can cause some muscles to be excessively shortened, while others to be over stretched or excessively lengthened. As a result, our nervous system sends incorrect data to our brain, and the brain responds with improper movement patterns.

While this may only cause minor discomfort in our daily activities, on the slopes, our characteristic misalignments turn into caricatures of ski movements. Tight neck and shoulders, “A-Frames” and “back seat” skiing are just a few symptoms of postural imbalance. In some cases, minor misalignments can be fixed with boot work. However, many boot fitters will attest to the fact that they can only do so much. If the cause of faulty movement patterns is postural misalignment, the boot work will be a band-aid, as opposed to a permanent fix.

A postural assessment, performed by a certified fitness professional is an ideal solution to this problem. Pilates instructors, as well as fitness professionals who are certified by the National Academy of Sports Medicine are skilled at in-depth postural analysis. Is it expensive? Indeed. However, it is far less costly than an injury caused by muscular imbalances. And seriously, can you really put a price on the enhanced enjoyment than comes from efficient ski skills?

Your first step you should take to improve postural alignment is to learn how to activate your deep core muscles. “Core exercise” is one of the most popular catch phrases in the fitness industry. Unfortunately, it is also one of the most misunderstood. Contrary to popular belief, core exercise has little to do with sit-ups, which involve the superficial abdominal muscles, as opposed to the deeper core musculature. To simplify an otherwise complex subject matter, let’s assume that your superficial abdominal muscles help you get up from a supine position. In contrast, your deeper core muscle help you remain upright, even when your balance and equilibrium are challenged and compromised.

Fortunately, finding and activating your core muscles is easier than you think. These muscles compress your diaphragm when you exhale. Try this core activation exercise:
Take a deep breath. As you exhale, place your hand on your lower abdomen. You will feel your belly deflate, as if you have let the air out of a balloon. Try it again. This time, consciously press your navel towards your spine. Hold your belly tight for ten seconds. If you do this ten times a day, you will train your core muscles to be more active.

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Written by: Lisa Marie Mercer
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