You have planned your first ski vacation of the season, you have chosen the best resort, you made your airline and lodging reservations. What more could you possibly need to do to get ready for your trip? You need to get in shape for the winter ski season. Even if you are in good physical condition, skiing utilizes different muscle groups and requires more flexibility and balance than most sports.

Here are some stretching exercises you can do both before your trip and during to keep your muscles flexible. Each one should be done 5 to 10 times, held for 10 seconds and repeated for each side of your body

glutes and hamstrings - from a standing position cross on leg over the other and slowly bend at the waist trying to touch the floor, bend down as far as you can. Stand up straight and switch legs.

Lower Back - Lying flat on your back place the sole of your right foot on your left thigh. Grasp your right knee with your left hand and gently roll it to the left. Try to get your knee as close to the floor as possible without your right shoulder leaving the floor.

Groin Stretch - Sit down and place the soles of your feet together. Clasp your ankles with your hands so that your elbows rest on your knees. Gently push your knees down with your elbows until your fell the stretch.

Calf - Stand facing a wall with you feet about 2 feet from it. Place one foot half way between you and the wall, place your hands on the wall and lowers your heals to the ground.

Stomach and sides - Standing with hands on hip slowly twist first one elbow forward and then the other keeping your arms as straight as possible.
Then stand with your legs a little more than a shoulders width apart, arms straight out at your sides. Keeping your arms straight bend at the waist until you touch the side of your leg.

Chest - Clasp your hands behind your back. Gently straighten your elbows and raise your arms as high as comfortably possible.

When doing any stretching exercise it is so important to never bounce, all your movements should be slow and smooth. Bouncing can cause tearing and/or straining of the muscle group which is what you are trying to avoid.

Learn more about this author, Kendall Smith.
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