I will never forget the burning sensation in my thighs after my first day skiing. I had just wrapped up my college swim season, and my friends and I drove to Colorado to celebrate. "I'm a Division I swimmer," I thought, "I am in the best shape of my life. This should be easy!" I quickly learned that skiing uses different muscles!

So, how can you prevent yourself from feeling the same pain? Get prepared! If you are a hard core, double black diamond skier, you will need to do aerobic exercise as well. Get yourself running, swimming, biking, walking- whatever it is you like to do, but make sure your heart rate increases. Skiing doesn't look like an aerobic sport, but it is. Plus, you are in an elevated altitude which makes breathing difficult anyway. The better shape your lungs are in, the more fun you will have! Trust me.

The main muscles to prepare, however, are your quads and glutes. Since you will need to bend your knees as much as possible to keep from falling, you will need killer quads! Luckily, quad muscles are pretty easy to train. Here are a few quick exercises that anyone can do:

1. Begin taking the stairs both up and down. If you don't already do this, you will begin to feel the burn immediately. Both your legs and your butt will thank you as you are heading down the hill.
2. Squats. I hate them; most people hate them, but they are awesome. And they work. Throw in 10 squats while you're watching TV at night, squat a couple of times while you're waiting for the water to boil or the chicken to bake. You don't need to head to the gym; these can be done anytime, anywhere.
3. Wall sits. Again, I know it sounds crazy, but these are another way to tone and strengthen the legs and butt. Sit with your back straight against the wall, legs at a 90 degree angle for as long as you can. When your legs begin to shake, hold it another 30 seconds. This is what your legs will feel like at the end of the long cruiser you take to finish off your perfect day of skiing.

The best way to end your day on the slopes is in the lodge at the Aprs Ski party- not moaning on your bed about how sore your legs are. I guarantee your vacation will be more fun if you spend the 2-3 weeks before to get yourself in skiing shape. Trust me when I tell you, skiing uses muscles you didn't even know existed.

Learn more about this author, Ashley Swanda.
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