Ski Stronger Ski Training Video

Got this note a few days ago about testing out a ski training video. I was wondering if a forum member might like to give it a try. Get a free video (DVD) watch it, try it, see what you think and write a forum review. It's obviously blogger outreach (a la Omni-heat, Isotoner) but if it's your thing you might get something out of it. If you're interested PM me. I'd be trusting you to actually write a legit review for the forum, as I'd be promising that you would.

Ski Stronger wrote

Dear Harvey,

Came across NYSkiBlog last summer while doing some research online and really dig the site! I like the varied content and frequent updates.

I am writing to tell you about a breakthrough, innovative ski-specific training program available now: SKI STRONGER, The Skier’s workout. We believe this 50-minute, easy-to-follow ski training program sets the bar for excellence in ski conditioning. You can check the trailer here, http://skistronger.com/

Like you, we are an independent, small company, attempting to make a difference in the ski community. We truly believe, "Better fitness equals better skiing" and are keen to help skiers get in the best shape possible to get the most out of their skiing.

We would like to send you a copy for your review for NYSkiBlog. We are confident that your readers will benefit from learning about this first-of-its kind ski training program. And what better time than the Fall to think about getting in to a good training program for the season ahead??

Please let us know if you are interested in reviewing the video.

Best regards,

Todd

This is a done deal.

Both Big Dog Mom and Hoser will be testing and reviewing this training video.  

Look forward to the reports.

Golden Coast Productions: Ski Stronger – The Skier’s workout DVD – Day One

(For perspective sake- I’m female, well over 50, and live an active life but not committed to any one exercise routine.  Ski 50 to 60 - ½ days a winter)

To be fair, I probably should have not mowed the lawn (1/2 an acre- push mower blaaahhhh!) the same day as I tried the video but the snow is not going to wait for me to get in shape.  

I need to go get some better exercise equipment.  My hubby’s exercise ball is for someone 6’2” and I’m 5’5’ so that was a challenge.  I don’t have dumbbells so I used 2 family size cans of soup. And the dog’s bed was no substitute for a yoga mat.

I enjoyed the video very much.  There is no time wasted doing exercises that are not geared just for skiing which was awesome.

The dumbbell swing (you toss the dumbbells from one hand to another) was dangerous using soup cans because I missed and the can almost hit the computer tower.

There is an exercise for balance where you close your eyes.  This was really interesting in that vision plays such a huge part of maintaining balance.

50 minutes seemed like a long time to devote to do the whole program but as I got into it, the time flew.  And it’s 50 minutes from warm up to cool down.  In the future as I know the routine better I might turn off the DVD sound and play some better music to keep me motivated.

I cheated on some of the exercises and flubbed my way through some.  It will be interesting and rewarding if I can execute the routine more perfectly with less cheating.

I’ll keep you posted but for today this Ski Stronger DVD gets a huge thumbs up.

BigDogMom wrote

 I don’t have dumbbells so I used 2 family size cans of soup. And the dog’s bed was no substitute for a yoga mat.

Hehehe. Cute. Gotta admire your enthusiasm and improve skills.

Update-

I was able to easily find all the necessary equipment at TJ Maxx for under $50.00.  Dick’s Sporting Goods had more options but was a little more expensive.  Everything was better with the right equipment!

The female athlete in the video is using monster dumbbells and I know that I can’t keep up the tempo with those weights so I purchased wimpy 3 pound weights (hey- that was 1.5 pounds heavier than the tomato soup cans).  If it ever gets too easy I can always go buy heavier weights.

What I really like the most about this video is I can see where every exercise directly correlates to some aspect of skiing.  It works to build core strength, flexibility, and quickness.  I especially like all the hamstring work and Achilles tendon stretching.

I was surprised how many little things I missed yesterday regarding form and posture.  This is a video that I think will take some time to perfect for maximum results and that’s good so I won’t get bored.

Every year I tell myself that I’m getting older and have to enter the ski season in better shape to fight off injuries.  I am really pleased that this year I am taking action early on to be ready when the green light goes on.

Slightly different approach with my review.   Also to put in perspective, I am a male mid 40's and consistently have 60 to 70 days on snow, primarily Gore and WF.   During off season run 2 or 3 times per week, complementing 2 or 3 additional indoor workouts per week (30-45 minutes each) as work/life balance allows.

Due to challenges with this balance this week, started with the ten minute express workout today.   This is 10-12 floor exercises with a couple minutes of stretching.  Don't be fooled by the length, it will get your heart pumping, but does not over do it either (we have all seen some killer 10 minute videos that do not stop).

I will definately be working this ten minute express piece into my weekly routine, either on a day where time is short, or to compliment my run.  Will also be incorporating into my daughter's dryland routine (JII racer).  The express is 100% focused on core building, with arms and legs as a bonus.

Dedicating an hour this weekend for the full workout and will report out thereafter.  At this point, this is the real deal yet not targetted solely to a 20 year old athlete.   Thumbs up.

Completed the full workout this morning.   Botton line A++. Strongly recommend.

Brief warmup, full core workout, including legs and arms, and about an 8 minute cooldown.
Certainly focus is on the core strength, but also agility, endurance, and balance throughout.   This is what makes it interesting and not just another workout video.   Sensibly broken into segments with adequate rest (20 secs b/t workouts, 1 to 2 minutes b/t segments).  

Great pace, continuous but not overbearing, and the music blends into the background perfectly.   Filmed at Squaw in the Summer w/ Tahoe in the background (enough said).  

The host will provide "time left" updates on the 30 to 40 second exercises to encourage completion.  A clock is displayed during breaks, but not during the entire video.  

I have 2 or 3 other ski specific workouts; this one is the best so far.  Never knew standing on one leg for 20 seconds with my eyes closed is so difficult!  Mixes standing, mat, dumbell, and agility ball to keep it interesting.  Simple but effective exercises.  This would also be excellent fitness conditioning for soccer.

I am glad my next 5k is not tomorrow morning, I will be feeling the result of this.
Sharing with my JII racer during current Fall dryland.  Pick this up to make a difference this season.  

Another update.

Last night my hubby tried the DVD with me.  For the record: He is 56, very fit in that he runs, lifts weights, cuts, and splits 7 cords of wood a year.  He is also 2 years post a torn Achilles tendon repair.

He liked the video very much.  His report was that it was not as much of a cardio work out as he gets running.  He appreciated the intense quad workout and was surprised at how difficult the balance exercises were.  He liked the stretching and especially liked at the very end of the cool down where you just lay there and think happy thoughts.  (Any video that tells him to lie down and do nothing is going to be a winner for him.)  He believes that this DVD along with his running will really set him up for a great year of skiing.

So we have a third thumbs up.

I am now able to complete the entire video with far less flubbing.  I feel great!  My quads are much stronger, my abs feel toned and I am not sore at all anymore following the work outs.  I am really happy with how quickly I am seeing positive results.

I’m ready to endorse the video.  I know I’m going to start this ski season stronger with more flexibility.  I’m going to have a lot more fun day one of skiing this year.

Here is the link to the Ski Stronger video web site:

http://skistronger.com/