| You may think that you're just gliding along the | | | | better. Several ski areas are open during the |
| smooth snow when you're skiing, and I'm almost | | | | summer for hiking and mountain biking, so take |
| inclined to agree with you. Skimming along the | | | | advantage of it. Some of the resorts even run |
| snowy ridges and curves of the mountainside | | | | their ski lifts to bring tourists, hikers, and bikers to |
| almost feels like you're effortlessly sailing, but this | | | | areas that are difficult to get to. Being above the |
| is just a misconception. Experienced skiers know | | | | tree line and seeing the slopes without snow will |
| that underneath the surface, your leg muscles | | | | really make you see them in a whole new light. |
| and your upper body are getting a tough | | | | Use hiking poles, not ski poles. Using a pair of |
| workout. | | | | hiking poles will give you an added bonus, since |
| You want proof? How about taking a gander at all | | | | this will be very helpful in giving you an |
| those skiers who just dive in right away, then | | | | upper-body and respiratory workout, much similar |
| return several minutes later, moaning and groaning | | | | to using a Nordic-Trak machine. Avoid using your |
| about how their legs hurt. You know that next | | | | ski poles as hiking poles, since continually stabbing |
| day you'll see them walking around with aching | | | | them into the ground will eventually damage or |
| muscles all over their body. This is what usually | | | | break the tips. Your ski poles are not designed for |
| happens every time a skier forgets to maintain | | | | that sort of treatment, anyway, so you'd be |
| his skiing muscles during the summer. Come | | | | better off using a pair of poles specifically suited |
| wintertime, the muscles that you need for your | | | | for the job. |
| favorite sport will definitely fall apart on you | | | | Keep going, but rest when you have to. Bring |
| before long. | | | | along a lot of water to keep yourself hydrated. |
| Hiking can play a valuable role in keeping your | | | | Wear gloves to keep your palms from getting |
| muscles healthy and strong, the same muscles | | | | blistered all over from holding onto you hiking |
| that you need for skiing. Now how would you | | | | poles. Don't forget also to tie your boot laces tight |
| develop those muscles? Go up. Include hills into | | | | and short. A big loop from your shoelace could |
| your hiking itinerary as much as possible. Start | | | | and will get caught on something, probably |
| slowly, but do more intense uphill hikes as the | | | | resulting in a nasty fall. And with that in mind, bring |
| summer draws to a close. Gradually increasing | | | | along a first-aid kit and a multi-purpose tool, like a |
| your effort will surely pay off the next time you | | | | Swiss knife or something similar. |
| visit your favorite ski resort. | | | | Look for good uphill hiking trails in your area, or |
| When hiking uphill, though, remember to take | | | | ask your local tourism department for assistance |
| short steps. Try to keep your weight even and | | | | in finding good places. Keep in mind that your goal |
| don't lean into the hill too much. When going | | | | is to build up your muscles for the great skiing |
| downhill, be careful not to lean backwards too far, | | | | ahead. So go out, find that hill, start hiking and |
| or you'll end up falling on your rear end. This is | | | | think snow! |
| especially true on wet terrain, so be careful. | | | | Want to find out about volleyball fundamentals |
| Remember that your goal in hiking is to workout | | | | and volleyball passing drills? Get tips from the |
| your core and leg muscles for skiing. So if you | | | | Volleyball Drills website. |
| can hike around in a ski resort, so much the | | | | |