Monday 22 January 2018

5 Skiing/Snowboarding Tips for your Leg and Foot Health

Maybe you are a snowboarder or skier: you slide downhill at breakneck speed over fresh snow under a clear, blue sky! Is there anything to beat that exhilarating adrenaline-pumping moment?

However, if you want to enjoy your favorite sport to the fullest, the safest way, you have to keep your legs and feet strong and healthy to avoid stress and more importantly injuries. Here are five tips that would help you achieve it.

Image courtesy: https://www.pexels.com/photo/man-snowboarding-during-daytime-209817/


1 Choosing the right boots

Every foot is unique: you need to find boots for skiing or snowboarding that offer you the perfect fit. If you are unsure about which boot is the ideal match for your ability and your feet, seek advice from a technician who is familiar with such things.

Every foot is unique: you need to find boots for skiing or snowboarding that offer you the perfect fit. If you are unsure about which boot is the ideal match for your ability and your feet, seek advice from a technician who is familiar with such things.

2 Using appropriate equipment

For the sake of saving a few dollars, do not continue to use your old boots or equipment for another year; do not hesitate to buy appropriate new boots, boards, bindings etc. Remember – using faulty/worn out equipment can cause discomfort and may even trigger injuries, thus robbing you of the pleasure of snowboarding or skiing. It would be better to rent modern updated versions than risk your leg and foot health by using the outdated gear.

3 Warming up properly

In your rush to slide down that steepest slope or catch the first lift to the mountain’s apex, you may often neglect the warm-up run. It’s necessary for your legs, feet, quads and hips, to warm up properly; it would boost blood flow, stretch your muscles, and make them ready for action. You will thus be able to find the ideal rhythm to enjoy skiing or snowboarding to the fullest.

4 Taking precautions to avoid frostbite

Frostbite is an injury caused when your body tissues and skin become exposed to extreme cold and begin to freeze. Perhaps you are unaware that even when your feet and toes are well covered in socks, they can suffer frostbite.

Whether you are a skier or snowboarder, the best way to steer clear of frostbite is to avoid staying outdoors for long periods, especially when you notice that the weather is bitingly cold. Additionally, you should always wear proper socks and other necessary clothing to beat the chill. It’s equally important to ensure that your boots and socks aren’t so excessively tight that blood circulation is restricted.

5 Following posted signage and official trails

You should never ever take risks that you will regret later for example, going off the beaten path, especially when you are alone, or going out of patrolled areas. It’s always wise to follow posted signage and orders of mountain/resort patrollers. Skiers or snowboarders in these areas will be safe in the hands of mountain patrollers in case of emergencies.

Let not foot and leg injuries deter you from enjoying this skiing and snowboarding season. Remember these tips to make the most of your favorite activity.