With less than a dozen weeks until the end of the year, the winter and cold weather sports season will be here before we know it. Before you hit the slopes or glide across the ice rink, make sure you’re in performance shape not only to crush the competition, but also to prevent injury and maintain muscle health.
With 25.1 million Americans ages 6 and older participating in some sort of winter sports activity during the 2019/2020 season, it’s clear that the cold weather is a popular time to get outside.
Train for these unique conditions with resistance-based exercises and stretches.
Warm Up
The benefits of stretching are virtually endless, with advantages in performing routines both before and after activity. Stretching during colder weather is vital in building muscle warmth and elasticity, decreasing your risk of injury. In sports like downhill or mogul skiing where there is repetitive impact on the knees and hips, the StrechCordz® Stretch Strap is perfect for warming up those lower body joints and muscles. Use it on the ball of your foot to warm up your calves, or find a more active stretch by laying on your back and extending your leg up towards the ceiling. Place the strap around your foot, keeping part of it in your hand. Slowly carry your leg out to the side and back across your body, repeating several times.
Build Strength
For ice-related sports like figure and speed skating, or hockey where speed and strength is important, athletes can practice off the rink with the TurfCordz® Ankle Cordz. By performing speed skater exercises with resistance, your muscles will condition to explode faster and stronger when you return to the ice. Try changing the level of resistance between the silver (3 – 8lbs of resistance) and yellow (5 – 15lbs of resistance) tubes to keep your muscles guessing.
Smarter Rehabilitation
In the event of a fall or head or neck injury, careful rehabilitation under the guidance of a doctor or medical professional may be required. The MediCordz® Headset Kit will help you build strength, maintain or improve range of motion through forward and lateral flexion, extension and rotation exercises. With four different attachment points and 1.5 – 4.5lbs of resistance, this versatile tool will help you get back to your routine quicker.
Resistance products can make a great gift for the athlete in your life, whether their practice is on the hobby or Olympic level, and everywhere in between. At NZ Manufacturing, we’re committed to manufacturing high-quality, US made products to meet your needs. Visit our website to learn more about the quality of our products and see all that we offer.
