Fitness regime helps winter sports fans get on the piste

Winter sports fans who are heading off to the slopes this ski season have been urged to get fit for the pistes at a leading West health and fitness club.

With skiers and snowboarders getting ready to head off in search of downhill thrills theclub at DoubleTree by Hilton, Cadbury House in Congresbury has devised a series of  fitness programmes designed to tone legs, tums and bums ready for the slopes.

Jason Eaton, manager at theclub said the new 'Get Fit to Ski' programmes are designed to prepare key muscle groups and joints ready for high impact winter sports.

He said: "While many enthusiastic skiers will have kept themselves reasonably fit, but downhill skiing and snowboarding requires a specific set of body skills and impacts on entirely different muscle groups than jogging or swimming for instance.

"Simply turning up at a resort and expecting to pick up where you left off last year could result in strains and injuries and will almost certainly restrict enjoyment of your skiing holiday."

With thousands of Brits poised to head off for the Alps or North American resorts Jason said the 'Get Fit to Ski' had been designed by skiers for skiers and represented the ultimate pre-piste exercise regime.

He said: "Skiing is a very physical sport especially on the legs, knees and hips so the more you prepare the more you'll get out of it. We've devised a series of programmes suitable for beginners through to advanced skiers."

Jason said cycling, running, swimming and skipping were good for cardiovascular fitness and training programmes should include at least 20  minutes of aerobic work at least twice a week.

The arrival of four new Power Plate vibration training machines will also help those jetting off get the best possible preparation.

He added: "While we're not trying to turn keen ski and snowboarders into the next Didier Cuche, Bode Miller or Hermann 'The Herminator' Maier we do advise some concentrated leg, back, stomach and shoulder workouts and have devised a series of dedicated exercise routines to address the specific muscle groups required so you can get the most from your hard-earned break."

For further information call 01934 834343 or visit www.theclubandspabristol.co.uk