So how's it going with that fitness routine?
New Year is usually the time when people start thinking about their waistlines and fitness. It's the time when diet and fitness books fly off the shelves as everyone wants to lose the extra pounds gained over Christmas. This year, with most of us being credit crunched, gym memberships could be one of those "luxuries" to fall by the wayside - so the Coolboard can be a great home fitness tool. Take a look at some of the Coolboard benefits, and you'll see that when used correctly it can be far more than a simple balance tool.
Ok so here's the next set of exercises in the Coolboard snow fitness programme. Exercises have been devised by Adam Powell of Powell Fitness.
4. Single leg balance. (Ski specific):
Turn the board length ways and place your foot in the centre of the Coolboard. Do this exercise next to a solid object you can hold yourself up with e.g. wall, staircase etc.
If the Coolboard is under your left foot slowly transfer your weight into your left leg and lift your right foot off the floor. Just staying on the Coolboard for a short period of time will fatigue your leg and try to work up to doing it without holding onto an object or stabilising yourself against the wall.
Aim for increasing your time holding the balance.
Advanced option: Single leg balance progressing to squats. This exercise is very advanced so take care and go slow!
5. Board hop over:
Turn the Coolboard lengthways and place it on the floor without the ball. Stand to one side of the Coolboard with your feet together. Now bend your knees into a half squat position then jump up and over the Coolboard landing in the same position on the other side.
Make sure when you land you flex your knees to soak up the impact and to protect your knees and back.
The key to this exercise is to be precise on landing, spring up using your calves staying on your toes and keep your knees flexed slightly at all times and keep your feet together, imagine someone has wrapped tape around your legs.
Aim for a smooth transition over the Coolboard and come straight back so no stopping at each side. Progression can be either reps or time.
If you would like to know more about CoolBoard, click here, http://www.coolboard.co.uk, and if you would like to arrange a training session with Adam, call 07917 765372 or visit http://www.powellfitness.co.uk . Adam can train you in person at home or at his Fitness Studio if you’re local, or arrange a long distance training program.
