Off season training

[Sparky]

This actually is a skiing related question even though it involves an off season sport. I have been using rollerblading in the off season for aerobic training as well as for ski technique training. I have read a few articles on this activity, but I would really like to hear from anyone who has actually done this. If you found it beneficial, or not, was there anything that you found it particularly helpful with etc.

[pizza]

For me, all I have to do is lose weight and I'll automatically become a 100% better skier. So my training this summer is focused on that goal - and the most effective exercise is running.

I tried rollerblading, couldn't get the hang of it - and I was avoiding the real issue.

[Talisman]

I think roller blading is great cross training for skiing as it gives the legs a work out and has a large balance component. I don't have a place to roller blade near me, so I don't blade as much as I should.

I also do a major amount of mtn biking which is great balance training, helps with leg conditioning and 'seeing the line' which few other sports besides skiing require. The gym for weights and CV training rounds out my off season work outs.

[awf170]

i love "carving" on rollerblades, you start take nice wide turns back and forth without lifting your feet up, killer workout

[dmc]

I mountain bike, trail run and swim...
But not to get into shape... Cause they're fun...

[Rushski]

Rollerblading is fine if you keep it interesting - varied terrain, uphill, downhill. But, personally find that blading the flats (Rail Trails and the like) is barely a workout. Maybe because they are nearly flat and straight.

Talisman is right about MTN biking. Trail running was also mentioned before and definitely agree with that as it is all about monitoring/adapting to the terrain.

Unfortunately for me. my off-season conditioning program consists of watching TV, surfing web, and sitting on my ass at work even more than usual. Fully tore my Achilles in late March playing in a Vball tourney and had surgery at the beginning of Summer. Once this damn cast is off, I will be raring to do everything physical. Have been lazy too long...

[stomachdoc]

Love to rollerblade; it takes a bit of practice. I do some skate skiing as well during the winter and I think that there are more parallells between rollerblading and nordic/skate then there are between rollerblading and downhill.

My main summer sport is road biking, with a bit of mountain biking thrown in when I'm up in NH.

[Charlie Schuessler]

Mostly I bicycle 4-6 times a week, amounting to 75-100 road miles and 30-45 mountain bike miles weekly...I haven't used my roller blades in 9-10 years, I should break them out this weekend for the hell of it...

And my wife & I trail hike when ever we can...

[smootharc]

.....great stuff for skiing.

You might try a longer pair of poles (due to height of foot in blades vs. foot in ski boot) with a round wad of duct tape on the bottom....helps simulate skiing, and adds some upper body conditioning.

Used to blade like a demon....downhill carving....but a local state park finally freaked and banned us. It can definitely be done for a great workout, and great ski simulation.

[loafer89]

I was curious to know if anyone else finds that they maintain or lose weight in the winter time while skiing.

I am thin for my height as I am 5' 11" and weigh 154lbs. But I seem to gain weight in the summer and lose some in the winter.

I only participate in downhill skiing, but I think that one burns quite alot of calories doing this??