The ultimate Ski Trip Fitness guide

Sandy-Ski

Preparing for the slopes- TruBe Trainer Sandy Rowe

If you’ve never had the opportunity to ski, you’re in for a treat! 

Skiing is a great workout on your whole body, which also requires good mobility. A pair of ski boots weights between 3-5kg and that’s just moving around the resort. Add in the g-forces as you ski and you’ll need to make sure your legs are prepped for anything you decide to throw at them.

To start with I’ll use low weights and focus on stability within the joints. As your strength improves, so will the weights that you use. Your body will adjust to the load, so that by the time you reach the slopes, you’ll be ready for anything your instructor throws at you. Be that your first green run, progressing to a blue, red or even black run and maybe a few moguls added in for good measure!

At the end of every session I spend at least 10 minutes stretching. This maintains (and can improve your mobility), ensures that you flush out toxins from the body and leaves you feeling relaxed and refreshed from a workout. You can also have a chat to me about sports massage and how this would work for you before and during your time in the mountains.

If you do more than one discipline, please can break them down. As we may split the content depending on the discipline.

If you’re a regular skier, you’ll already know what ‘the burn’ feels like. Usually on the quads, glutes and core, especially if you’re travelling at speed and like to feel the grip on the slopes.

You want to make the most of your time on the slopes (and make it to après ski afterwards!), so it’s critical that you have the leg endurance to last the course of the day. If you’re anything like me, performance is everything when skiing and your body must be strong. The forces applied to your body through each turn, mean that lateral (sideways), rotational and forward focused exercises are key. Taking the body through the whole range of movement available allows your body to move in a similar way while skiing. If you’re looking to euro-carve on the slopes, you’ll need this!

By strengthening the core, this will stop you collapsing at the bottom of the turn and be able to spring into the next turn. The strength you’ll have built in your legs will propel you down the slopes like a gazelle and you’ll feel energised at the end of the day.

Ski Ski Ski Ski Ski Ski

I’d recommend at least 4 weeks of training prior to your ski trip, with 2 sessions per week. During week 1 your body will get prepped for exercise (there may be a little muscle soreness). Weeks 2-3 you’ll build on the strength from week 1 and start to see improvements in not only strength, but also flexibility. Week 4 you’ll test your strength, consolidate your skills from the first 3 weeks, mobilise and taper ready for your holiday.

All about the glutes

It’s often said that we do too much sitting, reducing the mobility and strength of this muscle. This can be seen when skiing. If you struggle to grip the ski on the snow, or your knees knock together during the turn, it’s highly likely that the glutes are causing the issue.

Test your reactions

If you’re skiing through moguls, trees or even negotiating a narrower slope, you’ll need to have good reaction times so you can turn as you need. It’s often very busy on the slopes and good reactions can be the difference between staying on your feet and going down.

Balance is key

Walking around with an extra 2kg attached to your feet can offset your balance. Add on the weight of a ski and binding, and you’re looking at 4kg per ski. Add in speed, obstacles (and by that I mean other skiers) and steeps and you need to make sure that under weight, you have the strength to maintain your balance and separate upper from lower body movements.

Rotational movement

Two of the key areas I work on with skiers are separation and pivoting. Both of these movements come from the hip and revolve around hip mobility, leg and core strength. These are often overlooked when prepping for skiing in favour of squats and lunges.

Ski Ski Ski Ski Ski Ski

How to recover

At least 500ml of water prior to an après beer. It’s often difficult to stop for long periods of time in the mountains, however, at altitude humans lose a greater percentage of hydration. If you are 1-2% dehydrated, your performance decreases by up to 25%. Therefore, while you’re ordering that first beer or mulled wine, ask for a glass of water at the same time.

A minimum of 10 minutes stretching every day. This will maintain the length of your muscles and make you feel less sore the following day.

A good sports massage through the legs. There really is nothing quite like the new leg feeling after a good sports massage. Your legs will be thankful for it the following day. Look at getting this half way through your week or immediately after your trip.

A rest day. This isn’t always possible for everyone, however, half way through the week, think about potentially having a rest day. Trust me, this is easier said than done (and make sure it’s not on the day the new powder lands!), however, your body will thank you for it.

Reduce the risk of injury

Sleep is when our bodies recover from the daily activity, so aim for at least 8 hours of quality sleep every night. By getting in 8 hours of sleep, you’ll avoid stiff and sore muscles, which don’t react as well and can increase your risk of injury.

I know this is a holiday and you want to enjoy it, however, think about keeping your alcohol intake to 1-2 glasses per day. Alcohol is more potent at altitude, inhibits REM sleep (which is the restful part) and also inhibits muscle growth. It can also give you a really sore head the next day, which isn’t much fun on a ski holiday!

Nutritional advice


Food in the mountains is notoriously nutritiously poor. I’m thinking tartiflette, pizza, cheese, red meat, wine, beer and the list continues. Before you go, think about upping your vegetable intake to help offset the lack of nutritious food available. Similarly, when you return, try to eat a more balanced diet with good vegetables, fruits, white fish and white meat to offset the fat content.

Mountain life usually involves a fair bit of saturated fat (cheese, meat, butter, croissants), so opt for porridge in the mornings. Oats help lower your cholesterol levels (produced by eating saturated fat) and will help keep you on an even kilter. They are also very filling and should keep you going until lunch time calls. Buy fruit at your local supermarket in the mountain and use these as your snacks throughout the day. I’m a big fan of apples and clementines, although the later do tend to get a little squashed throughout the day!

I burn approximately 2,500 calories per day in the mountains. This is approx. 2-300 calories less than I would if I was working as a trainer every day (I’m on my feet all day!), but 6-700 more than if I was sat at a desk every day (that’s a non-training day). So you may need to make sure you have enough fuel with your while you’re travelling around the mountain. Having a few snacks and some water will mean you’re always in a good frame of mind to make those quick reaction decisions. If you’re only out for half the day, this doesn’t mean you can over indulge!

Start your preparation

Book a ski inspired workout with one of our top personal trainers! One-to-one sessions will help transform you in a matter of weeks. Click here to start your journey.

You are ready to ski. Enjoy!

Nutrition and fitness during the holidays

TruBe Trainer
The holiday season has landed and with Christmas around the corner, it’s certainly the most wonderful time of the year.
Winter, when the parties are in full swing, a chill is in the air and mulled wine and mince pies are in never ending supply, it’s no wonder many people are easily sidetracked from their fitness and nutrition goals. By the time January rolls around, that all too familiar sluggish feeling and few extra pounds hits us like a ton of bricks.This is one of many reasons not to toss away the daily routine in favour of overindulging. Maintaining a regular schedule will not only keep you on the straight and narrow, but, as mountains of research has revealed, will help promote optimal equilibrium in the mind and body. With a change of mindset, we can look at the holidays as a welcome opportunity to spend time on your personal goals.

Here are a few tips to keep in mind during the holidays:

 

Set boundaries, and stick to them.

The holidays may be an excuse to have fun, but they shouldn’t be an excuse to let the diet pendulum to the extreme. Setting goals, writing them down and visualising your boundaries, especially during difficult situations where food is in copious amounts, is vital for keeping our calories intake under control. Perhaps it’s avoiding sweet trays at Christmas parties, skipping alcohol on nights out or adding an additional training session to your workouts – your goal is to practice self-discipline and meet your self-expectations. That feeling of achievement is worth it every time.

On the subject of alcohol…

It’s a time to be merry and celebrate the festivities whilst being mindful of the effects of consuming high volumes of alcohol. With one large glass of wine amounting to 185 calories and a pint of beer at over 200 calories, a few drinks go a long way in contributing to the daily calorie intake. Worst of all, studies have shown the possible added side effect of increased appetite and cravings from alcoholic beverages. Avoid the downward spiral by reining in the drinking and soaking up the festive fun and spirit instead.

Maintain an exercise schedule.

During the holidays, with more time on our hands, there is a tendency to move less and lounge more, resulting in fatigue. Combat this by making a conscious effort to move the body more throughout the day. TruBe trainers remain and the great outdoors awaits, so breathe in the fresh air as you are guided towards your goals with simple movements inspired by all things festive.

Crunched for time? Try this no equipment, no fuss, at-home 30 minute workout to fire up the muscles and get the heart rate up.

HIIT (3 rounds, 40 seconds on/20 seconds off)

  • Burpees
  • Mountain climbers
  • Alternating lunge kicks
  • Push ups with shoulder taps
  • Jump squats

Conditioning (3 rounds)

  • 25 squats
  • 30 alternating back lunges
  • 30 plank taps (tap the hand one at a time in front)
  • 20 tricep dips
  • 30 courtesy lunges

Core focus (3 rounds)

  • 30 oblique twists
  • 20 alternating single leg raises
  • 40 second forearm plank
Key tip – spend 5 minutes on dynamic stretching and a cool down incorporating static stretches.


It’s not all or nothing

We have all been there – breakfast starts off well but then things goes awry by lunch, and so follows an unhealthy pattern for the remainder of the day. Kick this vicious cycle to the curb by remembering there is leeway in our daily food intake, where we can and should savour a treat now and again. When it comes to diet, veering off course is part of the journey. Get back on track by preparing a healthy meal for dinner. The golden rule to remember during this time of year is eat until you are satisfied, not stuffed.

Drink more water

Healthy skin, improved digestion, blood pressure regulation and a host of other benefits arise from the simple act of drinking water. Just a 2% decrease in the body’s water balance can bring about an onset of unpleasant symptoms from dehydration. It’s especially true during the holidays when we are more likely to overload our bodies with excess sugar and alcohol. Keep the system moving, the mind sharp, and ward off those pesky headaches by guzzling least two litres of water daily, as recommended by the Eatwell Guide UK.

Practice mindfulness

The holidays are a busy, hectic and somewhat stressful period, where jam packed schedules and a lack of routine can overwhelm. Take a few minutes every morning and once throughout the day to practice mindfulness and self-compassion, which helps to keep everything at balance. At its core, the holidays are a time for spending with loved ones, giving back to others and celebrating the true essence of Christmas.

Enjoy all that it brings as you gear up for a successful 2020 ahead

Happy holidays!

With thanks to, TruBe Trainer: Leoni J., level 3 personal trainer, specialising with clients new to fitness.

TruBe Trainer

 

Top 5 Reasons To Go On A Fitness Retreat

Our personal trainers have officially arrived at the beautiful Villa Lena for a July fitness retreat! If you’ve never heard of Villa Lena, you are in for a treat. Located in Tuscany, this hotel is a dream escape from your daily life. 

In honour of this retreat, we invite you to imagine a holiday where you are able to focus solely on your personal health and fitness goals in a beautiful destination surrounded by nature whilst being taught by the best fitness instructors from around the world. If this concept sounds intriguing to you, then a fitness retreat is the perfect place for you. Fitness retreats are an amazing way to focus on your well-being, and they create a healthy environment full of possibilities. 

If you’re looking to transform your 2018 in a healthy way, then a fitness retreat is for you.

There are countless benefits and reasons to go on a fitness retreat, but we’ve narrowed it down to a unique five. So, let’s escape!

Breathtaking Views

Surround yourself with nature, whether that be on the beach, or in the countryside. We encourage you to release your inner child as you breathe in air that is as fresh as a budding flower. Conquer the waves, fly through the trees and push your limits with a variety of activities such as hiking, kayaking, and even zip-lining. Experience the most beautiful sunsets whilst running along the beach and setting individual goals for yourself. These activities not only encourage you to embrace the outdoors, but they help build your confidence and get you outside of your comfort zone by not only working individually, but working with a team. Great for building on your social skills!

Always Inspired

“Fall in love with taking care of your body.” 

Inspiration surrounds you on a fitness retreat. Immerse yourself in workouts from around the globe, complimented with detoxing, cleansing and healthy food tips. You will have mind opening experiences with highly qualified personal trainers, fitness instructors and therapists. Enjoy a mix of individual sessions and group sessions, designed to inspire you and help you learn the best techniques to transfer energy in a healthy way, delivered from trainers who are truly passionate about their art. Set new goals and exceed your current ones, helping you understand your body and its needs.

Out of your Comfort Zone

Going on a fitness retreat is the perfect way to let go and embrace change, softly pushing you out of your comfort zone. A fitness retreat helps you change up your daily routine, whether that’s your normal fitness regime, the foods you usually eat, or your environment. Change can be intimidating at first but trying new things is healthy for your soul, and we can personally guarantee that you will be supported every step of the way!  

Relaxation

Not only will you be working out daily and pushing your body to new limits, but you will be able to treat yourself to luxury spa treatments and daily massages. This will help your body relax and recover, helping you reach your full potential. If you have any worries or concerns when it comes to your body, you will be able to address them and get them worked out, leaving you feeling revitalised. Daily relaxation not only helps prevent future athletic injuries but helps align your body and soul in perfect harmony!

Food Tailored to You

It’s all about healthy living when you go on your fitness retreat, even down to what you eat. Upon arrival, you will meet with a nutritionist to decide on the best meal plan which is tailored to your body. You are invited to participate in workshops that will teach you how to eat a plentiful, well balanced and healthy meal, all of which you can enjoy in the comfort of your own home upon your return. Learning about the right foods will benefit not only your body but help boost your mood and energy levels.

Like the sound of a fitness retreat? Experience one for yourself! If you are not sure where your first fitness retreat should be, we have got you covered. If you’re craving a break from city life in a location that is so idyllic you will never want to leave, then the following experience is a match made in heaven. As part of the TruBe community, we would like to reward you for all your hard work with 15% off your July stay at Villa Lena.

Located in the heart of Tuscany, Villa Lena is passionate about creating an environment where guests and artists from different backgrounds can come together to relax, create and be inspired. Enjoy 15% off your stay in July when you download the TruBe App and make sure to mention TruBe when completing your booking!

Your TruBe Team 

Fitness Away From Home

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Here’s something different that you might not have heard of… “Fitness Holidays”.

Most people would separate the two concepts “holiday” and “fitness” but we like the idea of combining them, because what’s better than working out whilst working on your tan on a tropical island halfway across the world? Does the idea of escaping from the everyday working life in rainy London to the luscious Ibiza or Bali sound up your street? Well, if you’re #fit, #fun and #fantastic then this is a holiday made for you.

Spain – Fitness Training

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Take a week off work and fly down to sunny southern Spain for an energising fitness programme based in a small boutique hotel. The 6 nights include healthy nutritional diets, personal training sessions, fitness classes such as pilates and yoga as well as spa treatments and other luxury options!

Return home fitter, healthier and worked out.

Bali – Fitness Boot Camp

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Always fancied heading out to Southeast Asia? Here you can head off to Bali, home to one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, soak up the Asian sun and indulge in a fitness boot camp for just £449pp. Getting fit and healthy abroad is the perfect remedy for forgetting about your working life and busy schedule back home just for a week or two.

Eat. Sleep. Workout. Repeat.

Kenya – Go Wild In Kenya

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Jet off to Kenya in Africa for a once-in-a-lifetime fitness trip. This 9-day programme strips you back to the fundamentals of health and fitness with outdoor training sessions and guidance on nutrition. You will incorporate boxing on the beach, countryside walks and running routes through local villages along with many other treats!

Get. Fit. On. Holiday.

Ibiza – [Re]treat Yourself to Yoga

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Enjoy sweet-soul music whilst drinking icy cocktails in a yoga beach house. Your day will start with a morning yoga practice focusing on intense rib locks, foot positioning and spiralling your limbs and hips. Throughout the day you will have the option of meditation and silent walks as well as practising poses on the beach with a partner. You will stay in a beautiful hotel overlooking the sea which comes with a swimming pool, divine massages and bicycles to rent. Perfect for newbies, pregnant women or someone who just loves yoga!

Following your amazing fitness holiday, TruBe are here to carry on your fitness journey during your busy lifestyle. So download our app and book your sessions in advance giving you something to look forward to when you’re back.

How I beat my Personal Best at the Royal Parks Half Marathon, by Tashi Skervin-Clarke

Tashi Skervin-Clarke at Royal Parks Half Marathon 2017

The Royal Parks Half Marathon is one of the major highlights in every runner’s race calendar. It’s a flat and fast course with a huge crowd turnout, which means that at the Royal Parks Half Marathon, you’re almost guaranteed to run a PB. I ran my first ever half marathon last year at the Royal Parks and got my PB at another race earlier this year but I felt like I still had more to give. So I turned to TruBe on a quest to run a sub 1:40 minute half marathon and achieve a new personal best.

When it comes to running, I am actually quite disciplined in the sense that I can do the miles that my body needs to do and I lift weights to ensure my body is strong, but what I struggle with is getting in all of the other sessions that will help me become a better runner. Like yoga and pretty much any form of stretching. This in turn has limited my mobility and I have the tightest hamstrings in the world! This flagged up in a running assessment that I recently did so I knew that if I was going to run a half marathon PB, something had got to change. I needed to improve my mobility and flexibility as this in turn would improve my running efficiency.

Tashi Skervin-Clarke training in studio

What I love about TruBe is that along with their yoga and Pilates workouts, they also have stretching sessions which can be booked too! This meant that I was able to dedicate entire sessions to stretching out the muscles I use the most during running and I also learned which stretches worked best too. Long gone are the days where I considered touching my toes as the only hamstring stretch I needed! I now regularly perform what has been dubbed The World’s Greatest stretch (because it is) before runs and I have also added moves such as bear crawls and walk outs to my pre-running routine. It might sound strange stretching before a run but these stretches help to improve your mobility and essentially wake your muscles up so that when you actually start running, your body is ready.

Tashi Skervin-Clarke weight training for Royal Parks Half Marathon

Believe it or not, I didn’t even increase my mileage in the lead up to the Royal Parks Half. I continued with my usual workouts and runs. And instead of clocking up the miles as a bid to run faster, I started focusing on using mobility to get my body in PB shape.

Before I knew it, race day arrived and I crossed the finish line in 1:38. A 2 minute PB and well under my goal of running a sub 1:40 half marathon.

If you’re looking to run your first half or full marathon or even a 10km, make sure you have a good stretch and mobility routine in place. It’s something I completely overlooked and if you don’t know how to stretch or improve your mobility, book a session on TruBe to find out how. Your session will be completely tailored to your needs and you’ll walk away with exercises that you can do on a daily basis to help improve your running.

Download the TruBe app and take a look at the website.