Five U.S. Ski Team Exercises

Sure, it’s January, but it’s not too late the get in shape for the steeps. In fact, it never is. Here, according to U.S. Ski Team athletes Grete Eliassen and Heather McPhie, are five ways to do that. And no, they are not easy.

1. Band Walks: With a mini-band wrapped around your ankles, turn your knees out and take a big sideways step followed by a halfway step with the other foot. Then do it again, and again. Twenty steps in each direction is a good start.
2. Back Extension and Dumbbell Row: Lying face down on a bench, squeeze your shoulder blades and bring the dumbbells up to your sides, then lowers them. Do it again. And again.
3. Weighted Box Squats: Standing in front of a box, lower yourself to the box using only one leg. Keep your head up and push through your heels. Do it again.
4. Overhead Medicine Ball Throws: From a standing position, squat down and lower a six pound ball between your legs. Throw the ball up as hard as you can, using a jump to propel it. Do it again.
5. Lateral Box Jumps: Jump up onto a box and jump down on the other side. Repeat, but in the opposite direction.  Do it as fast as you can for 30 seconds.

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