Down but NOT out!

Hey All...Been a long time since my last post. I've had to go under the knife for a herniated disc in my back that has been rendering me useless for some time. I haven't been able to create/shoot any new material for you guys and its gonna be about another month or so until I can get some "freshie" footage out there to... you.

While recovering, I've had plenty of time to brainstorm and get plenty of ideas to help all of us prepare for the next season of riding. In the meantime, I could use your help in "spreading the word" about this page. I'm looking to get this to be a community of snowboarders who love to ride and share their experiences with everyone. My contribution will be to provide movement based exercises that will help us enjoy the turn for years to come (things change when you have back surgery). In addition, I would hope to be able to help facilitate any and all discussions. So please, help spread the love and and lets grow this community together!

So, my apologies for the lack of activity (pun completely not intended), I WISH I could have moved more, trust me! Below is a link to some pow pow riding to make you salivate a little ;)

Alex aka "SNOtrainer"

Dangerzone Season 2 Episode 19 - "The Pow" from Nick Visconti on Vimeo.

Balance Awareness Exercises for Snowboarders

During my Olympic spectating, I saw Graham Wantanabe interview about some of his training. The clip showed him running across the gym and jumping up onto a "swiss ball." While his stunt was impressive, it is also somewhat of a circus act.

About 10 years ago or so, a number of balance tools starting coming onto the scene with the growing interest of functional training. At the time, the more "wild" and "crazy" the exercises....the better it was ASSUMED to be. On a quest to create "functional" conditioning programs that would enhance someones performance or function, some of these exercises would in fact create the exact opposite - dysfunction!

So this video clip is meant to serve as a regression of Mr. Wantanabe's rendition to help create a few steps that could be taken before you attempt any leaps onto a ball (which I know someone WILL try after seeing him do it).

Either way, have fun and be safe!

SNOtrainer

Core Training Series for Skiers and Snowboarders

Time is something that many of us don't have in abundance. So if you are in a time crunch for a workout (raise your hand if thats you!)...not a problem! Bundle a bunch of exercises together WITHOUT resting and get the benefits that individual exercises alone cannot even compare to. If fact, you can kill many birds with one stone by formatting all of your workouts with a "no rest" policy (you can rest when you're done working out). By doing something like this, you can get benefits of mobility, strength, endurance, balance, power, agility just to name a few....NOT BAD HUH?

Give this sequence a try and we'll see you next time.

SNOtrainer

MORE Core Training for Skiers and Snowboarders

Rotation is widely used in ALL human movement. The slopes are no exception to all skiers and snowboarders, regardless of your level.Help your body rotate better (or prevent rotation) with a concept I call "ANTI-Rotation."

Think about all the times your body rotates (or resists rotation) when you are our on the slopes. Whether your are a freestyler, racer, freerider or a cruiser - your torso MUST be active in the rotation department as it is an essential function of the human body.

So train the most neglected plane (which is linked to the common plane of injuries) and reap the rewards next time you head out.

*NOTE: Can be done with the help of a band, cable or even a partner!

SNOtrainer

Core Training for Skiers and Snowboarders

Whether you ride on ONE plank or TWO, your core is one of the main pilots in helping you navigate your way down the mountain. The common denominator that we all share is that our core is vital for us to performa at our best when we are rippin' down the slopes...IT DOESN'T MATTER whether you are a skier or a snowboarder. With the core being the "main hub" for the rest of our body, nurishing it with the appropriate exercises will ensure that is will help you on your journey down the mountain.

Regardless of your abilities when you "click in" or "strap on," look for improvements in stability, control and power which in turn, will rev up your "on the snow" performance.

*NOTE: Sliders are "furniture movers" from HOME DEPOT or you can do them on hardwood floors with a nice pair of thick socks (and some pledge).

SNOtrainer

Snowboarder's Plyometrics - Nose and Tail Presses onto a Box

Starting with a few basics, here are a few presses for you to throw into you arsenal. Great way to get started if you are looking to stomp these for the first time or add more complex variations if you are a seasoned veteran looking to up your game.

Perfect way to teach your body single leg deceleration, balance and control. Try it our in a dryland setting then take it to the slopes when your body (and mind) is ready.

SNOtrainer

Snowboarder's Plyometrics - "Shifty"

Here is a great exercise to learn or practice doing a "shifty in a dryland setting. The use of counter-rotation is what allows you to twist your body when you are in the air and then untwist and ride away in the same direction that you took off from.

Teach your entire body (it is a FULL body response) how to counter-rotate as it is a fundamental movement that is required throughout all the disciplines of snowboarding. Not to mention, it is a part of human locomotion. So practice this movement, get comfortable doing it then locomote yourself to your favorite mountain and shifty away!

SNOtrainer

Snowboarder's Plyometrics for Jibbing!

A foundational start to teach your body (neurological, mechanical and mental too!) how to land onto a feature by decelerating, balancing and stabilizing in a dryland setting. Frontside rotations are illustrated but don't forget to systematically perform the backside variations. Come up with your own variations of tricks you are looking to stomp in the future and practice them before you are strapped in!

Have Fun!

SNOtrainer