Types of Stretches for Snowboarding

Dynamic Flexibility Warmups for Snowboarding

People once thought that static stretching was the best type of warmup. Times have changed, and we now know that preactivity static stretching can cause injury. Here's why: Static stretching lengthens and thus temporarily weakens the muscles. Think of a rubber band. If you stretch it too far, it will eventually tear. The same applies to your muscles. If they are overstretched prior to riding, as soon as you dynamically contract your muscles, they could tear. Sports medicine experts now suggest that people perform dynamic flexibility workouts prior to athletic activity. These may include knee lifts, leg kicks, torso rotations and shoulder rolls.

Postride Hip Flexor and Quad Stretch for Snowboarding

After your ride, you will probably notice that your hip flexors, which connect your thighs to your pelvis, are rather tight. Since tight hip flexors affect your ability to walk properly, it behooves you to stretch them out. From a standing position, lift one leg and bend the knee. Hold on to your ankle, and pull the leg backward. In other words, the knee of the working leg should be behind the knee of your standing leg. Hold the stretch for about 30 seconds, and then switch legs.

Upper Body Stretches

You can perform this stretch during apres ski. Find the back of a chair. Place both hands on the top of the chair, and then step back until both arms are straight. Your back should be flat and parallel to the ceiling. Drop one arm toward the floor. Hold the stretch for about 30 seconds, and then switch sides.

Foam Roller Stretches for Snowboarders

A Styrofoam roller is a rider's best friend. These long, white cylinders combine flexibility with massage. You lie on the roller, and roll down until you find a tight spot. Then, let your body weight sink into the roller. Hold the stretch until you feel a 75 percent decrease in tension.