Dryland Training Tips for Nordic Skiing

Unlike lift-serviced alpine skiing, Nordic skiing requires you to "earn your turns." This means that you need to be able to climb the hills. As such, it is far more aerobic than alpine skiing, since you are in a constant state of motion. Additionally, while Nordic skiing has balance requirements that are similar to alpine, it uses much more upper body strength. This means that your Nordic dryland training program should combine aerobic exercise, balance conditioning and upper and lower body strength training.

Skating

Inline skating bears a close resemblance to Nordic skiing. There are even ski-specific skate programs.

Slide Boards and Gliding Disks

Slide boards and gliding disks can be used to mimic the actions of Nordic skiing. if you don't have a board or a set of disks, two paper plates on a newly-waxed floor will do the trick.

Resistance Bands

Unlike weights, resistance bands give you resistance in both directions of the movement. They can easily be used to mimic the upper body movements of Nordic skiing.

Hiking

Practice hiking uphill to improve glute strength and aerobic endurance.

Flexibility

Hip flexor flexibility is crucial for Nordic skiing. Foam roller flexibility is ideal for this purpose.

Resources

Nordic Dryland Training

Article Written By Lisa Mercer

In 1999, Lisa Mercer’s fitness, travel and skiing expertise inspired a writing career. Her books include "Open Your Heart with Winter Fitness" and "101 Women's Fitness Tips." Her articles have appeared in "Aspen Magazine," "HerSports," "32 Degrees," "Pregnancy Magazine" and "Wired." Mercer has a Bachelor of Arts in psychology from the City College of New York.

Editor's Pick

Backcountry Camping Tips

You've already tried car and RV camping. You've camped at commercial campsites that had a convenient restroom and water supply. Now, you want to explore the road less traveled. Backcountry camping, also known as primitive camping, is a wonderful way to explore the remote...
More Backcountry Camping...
Popular Article

Beach Camping Near Pismo Beach, California

Pismo State Beach, California, has many attractions and activities including camping, swimming, hiking and wildlife viewing. Birdwatching is one of the primary activities in the area. The park also has the largest over-wintering colony of monarch butterflies in the natio...
More Beach Camping...
Featured Video

Common Sense Hiking Tips

The first and most fundamental thing is never hike alone. There are too many situations, especially as an unexperienced hiker, where you may find yourself without anyone to help you. So the buddy system works and applies very much in hiking.
More Camping Basics...