Although young children don't improve their fitness levels in the same way adults do when they "work out" or exercise, it's not harmful to do some physical activity that mimics the type of movements that are involved in skiing.
I don't recommend you try to get your kids into an exercise regimen to prepare them for skiing, though. Doing so may make skiing seem more like a chore than fun, and may turn them off of it. To make it seem fun, have a "Family Movement Challenge" night and try a couple of the following:
· Who can jump side to side for 30 seconds without stopping?
· How many jumps can you do in those 30 seconds?
· Who can jump forward and backward for 30 seconds without stopping?
· How many jumps can you do in those 30 seconds?
· Place 10 to 12 small pieces of masking tape about one to two feet apart in a zig-zag pattern on a carpeted floor and try and jump on two feet from spot to spot. Now jump the pattern on one foot at a time, then the other.
· Can you run in the shape of a figure eight?
· Can you pretend you're sitting in an invisible chair? How long can you sit there?
Do a few of these activities a few nights a week for several weeks before your skiing trip and the kids (and you!) will be ready to take on just about any slope!
Curt Hinson
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