Hit Winter Fitness with Hiking Hiking is a great way to stay active through the winter months. We have seemingly limitless possibilities out our Auburn backyard. Generally speaking, the key to fitness is consistency, keeping it fun and interesting with variety, and partnering up to insure accountability. Hiking fits the bill. Finding and maintaining fitness […]
Cross-Country Ski Dry-Land Training – Make it Count Because the snow season is finite – cross country skiers have developed dry-land progressions that mimic the on-snow technique. These progressions help clear the summer cob-webs and re-institute specific skiing muscle memory and body position awareness. Body position is the foundation of efficient cross-country skiing – it […]
Plyo Your Way to Power the Powder A safely devised plyometric program will benefit every activity – producing more power to the pedal, force in the foot strike, and for that skier, alpine or cross-country, more punch in the powder this season. Plyometrics, also known as plyos, are drills designed to produce fast, powerful movements, […]
Got Balance? Balance is a key element of efficient, enjoyable cross-country skiing. While some contend – they simply do not possess balance, don’t be a victim of this belief. Balance is trainable and early winter, as we twiddle our thumbs eagerly awaiting the snow, presents an ideal opportunity to fine-tune balance with dry-land drills. As […]
The Core of Cross-Country Conditioning The expanded concept of core has been coined the pillar and consists of scapula, trunk and the hip complex. The goal of a functional core stability and mobility training program extends far beyond abdominal strength. To develop a cross-country specific, functional and dynamic core program, think outside of the […]
Seize the Season – Shift to Ski Conditioning Calling all endurance athletes to mix it up this winter – rather than riding around in the rain in a soggy chamois and running in soaked socks – check out cross country skiing. Now that you have an amazing fitness foundation from summer endurance training – shift […]
Century Cycling – Avoid the Ache Lower back pain on the bike is a common complaint, but in most cases avoidable. Generally, lower back pain on the bike is attributed to one or a combination of factors – improper bike fit and position; lack of core stability resulting in poor posture and support; less than […]
Perfecting pedal technique for the Centuries The key to an efficient pedal stroke is minimizing the dead spot at the top and bottom of the pedal stroke. The stroke is best described by using the clock analogy. From 12 o’clock (top of the pedal stroke) to 5 o’clock we incorporate the greatest muscle activity – […]
Bike Fit and the Century Rider A proper bike fit is paramount to attain an efficient pedal stroke, balance comfort and power while also insuring responsive bike handling. Optimum performance is achieved by placing a rider over the pedals to maximize the knee joint’s mechanics, and achieve ideal muscle tension of glutes, hamstrings and quadriceps. […]
– Fall for a Century Fall is century bike riding season, with numerous organized rides taking place from the coast to the Sierra crest*. Ideal temperatures and gentle fall sunshine enhance the experience. Participating in a century is a motivation to dust off that stored bike and finally act on those fitness intentions. Centuries present […]
