Cross-training tips for your waterski and wakeboard season to help you stay in shape all year long. Cross training is a must when it comes to keeping up with the rigorous athleticism required for waterskiing and wakeboarding.

Sometimes riders don’t like to ride in the winter so an alternative is switching over to different types of exercise routines and workouts that can compensate for your time out of the water. There are many ways to stay in shape when it comes to wakeboarding and skiing.

For wakeboarders, riding longboards or skateboards usually helps to keep your legs strong and maintain stability as well as balance. Another option is to use an IndoBoard which is a great tool for working on your balance, core strength and overall stability.  An IndoBoard is essentially a balance board you stand on that hovers over a ‘pin’ and helps you work on board balance. As the name implies, the great thing about practicing with an IndoBoard is that you can use it indoors.

Some Cross-Training Options For Wakeboarding Include:

• Longboarding
• Skateboarding
• Indoboards
• Trampolines
• Squats

For skiers on the other hand, the workouts vary. For the most part, skiers focus more on core workouts so going to the gym and using a rowing machine for your back and doing core exercises such as inverted sit-ups and crunches can help tremendously. Workouts are not the only essential thing that needs to be followed to maintain performance. Stretching is equally as important if not more than actual physical activities. A great combination of exercises to follow are fairly easy to do at home. Box jumps, deadlifts and wall squats are easy to do at home and also incorporates stretching in the process. Deadlifting is a great exercise to do, due to all the benefits you get with it (Use caution here, as deadlifts are a more advanced exercise and require excellent form). It strengthens and tightens your core, strengthens your grip and forearms, and helps prevent future injuries by keeping your muscles warm. Box jumps are great to help your knees and legs get stronger and embrace impact. Strong legs are essential for great response in skiing. Wall squats help both your core and your legs to get stronger and improve your riding abilities. Strengthening your glutes and thighs will help the skier stay on the ski longer without getting tired.

Some Cross-Training Options For Waterskiing Include:

• Row Machine
• Deadlifts (With Proper Form)
• Crunches/Situps
• Box Jumps
• Wall Squats

Keeping in shape is critical whether you’re just getting started in the sport or looking to improve your world standings. These types of cross-training exercises are important for enjoying your time on the water!

For the best wakeboard, waterski, wakesurf, wakeskate gear and more, visit: www.MiamiSkiNautiques.com