5 New Year’s Resolutions for Every Skier
As 2015 comes to an end, it is important to look back at the memories from the year’s past – the good, the bad, and the insanely ugly. Mistakes, accomplishments, new feats, every situation can be looked at as a lesson that we can learn from. So as we end this year and begin 2016 anew, grab a glass of champagne and check out 5 New Year’s resolutions that can be beneficial to every skier or snowboarder. And don’t fret, you don’t have to start following your resolutions until tomorrow.
Resolution #1. Train Year-Round – If your idea of getting your body ready for ski season entails going to the local brewery with your buds, throwing back a few 20 pints and reminiscing about that epic cliff you hucked last year, (although fun) doesn’t exactly prepare your muscles, lungs and ligaments for those upcoming cliff hucks and pow turns. Training year-round doesn’t mean running or going to the gym every day. It simply means staying active so that your muscles don’t completely atrophy, so you don’t end up being the “fat guy in a little coat” – See my article on layering for skiing and snowboarding – No bueno. Mountain biking, hiking, road cycling, running – heck, table tennis will even get your heart rate up and keep your hand-eye coordination in the game. And even if staying active to you means going to step class with your wife, good for you. Don’t worry, your secret is safe with us.
Resolution #2. Stretch and/or Do Yoga Every Day – I know this is a lot to ask, but the benefits are well worth your commitment. Stretching not only helps keep those nagging soreness pains away, but it also helps prevent future injuries. Yoga helps limber up the body while at the same time promoting mental and physical wellness and strength building. Even spending 10 minutes per day stretching can help keep your body sound and the post-activity soreness away – so no excuses, period.
Resolution #3. Eat Healthier – Yes, we all have those weak moments – ice cold beer, steaming hot, crispy French fries, rich, chocolaty mud pie. Whatever your weaknesses are, I am not telling you to never give into them. I am just simply saying that for those non-weak moments, let’s all try to eat a bit healthier. Explore the veggie and fruit aisles and try something new, watch your saturated fats and hydrogenated oil intakes and try not to eat Cheesy Puffs with every single meal. Your body will thank you today, tomorrow, and 10 years from now when you still wear the same size ski pants.
Resolution #4. Educate Yourself – Everyone of us can learn more – and should focus on learning something new every day. This year, focus on something above and beyond – Take another Avalanche Course, learn how to tune your own skis, get certified in first aid, take a photography class – the possibilities are truly endless. Bottom line, make a point to educate yourself on something that could positively impact your or your family or friend’s lives. I guarantee you won’t regret it.
Resolution #5. Have More Fun – Let’s face it – a life without fun, smiles, adventure and laughter isn’t really a life at all. Sometimes in the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, we can begin to take everything too seriously, including ourselves. So this year, whether you are in the mountains shredding on an epic powder day, on your first heliski trip or are at home with your friends and family playing a good ol’ fashioned game of Cards Against Humanity (if you haven’t played this game, you definitely need to), let loose, have fun, smile, be goofy and enjoy every single moment.
