Get Ready for Water Skiing with These Exercises
Water skiing is one of most popular yet challenging sports out there. It requires a strong body, perfect balance, and coordination skills. Even the slightest mistake can lead to injuries. Whether you’re a newbie or you have years of experience, it’s crucial to work your muscles and keep them strong.
Focus on your back, thighs, and core muscles. Also, work on increasing your grip strength. Since all muscles work together as a unit, full body circuits and compound movements are paramount. Let’s take a look at the best exercises to get you ready for water skiing:
BOSU Squats
Like water skiing, the BOSU ball requires stability and balance. This makes ideal for your workouts. BOSU ball squats are particularly beneficial.
This compound exercise increases lower body strength, enhances your balance, and boosts your flexibility. It also strengthens your core, which plays a key role in water skiing. Compared to traditional squats, there is little or no pressure on your back. In fact, this movement is safe even for those with bad knees or back pain.
Dumbbell Farmer Walks
Water skiers need strong forearms to hold on the rope and maintain their balance on the board. Certain exercises, such as the dumbbell farmer walk, can increase forearm and grip strength.
This movement has long been used by strongmen and powerlifters. It not only strengthens your forearms but also engages your traps, shoulders, and core muscles. Since it’s a compound movement, it works your whole body and improves overall fitness.
Ring Rows
Ring rows enhance core stability and balance while increasing arm strength. This exercise also hits your upper back muscles, which directly impact your water skiing performance. Think of it as an easier version of pull-ups.
As you progress, make your workout more challenging by raising your feet on a bench or platform. Later, you can try ring pull-ups and one arm ring rows.
Not sure where to start? Consider working with a personal training. He can identify your weakest muscles and create a workout plan accordingly. There are literally dozens of exercises that benefit water skiers, so it’s important to choose those that work best for you. This will enhance your performance and reduce injury risk.