A couple of weeks ago on the blog I touched on the topic of common ski and snowboarding injuries. If you love getting out onto the hill and spending a day sliding through powder or dipping in and out of the trees, you know that being in shape is a key to preventing injury. 

Here's a list of some common skiing injuries that I see in my office...

• Knee injuries = 43%

• Shoulder = 12%

• Thumb = 8%

Common Snowboarding Injuries:

• Wrist injuries = 18%

• Shoulder = 14%

• Knee = 13%

• Ankle = 13%

Ok, so how do we prevent these injuries? Well, having good technique helps. (On that note, If you are a beginning skier, check out some tips that we whipped up specifically with you in mind.)

But clearly, being is good physical shape is one of the best ways to avoid injury while you are skiing or snowboarding. Here's why you want to be in decent shape before you hit the slopes:

1.  Being in shape allows us to take more risks on the hill

If you are a skier or snowboarder, you probably like to push your limits every once in a while, whether that means hitting a new jump, trying a difficult line, or bombing through the trees with little or no room for error.  Your body is much more likely to respond with the split-second precision needed to navigate these situations safely when you are in good physical shape.

2. Being in shape allows us to ski and snowboard longer

Nobody wants to drop 100 bucks on a lift ticket only to tire out after a couple of hours on the hill. Physical stamina is an important factor when it comes to navigating the mountain injury-free.

So what are some exercises that you can do to get ready for ski/snowboard season?

I'm glad you asked. This week on the SportsMedicine Minute, I'm going to lay out some general exercises you can do to strengthen your body.  

Watch the video, get in shape and get after it...ski season is almost here!

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Getting in shape for ski season is a must if you are going to or snowboard faster, better and stronger...all while avoiding injury. This week on the SportsMedicine minute, Dr. Bill Sterett gives you some tips on how to avoid injury while on the hill, including general exercises you can use to get ready for the mountain.  http://williamsterett.com/blog-dr-william-sterett/2016/12/7/avoid-the-most-common-ski-injuries-with-these-exercises

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Getting in shape for ski season is a must if you are going to or snowboard faster, better and stronger...all while avoiding injury. This week on the SportsMedicine minute, Dr. Bill Sterett gives you some tips on how to avoid injury while on the hill, including general exercises you can use to get ready for the mountain.  http://williamsterett.com/blog-dr-william-sterett/2016/12/7/avoid-the-most-common-ski-injuries-with-these-exercises