Winter sports enthusiasts in Queenstown know that skiing and snowboarding can be demanding on the body. From the cardiovascular demands of a run to the need for core stability and balance, these winter activities require strength, endurance, and agility. Conditioning your body before ski season can help to reduce the risk of injury and improve your performance on the slopes. And, if you're looking for a great way to get in shape for skiing and snowboarding, Reformer Pilates at Align Pilates Queenstown might be just what you need.

Reformer Pilates is a form of Pilates that utilizes a machine called a reformer to provide resistance and support. It is an excellent way to develop the strength, stability, and flexibility required for winter sports. Here are some of the benefits of Reformer Pilates for skiers and snowboarders:

1. Improved balance and coordination: Reformer Pilates exercises are designed to improve your balance and coordination, which are essential for skiing and snowboarding.

2. Core strength: The reformer machine provides resistance that helps to target your core muscles, including your abs, back, and hips. This is important for maintaining proper posture and stability while skiing and snowboarding.

3. Leg and hip strength: Reformer Pilates exercises are also great for developing leg and hip strength, which are crucial for skiing and snowboarding. Strong legs and hips help to absorb shock and maintain balance on the slopes.

4. Injury prevention: By conditioning your body before ski season, you can reduce the risk of injury and improve your overall fitness level. Reformer Pilates exercises can help to strengthen your muscles and improve your flexibility, which can reduce the likelihood of muscle strains, sprains, and other injuries.

At Align Pilates Queenstown, we offer a range of Reformer Pilates classes and private sessions that are tailored to the needs of skiers and snowboarders. Our experienced instructors can help you develop a Reformer Pilates practice that supports your winter sports goals. Here are a few exercises that we use to develop related strength:

1. Skaters on the Reformer: This exercise targets your legs and hips, helping to develop the strength required for skiing and snowboarding. It also helps to improve your balance and stability and endurance. 

2. Planks & core work on the Reformer: These exercise targets your core muscles, helping to improve your overall stability and posture on the slopes.

3. Leg circles on the Reformer: This exercise targets your hip muscles, helping to improve your agility and range of motion.

In addition many exercises on the reformer strengthen in your extended range of motion making Align Reformer Pilates classes a powerful injury prevention tool as you have more control over your body in many funky positions you can find yourself in on the slopes. 

Winter sports season is just around the corner, and now is the perfect time to start conditioning your body for the demands of skiing and snowboarding. Reformer Pilates at Align Pilates Queenstown is a great way to develop the strength, stability, and flexibility required for winter sports. Contact us today to learn more about our Reformer Pilates classes and how we can support your fitness goals.