At the intersection of strength and skiing is predominantly the core and lower half of the body.
But, what about the upper body (i.e shoulders, chest, upper back, arms)?
Why does this part of the body receive less love and what are the best upper body exercises?
Most of our knowledge for lower half strength and skiing outcomes comes from investigative research.
However, there is more of this research for cross country skiers.
A study done by Vandbakk e al.
Both of these findings are very important for a sport where the sprint start to these competitions influence outcomes.
But, is this applicable to other forms of skiing?
Hopefully this paints the picture that upper body strengthening could be an important focus for all skiers.
These strengthening days can currently be performed with 1-2 sets of 15-20 repetitions.
As a result, upper body and core strength are inexplicably linked in skiing.
(2017) Effects of upper-body sprint-interval training on strength and endurance capacities in female cross country-country skiers.
PLoS ONE 12(2): e0172706.
