Winter is my season. I’m a skier, and have defined myself as one for over twenty years. You’d think that given my passion for skiing I train for my season all 12 months round.

Not a lot.

The reality is: right about now could be when I begin to panic about getting in shape for the primary day on the slopes. I’m not a gym person, so the thought of dedicated ski exercises like weighted leg lunges, burpees, or military squats is about as appealing as getting my teeth cleaned.  Admittedly good for me, but not fun.

This 12 months is different – I’ve been practicing yoga semi-regularly. In doing so, I’ve realized that there are various poses that address the strengthening and lengthening needs of skiers, without the unpleasantness I associate with the gym.

Below, in no particular order, are my favorites.

Chair pose (Utkatasana) – Chair is a pose made for skiers, because it mimics the bent knee and flexed ankle skier stance. Not only does it engage the quads, but it surely also works the lower back and core, all critical for skiing. Nerd alert: I sometimes hold imaginary ski poles on this pose as an alternative of keeping my arms above my head.

Standing forward bend (Uttanasana) – The quadriceps often hog the pre-ski season training limelight, but a skier’s hamstrings are only as integral and deserve some love. Standing forward bend stretches the hamstrings, calves and hips, serving as a counterbalance to other more energetic poses.

Standing head to knee (Dandayamana-Janushirasana) – One legged balance poses function epiphanies for those like me who operate on the false premise that they don’t have a dominant side. Along with helping construct strength within the weaker leg, it’s an incredible pose for activating most of the stabilizer muscles within the legs. As a beginner, I appreciate different options for this pose, since there are various days when just standing on one leg is enough of a challenge.

Vinyasa – While technically it’s not a single pose, it bears including. Skiers and snowboarders within the know understand it’s not nearly leg strength. Vinyasas are ideal in that they engage your entire body. Whether you select to cobra or upward dog, this series of poses is great for the core, upper body, and my favorite (sense a theme here?), hamstrings.

Lizard pose (Utthan Pristhasana) – There aren’t any shortage of hip opening poses in yoga. This happens to be my favorite. Not only does it open the groin, hip flexors, psoas, and hamstrings, it also prompts the inner thigh muscles on the front leg, and opens the chest, shoulders, and neck. That’s quite a lot of bang for one pose.

I do know that skiers are an opinionated lot, so if I missed your favorite pre-season pose, let me know.