Cross Country Skiers?

Resolve2B
Resolve2B Posts: 86 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
Prior to LAST winter I bought ski gear with thoughts of trying to "enjoy" our Wisconsin winters. Never used them. Like most things, the hardest part is...getting started!

I put a note on Facebook today and someone (an avid xcountry racer type) responded that he thought he knew of someone who'd be willing to "coach" me.

Does anyone here do xcountry skiing? Seems like it would be a great workout.

Replies

  • airdale8263
    airdale8263 Posts: 2,153 Member
    Not much xcountry skiing in FLorida:laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:

    Heard it is a great workout.

    ***as I slowly back out so has not to get smacked***
  • Stripeness
    Stripeness Posts: 511 Member
    Love love LOVE x-c skiing! And if you can walk, you can do it. Honestly, you truly don't need a coach unless it's for 1 session. What you might find helpful is ONE beginner session at a local x-c ski place. It is a little easier to get the hang of the stride when you're in the groomed parallel tracks. Or, if you got "skating" skis, it can be nice to have a perfect surface while practicing the mechanics.

    They'll also look @ your skis to make sure they make sense for *where* you'll be skiing :-) (there are a few different kinds of x-c skis, and while you can use any of them, it's nice to know what you're optimized for)

    If you just want to try it out on your own, you're basically doing mini-lunges and using the poles to balance & do some of the work. It feels a little silly and bouncy at first, but it's good form. If you're exhausted after 10-20 steps, stop & breathe and remind yourself not to do *full* lunges!

    Above all, HAVE FUN!!
  • Sabine_Stroehm
    Sabine_Stroehm Posts: 19,263 Member
    I do. We do more snow shoeing (and down hill skiing) than cross country (very hilly here). Both are a great work out. Enjoy!!
  • Resolve2B
    Resolve2B Posts: 86 Member
    Thanks for the replies! I decided to post something on my Facebook page to ask about a good way to get started with this to see if there was a good "beginner" place to ski or if I could get a lesson or two somewhere. A friend told me he has a friend who is passionate about the sport and would probably be willing to coach me. Yay!

    Man, why is "getting started" always such a big hurdle?? LOL

    I really hate winter and a lot of that has to do with feeling "cooped up". Maybe if I can find a reason to welcome snow, I'll find this season more tolerable and I'll get some good health benefit besides!
  • kimmyj74
    kimmyj74 Posts: 223 Member
    I too wanted to try this sport to get outside during the NY winters. So I bought an old used set from craigslist (didn't want to spend too much money in case I didn't like it). Today was my first time trying it.
    So first I kinda dressed like I do when I run outside in winter. Went outside, hooked myself in and took off. About 3 strides in, down I went on my *kitten*. And let me tell you; it is HARD to figure out how to get back up, but I finally did. Continued on.
    Made an oval track in the field I was "skiing" on. Once the initial track was broken, I got going and started to enjoy myself. I fell a total of 5-6 times and got tired.

    Things I've learned just today:
    Wear warm clothes but wicking material- you will sweat
    I had my dogs running around with me, and walking it my tracks which makes it really hard to ski in. Seems a nice smooth surface would be better.
    Do NOT cross your skiis. DUH! Sound silly, but that is how I fell at least twice.
    Don't have stiff knees
    Make sure your boots are snug. Mine (since they are second hand) are loose, and this makes rolling your ankle really easy. Ouch

    So that is my experience so far. I will definitely go again, but maybe without my dogs next time. Have Fun :flowerforyou:
  • trail_rnr
    trail_rnr Posts: 337 Member
    It sounds like you are already taking the right first step: some lessons.

    The skinny sticks are slippery. They will unnerve you. Take charge and DO NOT LET THEM! :-p I have been XC skiing for years, and here is what I would tell a beginner:

    *Resist the temptation to lean back. Keep your weight centered (most of your weight should be over the foot that is on the ground, regardless of whether you are classic XC skiing or skate skiing). This will enable you to take charge and not let the skis get away from you. I don't know if you are familiar with the term "athletic stance", but if you are, keep this in mind.
    *Learn the proper way to hold and use your poles. If you hold and use them improperly, it sets you up for other troubles. I can't tell you how much I see this in new skiers.
    *Look UP! Not down at your feet. This keeps your torso upright.
    *Smile. It helps relieve tension.

    Just get out and ski. Experiment and have fun. Once you develop the basic skills, if you XC ski with purpose, you will find that it is one of the toughest exercises you can do (if you want it to be). The highest VO2 max ever recorded is in a XC skier. It's some serious exercise.

    Have fun!

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