IT IS important for those planning a snowboarding holiday to have a good level of cardiovascular fitness before they go, according to Jenny Joliffe, a keen snowsports enthusiast and group fitness manager for Cannons City.

The altitude of many of the resorts means you will be exercising in less oxygen than you are used to, she explains. Other areas of fitness to focus on before leaving include muscular endurance, especially of the legs, and pelvic stability, which will lend steadiness to the the lower body, she says.

Exercise: Press-up with side plank. Get into a press-up position. Keep your abdominal muscles contracted and feel the weight of your body in your hands, arms and shoulders. Slowly bend your arms to lower your chest to the floor and then return to the start position. Keep your navel pulled in towards your spine and your back straight as you rotate (either from your knees or feet) to balance on one arm. Return slowly to the start position and repeat, balancing on the opposite arm. Repeat four to six times on both sides.

Stretch: Pectoral and anterior deltoid. Stand with your back straight, your abdominal muscles braced and your shoulders down and back. Link your hands behind your back and lift your chest, keeping your shoulders down, and then squeeze your shoulder blades together until you feel a stretch through your shoulders and chest. Hold for 30 seconds.

• Exercises provided by Jenny Joliffe, of Cannons Health Club. To find your nearest club, phone 0870-780 8182, or see www.cannons.co.uk

  Talk to your GP before embarking on a new exercise regime and do not undertake any activity if you are unwell or injured

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