AS WELL as preparing the body in advance of a snow sports holiday, it is important to maintain part of the regime while away in order to avoid muscular soreness or more serious injury, Jenny Joliffe, group fitness manager for Cannons City, says. Those who do not do the stretches she has prescribed at the end of each day will find their muscles tight by midweek.

“When snowboarding, you are using muscles that do not get much exercise normally,” she said. “They will start to become uncomfortable if you do not stretch out each day.” No snowboarder is going to enjoy their holiday fully if they are physically too tired or sore to do so. Drinking plenty of water, because of the effect of breathing dry mountain air, and eating slow-burning carbohydrates, such as cereals, bread and pasta, will also help, Joliffe says.

EXERCISE

Lower body Russian twist
Lie down on a soft surface and engage your abdominal muscles by pulling your navel in towards your spine. Now lift both legs off the floor so the knees are bent together at a 90-degree angle directly above your hips. With your abdominal muscles engaged rotate to the right at your waist, slowly lowering your knees halfway towards the floor. Return the knees to your starting position and repeat to the left. As you become stronger lower the knees closer to the floor. Do 8 to 10 repetitions on each side.

Cat stretch for the back
Kneel down on all fours with your hands under shoulders and your knees beneath your hips. Suck your navel in towards your spine and arch your back as high as you can. Feel the stretch in your lower back and hold the position 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

  Ensure that you have the consent of your GP before embarking on a new exercise regime and do not undertake any physical activity if you are feeling unwell or are recovering from an injury

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