Snowboarding fitness advice

Training for snowboarding can make a big difference once you hit the slopes. Although the sport has a laid back image, the pros have demonstrated that working hard in the off-season will pay dividends once the snow starts to fall.

While you can take a formal approach to training for snowboarding, including gym work, there are also some great alternative activities that will tune up your fitness and skills while allowing you to still have fun.

Cross-training for snowboarding could include any of the following:

Skateboarding: There are so many similarities between the two that skateboarding makes an excellent cross-training exercise for snowboarders, allowing you to work on your skills year-round.

Surfing: Like skateboarding, surfing shares many of the balance and coordination skills of snowboarding, while working many of the same muscle groups.

Mountain Biking: Aerobic fitness is a must when you're heading up into the mountains, and mountain biking is the best way to improve it. You'll have fun while working out the crucial muscle groups you'll need on the snow - quads, calves and hamstrings.

Trampolining: A secret from the pros - a trampoline is a great place to practice new tricks before trying them out on the snow. As you'll also work your legs, and improve your cardio system, this makes a great off-season workout.

Yoga: Flexibility is a key element of all snow sports, and there's no better way to improve it than yoga.

Gym work: Focus on the key muscles with exercises like Squats, Lunges, Leg Press, Seated Row, Lat Pull Downs, Leg Curls, Calf Raises, and Core work.