When you hit the slopes, you don't want anything holding you back. If you want nail your run every time, you've got to be fit. The Snowboarding Workout helps to strengthen your legs, core and upper body to improve control of your board, balance and endurance.

You don't want to be sitting around all day letting the fresh powder go to waste because you're out of breath and need a break! We've set up this snowboarding workout plan to make sure you're ready to rock when winter comes around.

Snowboarding is an increasingly popular winter sport that accounts for a growing percentage of visitors to ski resorts. In 1999, snowboarding was the fastest growing winter sport, according to an article published in the "American Family Physician" journal in January 1999.

Although snowboarders tend to injure their knees less often than skiers, they suffer more injuries to the upper extremities and ankles. Unlike a skier who has ski poles, all a snowboarder has is their arms for use as balance aids. Strong legs and core muscles help snowboarders jump and turn to avoid obstacles, plus remain standing upright when their balance is challenged.

Benefits of a Snowboarding Workout

Workouts for snowboarding complement your time on the slopes. Snowboard training includes practice on your board and strength training. The strength you gain from the weight training exercises for snowboarding make you stronger on and off the slopes, but most importantly you need to take what you gain from strength training and use it.

The snowboard workout program helps keep you in shape if you do not have time to snowboard, but for the best benefit to your technique hit the slopes as much as can.

Your body learns the movements you put it through. Even though you perform a snowboard workout routine with weights three days a week, this only gives you the strength you need to snowboard, not the technical skills. It's up to you to practice those on your own!

Snowboard Workout Day 1

The snowboard workout comprises snowboarding exercises that specifically target the areas you need to work to be a better snowboarder. Exercises for snowboarders in this workout are broken up into three days of training.

Day one works the legs. This workout targets the hamstrings, quadriceps and calves, as well as the inner and outer thighs. All of these muscles must work together during snowboarding to stand upright and turn the board.

You also need strong muscles in the legs and hips to maintain proper alignment of your joints in your chosen stance. Tight muscles can inhibit your ability to hold the correct alignment. The snowboard training exercises also include stretches to combat muscle tension and improve flexibility.

Snowboard Workout Plan 2

The second snowboard workout targets the upper body; it targets the chest, back, biceps, triceps and shoulder. The workout also involves stretches in the chest and shoulder.

Flexibility in the chest and shoulders makes it easier to hold your arms out for balance and keep your shoulders back with correct posture.

Snowboard Workout Plan 3

The third snowboard workout targets the core. The snowboard exercises in this workout improve strength in your abs, obliques and lower back -- all muscles you need to stand tall and rotate your upper body.

The workout also has you stretch your lower back and glutes, two places commonly known for tension that causes posture issues.

Putting it All Together

Together, these three workouts address the strength and flexibility aspects of snowboarding fitness for the entire body. Perform strength training exercise for snowboarding at least three days a week, but take days off to recover.

You will love the feeling of catching the biggest air, knowing that lack of fitness is not holding you back! Start this workout plan and see how big of a difference fitness can make in your snowboarding skills!