Mid-Summer Ski Technique Check | Concept2

Mid-Summer Ski Technique Check

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Jul 06, 2016

There's no snow around this time of year—just pavement and the SkiErg. But that doesn’t mean you can’t be working on your ski technique. And with the growing prevalence and importance of double-poling, this seems like a good area on which to focus—the SkiErg is a perfect tool for this task.

Some general pointers for efficient double pole technique:

  • Keep the work close to your core. Straight arms is not a strong position. Keep a healthy bend in the arm at the start of the pole drive, and then extend it when past the core.
  • The more larger muscle groups you can use, the better. Engage the core early and use it well.
  • Don’t forget to involve the legs. Compress them in the second part of the drive, and then extend (even jump if you like) to get up for the next pole plant. (If you do a hard piece on the SkiErg, you should definitely feel your legs. If you don’t, you’re not using them enough!)

How to tell if you’re improving:

  • It’s important to monitor your progress to confirm that you are indeed improving your technique.
  • The SkiErg is ideal for this, with its Performance Monitor that measures your actual power output and displays it in real time as you work. Alternatively, or in addition, you can choose a time trial that you can repeat under similar conditions.
  • Test before you start to get a baseline speed then work on whatever aspect of technique you’re trying to improve. Test again.
  • Take a video of yourself to check and document the “look” of the technical changes that you find to be effective in terms of speed/power output.

Alternatively, here’s a “speed check” method that may work for you:

  • Find a device that gives you constant accurate feedback on your performance. The SkiErg is a good choice.
  • Settle into a steady pace, checking yourself periodically, but not watching the output constantly.
  • Now make a change in technique, settle into a pace before looking at the monitor, then look at the monitor and see if your pace has improved.
  • Repeat as desired!

Check out the SkiErg technique video. And don’t forget to take advantage of the SkiErg Performance Series.

Wishing you effective summer training!

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