Learning from the geeks… an avalanche level 1 course

December 8, 2014 by Tony Lowe
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I’m sure there are many like me out there. Reasonably competent skiers who want to escape the crowds in resort and yearn to explore the amazing winter mountain environment and push our skiing envelope with wild and challenging terrain. However we are held back by our all too real fear of the serious dangers lurking out there in off-piste terrain, in particular avalanches. We may have read a few books, perhaps watched some videos and possibly even been guided in the mountains, but we still don’t Continue reading →

Take the stairs – staying fit when travelling

December 8, 2014 by Tony Lowe
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In addition to working at the clinic in Chamonix, Neil is a travelling physiotherapist with the Great British Judo team. Following his misadventures in Korea (read about his discovery of a new maximum heart rate test), he is now in Tokyo with the Olympic hopefuls approaching the end of their two week Asian Tour. As many of us will have experienced, frequent travelling and staying in hotels takes its toll on our bodies and state of mind, with the jet lag, limited opportunities for exercise, buffet breakfasts Continue reading →

Three exercises to improve your carving

December 2, 2014 by Tony Lowe
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Unlike in our previous posts on exercises for commuting and brushing your teeth, we recommend that you should do these three exercises in the more conventional surroundings of your living room or even at the gym! Keep at it and you will really develop new strength and endurance that will translate directly into power through those beautiful carving turns. When I see those flowing arcs on the piste this winter I’ll know you have been doing your homework!

4 exercises you can do during your commute to develop your ski fitness

November 17, 2014 by Tony Lowe
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Traveling to and from work can unfortunately take up a considerable part of our daily lives. However this time does not have to be wasted and with these four simple exercises, this time can be used to develop fitness and balance for your ski holiday. Don’t worry, these exercises are quite subtle so you won’t make a fool of yourself… unless you really want to! Waiting at the train station or bus stop On the train or bus With these simple 4 exercises you now have an opportunity to connect with your Continue reading →

Fat skis, bad knees?

November 13, 2014 by Tony Lowe
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During our presentation at Listex in London, Neil mentioned a type of injury he increasingly sees at his clinic which he referred to as “Fat skis, bad knees”. I took the opportunity to chat with Neil last week about this issue and explore the recommendations he could offer for skiers starting to use the fatter modern skis, particularly because I am using a fatter ski this season for the first time. Hi Neil, when we were at Listex last week I heard you describe an issue you have Continue reading →

Why hire a mountain guide for skiing this winter?

November 6, 2014 by Tony Lowe
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There is nothing quite like getting away from the lift queues and exploring the snow clad mountains on a pair of skis. However many recreational skiers will not even consider hiring a mountain guide to safely explore the backcountry and mountain environments this winter. This is despite the many amazing experiences and journeys that are often easily and safely accessible from the lift system of their skiing resort. Why is this? Often I think this is because they are not sure if their fitness levels Continue reading →

SkiFit in London

October 30, 2014 by Tony Lowe
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This week the BeFitApps team are out and about in London spreading the word about the SkiFit app and programme to the UK ski market. The highlight of the week so far was our presentation at the Listex 2014 trade event where we unleashed the asset… Neil… who put the attendees through a very brief SkiFit class and demonstrated the benefits of ski appropriate exercises. There were quite a few wobbles in the room and definitely plenty who would benefit from following the programme! Being away from home Continue reading →

SkiFit has started!

October 16, 2014 by Tony Lowe
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Winter is coming and here in Chamonix this is the week that the SkiFit classes start at the Clinique du Sport. This year is the fourth year of SkiFit and all four classes at the Clinique have sold out. Rachael and I went to our first class on Tuesday morning joining 6 others all keen to get ready for the coming ski season. It seems that the website and app are already having an impact as several of us had already been completing workouts as Continue reading →

Fourth year of SkiFit kicks off in Chamonix

October 13, 2014 by Jackie Maclean-Martin
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With all the excitement and success of the ‘SkiFit’ online programme and mobile app going live, press coverage and downloads, the clients of La Clinique du Sport have been eagerly anticipating the start of our own programme in the clinic this week. On Monday Neil kicked off the fourth year of his SkiFit programme, welcoming repeat ski instructors and guides, but also a crowd of new faces all getting exciting for the Winter season ahead. Demand was high for places and every session was full Continue reading →