A certain level of physical fitness is required to snowboard. Snowboarding subjects the body to frequent twisting, rotation and bending movements which are sometimes sudden and abrupt in manner. Appropriate muscle development is required so that the stress does not cause strains and possible injuries. Going too fast or snowboarding on irregular terrain significantly increases the stresses placed upon the body. Jumps also increase stresses on the spine and the knees must be bent correctly to dampen the impact. The better the style and the more correct the posture, less the risk of back pain problems. Snowboarding in “half-pipes” and “snow parks” significantly increases the risk of severe spinal injuries and the use of a back protector is recommended.

SNOWBOARDING TIPS:

COMPENSATION EXERCISES

A strength training regiment is recommended to develop the muscles which surround the spinal column which will attempt to compensate for possible imbalances and shocks received while snowboarding. These exercises must be made just for you and recommended by a doctor.

WARMING UP

Flexibility and stretching exercises must be done both before and after snowboarding.

W-WEAR keeps your back, shoulders and kidneys at an appropriate temperature.

APPROPRIATE SPEED AND POSTURE

Snowboarding correctly means maintaining a correct posture at all times. As well as being nice to look at, it improves how the backdeals with the shocks and strains of snowboarding while reducing stresses on the body. Keeping a constant and safe speed will help you maintain control of your board and prevent you from losing control. An accident could cause you to suffer excessive injuries and incorrect postures will strain your muscles, intervertebral discs and increase the risk of falling down. The fact is that falls you sustain while snowboarding usually results in sudden and violent impact on the riders back, due to the posture and the fact that both feet are fastened to the board.

W-WEAR supports the trunk, back, abdomen and shoulders. It helps absorb the impact and keep the shoulders in a correct position, which helps to absorb the impact in the best way possible which consequently avoids excessive strains and possible injuries.

APPROPRIATE EQUIPMENT

The use of appropriate equipment is recommended which must be adapted to your personal characteristics (height, level and type of terrain, weight and age). Your equipment, board and boots must be designed and fitted to adequately absorb vibrations.

PREVENT RISKS

Choose the slope difficulty according to your level and physical fitness. This will help you avoid unnecessary risks and ensure that you will enjoy an injury-free day of snowboarding.

STRETCH YOUR SPINE

Periodic stretching movements of the vertebral column are recommended before, during and after the day of snowboarding.