How do you get strong for skinning?

[kingdom-tele]

^^^ disagree with core strength having much to do with it unless you are so weak that you are constantly off balance and catching yourself. Core is there to stabilize. I think your running has a lot more to do with it.

Not sure how barefoot would be better than shoes running for skinning. I guess if you have a really flexible boot and get calf fatigue.

Skinning comes down mainly to VO2, muscular endurance, and technique. The truth is that good overall / whole body training is the answer to preparing for any activity. Concentrating on one muscle group or movement leads to problems.
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not just stabilization.

if you really want to geek out, here's a rabbit hole. spinal engine theory.

http://www.alinenewton.com/pdf-articles/walking.pdf

one perspective with emphasis on barefoot running is that the loss of heel strike adds to the energy storage in the soft tissue, because of elastic energy the muscle require less effort to move the skeleton. but it is the movement of the whole skeleton that maximizes efficiency, not just stabilization in the sense of maintaining balance.

[Shadam]

and the drunk chimes in ...

cross country running.
uneven ground,
mad up hill runs,
crazy side hill runs,
keep in mind bringing your knees above your hips for each stride,
it works for me and ... keep up
I train mostly at seas level and the first month of touring is an issue

[Swine]

not just stabilization.

if you really want to geek out, here's a rabbit hole. spinal engine theory.

http://www.alinenewton.com/pdf-articles/walking.pdf

one perspective with emphasis on barefoot running is that the loss of heel strike adds to the energy storage in the soft tissue, because of elastic energy the muscle require less effort to move the skeleton. but it is the movement of the whole skeleton that maximizes efficiency, not just stabilization in the sense of maintaining balance.

According to that my statement is vindicated. Seriously interesting, and totally nerd central, definitely worth the read.

[rod9301]

Update.
Went skinning a few times this winter and here are some observations.

If I try to use only the hip flexors, without engaging the butt muscles, get tired easily and also am slower.

When I use primarily the butt muscles, can go a lot longer and faster without getting tired.

I also skinned a few times without using poles, and it helped my balance.

So, it seems that hip flexor workouts are not needed. Work yo butt.

You can do sidebends and situps, but please don't lose that butt. (sir mix a lot)

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[ak_powder_monkey]

hike mountains?

[baron]

best exercise I found was arobic knee rises.I use a Hackey Sack(leg weights maybee,lol).....gives the reverse muscle dynamics needed in heavy/deep snow.Also builds stomach (f doin' sit ups)

[BraddA]

According to that my statement is vindicated. Seriously interesting, and totally nerd central, definitely worth the read.

I was under the impression that barefoot/forefoot striking had been largely debunked, and I say this as a forefoot striker. Run how you run.

[XXX-er]

well I became a forefoot striker recovering from strained achilles & PF very shortly thereafter, the style change was a postive thing for running in my same old running shoes however I feel no need to run in wet suit booties or barefoot I think what we will see from this fad is ... different running injuries

A bike tour in sept followed by running/hiking up hill in oct/nov till we could ski have made me a lot faster this season

I wear trail hiker with gaiters carrying a pack full of water bottles, carry some poles for down, I can't see too many people going barefoot in knee deep snow

I was told by someone who would know to do speed work ... 1hr as fast as you can skin

[char]

Plyometrics if you a city dweller confined to a gym.

(I use the P90X plyometrics DVD routine.)

[Aussie_ripper]

Cigarettes and partying all spring, summer and fall, followed by a heaping dose of self loathing on my first skin of the season. It's been working for years.

[MakersTeleMark]

Hunting season, then skinning. Duh.

[Bronco]

Living in the dark, wet PNW an hour from the nearest skinning destination, I picked up a Nordictrack for $20 on Craigslist and slapped some old Dynafit toe pieces on. Works great for getting these new boots broken in and does a fair job of mimicking the skinning motion. It is quite Dorky and I'd prefer to bike or run but it sure is nice to sip coffee and surf the web during my morning workout and not worry about some texting teenager crushing my body under their car.

[blasta34]

Become a triathlete! Hear me out, most triathletes work out 4+ times a week, which sounds like a lot of time (and it is), but any time you switch up your activities it keeps working out fresh and more enjoyable than doing the same thing over and over.

Basically, I'd say switching up one's exercises so they don't burn out will improve and maintain fitness which equates to better skinning

[StopMakingSense]

Stay active, find something that works... this works for me http://mountainathlete.com

[Crampedon]

I believe the GSA does treadmill in full gear--pack, skis on the pack, helmet, the whole deal. You might try contacting him.

Master of the obvious!

Try GSA@morganstanley.com

...Or PM Splat for the secret holy digits

[FreakofSnow]

Hunting season, then skinning. Duh.

[baron]

work out with the ^^^ 88 & over possee...doin' crotch lifts