Bode Miller gives tips on how to train like a pro skier.
Bode Miller is an American Olympic downhill skier, who when he isn't apologizing for his comments on drinking, manages to shred the snow to bits when he takes to the slopes. Last year the 28-year-old from New Hampshire took the gold medal in his first four races: the downhill, super G, slalom, and giant slalom. He was also America's first male Downhill World Alpine Champion from Bormio, Italy.
But Bode Miller has a very specific fitness routine that includes some things that nobody would have thought. Things such as wheelbarrow pushing, slack lining, and rock hopping to name a few, and most certainly don't fall into the regular fitness regiment. But Bode Miller strongly believes that if you are a serious down hill skier, you may think twice about these crazy methods of training. He uses them frequently and quite frankly if I wanted to become a more serious skier, I would too.
So, Bode Millers' downhill coach John McBride and Manager of the US Olympic Ski Team Super G slipped out some of their training secrets that Bode uses to keep his skiing at an advantage.
- The Wheel Barrow: for endurance strength and control, he pushes 50 pounds in a wheelbarrow uphill.
- Slack Lining: the same as tight rope walking; used for balance, and is done on a thin rope.
- Rock Hopping: basically you jump from rock to rock; used for power and agility.
- Downhill Walk: with a backpack filled with 30 pounds, walk or jog.
- Single Let Squats: for power and balance; squat with and without ski poles.
- TV sits: for isometric power; do squats with your back to the wall.
Now will Bode Miller's unique exercises come through for him in his next battle for gold? I guess we will just have to wait and find out!
