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WATERSKI MagazineBalance. The good skiers have it, the not-so-good skiers don't. The good news is, you can learn to get it. Equilibrium is a highly specific ability vital to every type of skiing.
Balance is usually divided into two categories: static and dynamic. Both of these components are crucial for complete, strong and fluid movement. Static balance is the ability to maintain a desired body posture or position when the body is stationary. Dynamic balance is the ability to maintain a desired body posture or position through full-body movement. For example, a skier uses static balance while balancing on top of the ski both forward and backward and uses dynamic balance when the body is experiencing various rotations, turns and flips. Recent studies have found that there is a tendency for balance ability to actually decrease with age. That's why adding balance training to your ski training is essential.
In the figures below, we show how to use exercise therapy balls and foam rolls for a fun and challenging way to increase your range of motion, improve balance, increase muscular endurance, improve shock absorption skills (to decrease injuries) and improve body awareness. Working with the balls with the emphasis on posture and control, you can achieve increased muscle control, power and body awareness to make the next trick a little easier. The tubes provide an unstable structure to increase body awareness with erect posture. Both exercises will improve your balance and your effectiveness on the water. – Chiropractic physician Terry Weyman has worked on the pro water ski tour for seven years and maintains a private practice in Westlake Village, California, at the Chiropractic Sports Institute.
