Pilates standing footwork – a good exercise for skiers
Posted on September 9, 2017 by Movement Health in Just saying.., Pilates
![male doing standing pilates footwork to help with skiing](https://www.movementhealth.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/pilates-standing-footwork-e1542685377575.jpg)
Squats, lunges etc can be the standard exercises used to prepare the lower body for skiing. The Pilates exercise standing footwork from the 2×4 series is a twist on the squat movement and is closely related to footwork on the reformer. Pilates standing footwork is a whole-body exercise that strengthens the feet, ankles, knees and hips, with added balance and postural challenges.
Start: Feet hip width apart, arms out in front, tall and strong in posture.
One: Rise on to toes and hold.
Two: Bend knees and balance, holding tall in posture.
Three: Slowly push heels towards the floor.
Four: Pull stomach in to stand tall.
Reverse
Start: Feet hip width apart, arms out in front, tall and strong in posture.
One: Bend knees and hold.
Two: Roll heels up and balance, holding tall in posture.
Three: Rise up, standing tall on toes.
Four: Return heels to floor.
8-12 in each direction done daily will help to get your lower body ready for the mountains.
*Disclaimer, this is a discussion and does not represent an exercise prescription, for exercise or injury advice seek an appropriately trained health professional.