Skiing is believing - Tamara McKinney - interview

American Fitness, Jan-Feb, 1990 by Rhonda J. Wilson

SKIING IS BELIEVING

Do you start hyperventilating every time you look up at the moguls? Are skiers half your age whizzing by you at warp speed on your favorite runs? Is the ski patrol on a first name basis with you?

Well, fear not. You don't need to be a seasoned skier to be skillful on the slopes. Conditioning is the key to conquering the mountain, according to Tamara McKinney, four-time world championship medalist. "You have to be fit enough to enjoy skiing, but you don't have to be a championship bodybuilder to go out and have a good day," the slalom racer reassures. "Strength and flexibility help you enjoy skiing and keep you from being injured when you take the big tumble."

American Fitness joined the 11-year veteran of the U.S. Ski Team during her dry-land conditioning camp in Park City, Utah last July. The camp, the second of three scheduled in Park City, uses football drills adapted to skiing to emphasize motor skill development and the physiological testing facilities at the University of Utah. American Fitness: How can recreational skiers benefit from a regular conditioning program? Tamara McKinney: I think fitness is a way of life and not just something you should do in a month to get ready for vacation. It keeps your mind healthy and your body working at its best. Depending on each individual's personality and lifestyle, I think strength is important for recreational skiers.

There are all kinds of sports which can help each person be a better skier. Mountain biking and running in the mountains and up hills helps you work on your reaction skills. Tennis and soccer are good for fitness, coordination, quick turns and changing direction. I think overall fitness makes you feel good at whatever you do and always helps in skiing. AF: Are there any drills you emphasize during your dry-land conditioning program? TM: I work on quickness and agility drills to get a good strength base. I like to do sprints on the track and field drills similar to football drills. Most of my agility drills don't have a duration longer than 60 seconds. We also do long endurance drills, but that's more for mental energy. I usually water-ski and play tennis for fun and exercise. AF: So cross-training is a vital element of your fitness philosophy? TM: Yes, but not because cross-training has become a fad. It's the way I grew up. My father was a jockey and horse trainer and my mother was involved with horses and skiing. I went ice skating and skiing in the winter and played a lot of tennis throughout the summer. I get a lot of energy from sports and they are still a part of my life. AF: How has the conditioning camp improved during your tenure with the team? TM: Our coach, John Atkins, has come up with some basic theories and training. The good thing is they aren't complicated specialized things that are new or different or secretive. We have some specific exercises, but it's mostly hard work and believing in ourselves. I think if there are any secrets, it's just simple and you have to do it. AF: Are there any ski specific exercises you recommend to recreational skiers? TM: You can't say one exercise is good for skiing. Back and leg strength is important. There are a lot of things you can do for good overall fitness. For example, go up the stairs instead of the elevator and sprint up the stairs rather than walking up. Depending on your lifestyle, do whatever you can do. Just stick to it.

Rhonda J. Wilson is managing editor of American Fitness.