CMU Cross Country Ski Team: Foundational Strength & Stability Workouts
These workouts focus on core control, postural alignment, and building foundational strength for skiing. Exercises include stability ball, med ball, and bodyweight movements.
Foundational Strength & Stability - Session 1
Notes
- Rest Between Sets: 60–90 seconds
- Focus on form and full range of motion
- Progression: Gradually increase weight/intensity
- Cool Down: 5–10 minutes of focused stretching
Exercises
- Rowing Workout: 15 minutes
- Forward Bounding: 5 minutes
- Barbell Overhead Squat: 3 x 12
- Lateral Box Step Overs: 3 x 15–25
- In-and-Outs in Half Tuck: 3 x 15–25
- Medicine Ball Standing Side Toss: 3 x 25
- Dumbbell Push-Up Row Sky Reach: 3 x 8–12
- Swiss Ball Hip Extension & Leg Curl: 3 x 25
Foundational Strength & Stability - Session 2
Notes
- Rest Between Sets: 60–90 seconds
- Focus on form and full range of motion
- Progression: Gradually increase weight/intensity
- Cool Down: 5–10 minutes of focused stretching
Exercises
- Jumping Jacks (3 types): 3 x 25
- Forward Bounding: 5 minutes
- Power Clean & Press: 3 x 8–12
- Swiss Ball Hip Extension & Leg Curl: 3 x 25
- Step-Ups (with/without dumbbells): 3 x 15–25
- Medicine Ball Standing Side Toss: 3 x 25
- Dumbbell Push-Up Row Sky Reach: 3 x 8–12
- Swiss Ball Abdominal Crunch: 3 x 25
Foundational Strength & Stability - Session 3
Notes
- Rest Between Sets: 60–90 seconds
- Focus on form and full range of motion
- Progression: Gradually increase weight/intensity
- Cool Down: 5–10 minutes of focused stretching
Exercises
- Jumping Jacks (3 types): 3 x 25
- Forward Bounding: 5 minutes
- Ski-Erg (High Resistance): 10 minutes
- Squat Jumps: 3 x 15–25
- Lateral Bounds: 3 x 15–25
- Box Step-Ups with Stick Overhead: 3 x 25/leg
- Single-Leg Squat: 3 x 15/leg
- Swiss Ball Oblique Crunch: 3 x 25
- Tricep Bench/Box Dips: 3 x 25
Full-Body Stability & Core Strength Workout
Notes
- Rest Between Sets: 60–90 seconds
- Focus on form and full range of motion
- Progression: Gradually increase weight/intensity
- Cool Down: 5–10 minutes of focused stretching
Exercises
Warm-Up
- Dynamic Stretches: Arm circles, leg swings, hip circles, walking lunges
- Cardio: Jumping jacks, high knees, butt kicks (30 sec each, repeat twice)
Circuit 1: Core & Stability
45 seconds per exercise, 15 seconds rest. 3 rounds, 1-minute rest between rounds.
- Stability Ball Bicycle Crunch
- Stability Ball Tuck
- Stability Ball Pike
- Stability Ball Hip Thrust
- Stability Ball Hands-to-Feet Pass
Circuit 2: Lower Body & Functional Strength
40 seconds per exercise, 20 seconds rest. 3 rounds, 1-minute rest between rounds.
- Bodyweight Squats
- Lateral Lunges
- Single-Leg Glute Bridge
- Push-Ups
- Plank with Shoulder Taps
Cool-Down
- Static Stretches: Hamstrings, quads, hip flexors, glutes, shoulders (30s each)
- Foam Rolling: Legs and back