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