Aimee Fuller: 5 tips to Winter Olympic stardom
Watching the Winter Olympics and fancy following in team GB’s footsteps? GB snowboarder Aimee Fuller (@aimee_fuller) gives you 5 tips to get going…
Get ready to sweat
“I used to see girls in PE at school who didn’t want to get sweaty – but sweat to me is the best thing ever! If you’re sweating hard, it means you’re pushing yourself. It means you’re competing, and no one ever won anything without breaking sweat.”
Work your body
“Winter sports like skiing and snowboarding are about developing different parts of your body and bringing it all together on the course. Rather than focussing on one area, you need to be regularly undergoing a full-body workout in order to feel great.”
Workout anywhere
“Core workouts, press-ups, chin-ups, squats – you don’t need to be in a gym environment to do them. Just find yourself a place where you won’t be disturbed, and think of different ways to incorporate your surroundings into your exercises. I find that when I’m away on holiday, I have the most fun finding new places to train; it makes exercise a positive thing in your day, whereas going to the gym can sometimes be a bit depressing.”
“If you’re sweating hard, it means you’re pushing yourself. It means you’re competing, and no one ever won anything without breaking sweat.”
BOSU ball is your friend
“Using a BOSU ball or a balance trainer can be tough, but in the long run it helps improve stability and strength, so it’s definitely worth it. You can do single-leg exercises that work your whole leg, from your thighs right down to the smaller muscles in your ankles. The ball also helps core strength as well as lower body posture, but to really get the best out of it it’s all about putting the time in and pushing yourself. Equipment and routine will only take you so far – it’s really all about how hard you are willing to work.
Yes to yoga
“I always make sure to do a session of yoga to increase blood flow, stretch my muscles, and prevent injuries. Straight leg deadlifts are another exercise that are great for preventing silly injuries – but they are hard on your hamstrings!”
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