Hard Core: Workout #2 With Mountain Man JF Plouffe

Resorts are opening left and right. If you’ve put off getting into skiing shape, time to motivate and hit the gym. Failing to do so may result in a) serious injury or b) being the slowest skier in your crew.

Last week, Helly Hansen ambassador, fitness freak and mountain guide JF PLouffe developed our core strength through three medicine ball exercises. Today, JF leads the way through a core trio to help you go edge-to-edge with the best.

Exercise #1: Jump rope

Agility and stability are key to safe, strong skiing and riding. Like a boxer before a bout, work your body from core to calves with this quick cardio burn.

Reps: 50 skips

Exercise #2: Pike

Develop core strength as you transfer between plank and a tense tucked position, using the exercise ball for balance.

Reps: 10 pikes

Exercise #3:  Pass-through

With hands and feet spread wide, passing an exercise ball between them, you are forced to maintain a tight core. Back muscles and abdominals burn, but you’ll thank JF on your next run.

Reps: 10 pass-throughs

After twelve minutes of this cycle, you’ll be feeling pain in all of the right places. Better now than on the hill.