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June, 2025

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Muscles used for skiing switch?

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SkiHillShiter
Posts: 185 - Karma: 1,285
So I’ve been working on my flexibility a lot over quarantine as I used to be super inflexible but when I was skiing I couldn’t really turn my body as far as you want when skiing switch. What stretches could I do to help?
5 years ago
4 0
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GilsonSkis
Posts: 738 - Karma: 9,715
All about that booty
5 years ago
13 0
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turntable
Posts: 2739 - Karma: 861
stretches arent gonna do anything. you probably just need to consciously turn more from the thoracic spine.
5 years ago
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Mixy
Posts: 8356 - Karma: 50,437
practice standing switch and working on your form
5 years ago
6 0
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shinbangclan
Posts: 1177 - Karma: 7,552
It's a lot about comfort, honestly. When I started trying to ski switch I felt like I couldn't see shit even though I was turned as far back as I could. Make sure you're not leaning too far forward because that just makes it harder. The more you do it the more comfortable you will feel standing upright which will help you turn your body more.
As for stretches maybe try neck, hips, glutes, etc. Wherever you feel inflexibility in your switch stance i guess.
5 years ago
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sheddd
Posts: 119 - Karma: 511
I am fairly new to switch and have been working on the same myself. I just recently got turning both ways while looking over my non preferred shoulder; it took me a year to get that far :). I’m still doing some rotational stretches but I feel like in line skating backwards probably does me the most good.
5 years ago
3 0
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dolanslebensraum
Posts: 5959 - Karma: -13,093
Keep stretching and trying to max out the amount you can turn your hips torso and neck.

some ppl are naturally more flexible than others but you can still increase your max flexibility with stretching routines
5 years ago
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tyrol
Posts: 45 - Karma: 135
little1337practice standing switch and working on your form


This. When I'm at work I split my time between sitting, standing, and standing switch (both ways). I used to get weird looks from the cube people but now that the office is empty I can really focus on looking over my right shoulder replying to emails.
5 years ago
6 0
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nmwninjart
Posts: 3108 - Karma: 16,115
tyrolThis. When I'm at work I split my time between sitting, standing, and standing switch (both ways). I used to get weird looks from the cube people but now that the office is empty I can really focus on looking over my right shoulder replying to emails.


Lol this is great. I've been known to stand like I'm skiing switch in the breakroom at work waiting for my tea to heat up in the microwave. Haven't been caught yet.
This is definitely something I found super awkward at first and slowly getting more comfortable at it. I see mentioned above just relaxing is a good point I never thought of. Good note to work on in the future. I found making sure the knees are bent helps. In my awkward first attempts I was straightlegged and nervous and would get scared when I picked up speed.
5 years ago
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Shower_Boy
Posts: 155 - Karma: 1,373
Do some yoga. Chair poses and warriors are pretty good for building leg strength and then open up to each side to work on strengthening your core and back for when you're looking over your shoulder.
Like up revolved chair pose ir you need a visual
5 years ago
5 0
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vibecheck
Posts: 3112 - Karma: 15,206
Neck
5 years ago
2 0
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patskis22
Posts: 368 - Karma: 1,150
Imma play some fortnite switch tonight lol
5 years ago
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freestyler540
Posts: 13238 - Karma: 20,486
Be flexible. Skiing backwards doesnt require any special form...but when you go down, its nice to avoid ligament tears for being bendable.

For overall flexibility, I recommend being able to shake your hand behind your back and being able to touch the ground with the wrists. High kicks can offer some help.
5 years ago
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armchair_skier
Posts: 2716 - Karma: 34,768
1. Keep your legs parallel but move them apart to turn your chest naturally backward
2. Drop the shoulder and look where you want to skii

I dont think flexibility is a factor because I am most deff. not flexible but I can carve around the mountain switch on blues n blacks ez
5 years ago
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SofaKingSick
Posts: 9777 - Karma: 66,132
tyrolThis. When I'm at work I split my time between sitting, standing, and standing switch (both ways). I used to get weird looks from the cube people but now that the office is empty I can really focus on looking over my right shoulder replying to emails.


Notably, people don’t seem to like when you talk to them switch, it seemed like my coworkers think it’s pretty weird and off-putting
5 years ago
5 0
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anders_a
Posts: 1680 - Karma: 5,605
There are a few ones on the lower back forsure. Could be my double back injury doesnt help, but I always feel if it there if I have days of riding switch a lot, like instructing someone howto do it or just... having a switch day.
5 years ago
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Slunky
Posts: 691 - Karma: 2,344
I found that ever since I started completely neglecting core and legs and only ripping biceps, my switch skiing game has improved greatly. Curls=corks
5 years ago
0 2
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