For many Singaporeans, a year-end skiing or snowboarding holiday might mean heading to a resort such as Zermatt in the Swiss Alps, Hakuba in the Japanese Alps, or Whistler Blackcomb in Canada’s Coast Mountains. Much of the appeal lies in swapping the tropical heat for snowy peaks and a few days out on the slopes. Amid the excitement, it’s easy to forget how physically demanding these sports can be, especially for travellers who aren’t used to them.
Part of the reason is that few everyday activities in Singapore ask the body to balance, turn, and absorb bumps on a sliding surface for hours at a time, whereas skiing and snowboarding demand exactly this, often several days in a row. Because the body seldom gets to practise these movements, the supporting muscles can tire quickly, and once fatigued, they’re less able to keep the joints steady during an awkward twist or fall. When this happens, an injury to the knee, ankle, or shoulder can turn a long-awaited getaway into a painful experience.
These risks raise questions, which Lance Alexander asked Dr Lester Tan in a recent interview on MONEY FM 89.3, some of which include what can increase the chance of getting injured and whether age and fitness play a part. Unlike age, fitness can be worked on, but it often gets less attention than the flights, accommodation, and ski passes booked well ahead. For this part of the preparation, Dr Lester Tan pointed to cardio and strength training before setting off.
Even with this preparation, a fall can’t always be avoided, so Dr Lester Tan also went through what one should do if an injury occurs. This means getting ready for a snow holiday extends beyond conditioning the body before departure to knowing how to respond if something goes wrong on the slopes.
Listen to Dr Lester Tan on Live Well ft. Lancer Alexander – Money FM 89.3.
