Mark Verstegen, owner of Athlete’s Performance in Tempe, Arizona recently penned, Core Performance: The Revolutionary Workout Program to Transform Your Body & Your Life. His clientele is a who’s who of professional sports. Soccer player Mia Hamm and baseball star Nomar Garciopia are just two of the athletes that add some great tips throughout this book.

The The Core Performance program focuses on strengthening the dozens of core muscles (including the hips, pelvis, lower back, abdominals, ribs and shoulder blades) that line one’s frame. By building what Verstegen calls the body’s “suspension system,” the whole body grows not only stronger but more functional.

The book is a quick and easy read. Be forewarned, however, some of these movements will make you feel incredibly awkward and off-balance (which will help improve coordination on the slopes). The author outlines a “Movement Prep” section that gets your body “primed” for exercise. From my own perspective, as a fairly accomplished athlete, I’ve found these exercises to be pretty challenging from a balance and coordination standpoint.

In addition to Movement Prep, there are seven other “stages” of strengthening one’s body. I found the exercises to be very well laid out with good explanations. If you do have questions regarding any of the exercises or information, go to www.coreperformance.com for more detailed explanations.

Stay Fit Skiing!
Andrew Hooge, CSCS
www.fitskiing.com