Snowboarding

My 10-year-old nephew, a new convert to the cult of snowboarding, describes snowboarding as, "Like skateboarding only on snow."

Exactly. Snowboarders have transposed not only the mechanics of the skateboard to the winter slopes, but also the aggressive, hip-hop style. When you see well-dressed yuppies in designer parkas playing on the slopes side by side with hot-dog kids in oversize, colorful outfits inspired by the urban streets, it's not hard to guess who's going skiing and who's got the board.

This sport is definitely for the fearless. Riding a board, straddle-style, downhill, controlling it only by body weight, small movements and incredible balance is not for everyone. But if you've got the requisite daredevil attitude this may be the sport for you. Lessons are definitely recommended. Snowboarding is very high on skill, and you will benefit enormously from instruction. Most slopes have pros that are enthusiastic and knowledgeable. Ignore them at your peril.

The muscles that are used the most in snowboarding include the quadriceps (front of thighs), the adductors (inner thighs), the glutes, and much more than you might realize, the abdominals and lower back. These all-important postural muscles are critical to maintaining balance and alignment, and any conditioning program for this sport should include a heavy component of crunches and lower back work. In addition to the usual squats and lunges, try to include some pylometric exercises in your conditioning program. Squat jumps are a good choice: Crouch down and then jump as high as possible, reaching for an imaginary basket with your hands. Land toe-ball-heel, and immediately return to a crouch in one smooth movement. That's one rep. Work up to 10. Go for height; this will develop explosive power in the legs which will serve you well in your sport.

Common complaints include soreness in the lower back and thighs. Make sure to stretch after every session to minimize soreness. Jacuzzis and hot baths will be particularly welcome after an afternoon on the slopes.