UK Training and Racing

What is Strength and Conditioning and why is it important?
Strength and Conditioning encompasses all the physical activities that athletes engage in beyond their primary sport, including strength training, plyometrics, mobility exercises, and cardiovascular conditioning.There are two main reasons why it is important. Firstly, it fosters both development and performance enhancement. Yes, volume is a factor in the skill acquisition and development of a performer, however repetition without professional intervention (Coaching) does little to address specific weaknesses. Off-snow training provides opportunities to identify and strengthen these areas, ultimately contributing to the  athlete's growth in their sport.

One thing that was proven time and time again during the 2025/26 winter season was that those with betterfundamental and baseline level fitness were able to perform at a higher level and for longer period of time.For those who are looking to take their racing to the next level – we cannot stress enough the importanceof a structured, monitored, and specific conditioning programme throughout the summer.

There is no denying there is a direct relationship between an athletes off-ski physical condition and their ability to perform on skis. 

Secondly, injury prevention is crucial; Strength and Conditioning plays an essential role in bullet-proofing athletes' bodies against the inherent risks and demands of their sport, thereby minimising the likelihood of injuries and enabling them to participate for as long as they desire.

What can be done to aid athlete development?

Testing can help coaches in pinpointing the specific areas where athletes may need to turn more attention to, as well as how these areas correlate with their performance on skis. This process enables the development of personalised and comprehensive training programs for athletes, particularly during the off-season, ensuring they are well-prepared for their return to snow.

Throughout the 2026 Spring, Summer & Autumn programmes we will be incorporating S&C testing days & workshops to benchmark APR athletes so they can be best prepared going into the 2026/27 winter season.