Olympic level coach, and director of BeFit studios, Mihael Pelligrino, spent a day with the team in 2006, and again in 2007. After discussions with the team trainers, Michael set about taking the team members through a tough programme aimed at increasing their core strength specifically for skiing.
There was a lot of emphasis on balance work with the FLEXI-BAR, challenging their deep stabilisors as well as the stabilisors in the ankle, knee and hips.
All of the athletes were capable of swinging the FLEXI-BAR, however there were some noticeable differences in body strength, which were highlighted by the FLEXI-BAR. These weaknesses are quickly addressed through use of the FLEXI-BAR.
The next step discussed with the trainers is to take a FLEXI-BAR up to the top of the slopes to completely engage the deep core muscles and fire the nervous system before a run down slope. It is hoped that this will help shave seconds off downhill times!