Hit the slopes with Sportive Plus

Hit the slopes with Sportive Plus

Louise Green, coach, author, activist and athlete

Louise Green is a global fitness coach, activist and author who is changing the narrative and idealistic norms of our fitness culture.

Her fitness career began in 2008 when she opened the first plus-size fitness franchise, Body Exchange.

As an influential changemaker, Louise has helped thousands of plus-size women find their inner athlete and love their bodies. Through speaking, writing, and coaching women online, she has led the charge in creating a more inclusive fitness movement across the world.

Breaking the barriers of traditional fitness, Louise is the first plus-size athlete to be featured in prestigious publications such as Triathlete Magazine, Bicycling Magazine, Canadian Running and Runner's World UK.

Louise is the author of Big Fit Girl and a SELF Columnist.

As a ski enthusiast, I love sharing my interest with others. Skiing is such a rewarding sport for me, but unfortunately, I hear too often from women who have given up. The sport is now part of their past…. 'I used to ski when I was thinner or younger…' 'I used to ski before I had kids.' In addition to the usual reasons, there are also practical things that push people to give up skiing: finding the right equipment. This big problem is real, but now there is hope!

Here are some ways to get back on the slopes, no matter your size, age or ability - there's no reason skiing should be a thing of the past anymore.

This lack of representative images in our culture is problematic because it creates fear and intimidation about fitness and also exudes an element of the unknown.

I am often asked where plus size women can find functional and fashionable ski wear. I recently discovered Sportive Plus and believe in their ski wear more than any other plus size women's brand! Until recently, I was resorting to men's ski pants that I had to have shortened. Not only were they expensive, but they never looked good on me. I will never go back to those pants! Sportive Plus pants are functional and made with high quality fabrics. They are flexible for the movements required and they look great! Plus, I give them bonus points for being made in Canada!

Many women report not knowing how to get up if they fall. Which is understandable, as it can be a real feat at times. Don’t hesitate to ask your ski partner for a hand to get your skis pointing horizontally on the slope. Otherwise, take off your skis, stand up, and start again! With the right equipment, this challenging part of skiing can be made easier. There’s nothing worse than trying to wear restrictive pants or jackets that limit your range of motion.

Plan Ahead

If you're returning to skiing after a break, make sure you know the slope rating system: green circle for the easiest slopes, blue square for more advanced, black diamond for difficult, double diamond for extremely difficult, and orange oval for snowboarding. Get a map of the mountain and study it before you go, choosing the slopes best suited to your level. Unfortunately, I've been caught on slopes that are too difficult and it made for a stressful day. More difficult terrain can be done gradually.

Do exercises in preparation for your ski outings

Skiing can be quite taxing on the quads. You will probably feel a burning sensation during the first few days of the season. This happens to me all the time and I consider it a break-in period. If you are like me, you will need to take regular breaks and give your legs a rest. For the first few days of the season, consider purchasing a half-day ticket. Building your quads will help condition your legs for the activity required. Exercises that can also help are squats and lunges. For squats: 3 seconds on the way down and 1 second on the way up.

Ski with like-minded partners

Skiing with friends and family can be a lot of fun, but not if everyone is racing ahead of you and you're having a hard time keeping up. Find partners who share your skills and you'll have a day of pure fun!

If your body has changed, you’ve had kids, you’re feeling busy or you’ve simply given up on skiing over the years, you can make a comeback this season simply by dressing up and getting outside. Like Sportive Plus, today’s companies are making it possible for women of all shapes and sizes to achieve their fitness dreams with the bodies they have. Don’t hesitate…check your gear and get outside! You can do it!