Fitness test for an accident-free winter sports season
The winter sports season has already begun on some glaciers and is once again attracting quite a few snow fans to the slopes. The popular hobby also involves risks: Accident insurers register over 33,000 skiing and snowboarding accidents involving employees every year.
Nine out of ten Snow sports accidents are self-accidents, mostly because people misjudge their own abilities or the conditions on the slopes. One of the biggest risk factors is poor physical condition. In order to improve this, Suva is launching a Fitness test for snow sportsmen on www.suva.ch/fitnesstest and recommends fitness programs tailored to the results (Level: simply, medium or difficult).
Two to three times a week is enough
A 15 to 20-minute workout two to three times a week is enough to strengthen muscles and improve movement coordination and body stability. This in turn increases riding enjoyment and reduces the risk of falls and injuries. In addition to training endurance, strength and movement coordination, the following recommendations from Suva will also help to ensure that you are prepared for the Snow sports season 2018 succeeds well:
- The Ski binding checked and readjusted by specialists.
- Wax the surface of the sports equipment and ensure a good grinding of the edges.
- Buy a well-fitting snow sports helmet to protect yourself from the consequences of a fall.
- The Snow sports check - an online tool that skiers and snowboarders can use to reduce their accident risk - on www.suva.ch/schneesportcheck fill in.
Text: SUVA
