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Outside magazine, October 1999	Page: 1 \| 2 \| 3 \| 4 \| 5 \| 6

Facing up to the high cost of freedom

Though super-sidecut skis have spurred a resurgence in telemarking, anyone who's switched over from alpine skiing knows that the conversion comes at a price. "It definitely requires more balance and more strength in your legs and glutes," says Jimmy Ludlow, president of the U.S. Telemark Ski Association. "With your heels free, you can't ever relax on the bottoms of your boots. Plus, with the constant turning, your muscles stay flexed." Here's his routine.

ROTATIONAL LUNGE

Standing with your arms at your sides, take a full stride forward and lower yourself until you're almost kneeling on your back leg. Simultaneously, twist your upper body away from your forward knee—toward the imaginary fall line. Keep your abdomen as tight as you can and do three sets of 20 lunges.

ROPE LAT PULL-DOWN

To mirror the double pole-plant you'll need on long traverses, use the lat machine's rope attachment. Standing with your arms extended straight in front of you, grab each end and pull your hands down to your sides simultaneously. Do three sets of 15.

CRUNCH CIRCUIT

It goes like this: three sets of 15 crunches, 15 side-ups, and 15 Superman extensions. You know the crunch. For the side-ups, lie on your side, knees bent, hands at your temples. Then lift your ribs off the ground. For the Superman, strike the drill's namesake pose, lift your arms and legs six inches off the ground, and try to hold them steady.