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THINK SMART Helpful tips for your everyday life

Get ready for the slopes

Pulling out your snow gear should not be the only thing on your skiing preparation list: Getting your body ready is just as important.

"The best exercises for skiing are squat-based movements," says Mark Hines, author of "Skiing and Snowboarding Fitness." "You have to start from a standing position as if in your ski boots, then bend your knees and lean forward, imagining that you are on the slopes."

To ready your legs for the mountain, modify a basic squat to mimic different movements. "Change the speed of the squats and the range of motion," Hines suggests. "Also, try switching from two legs to one leg."

Before you head out, skip the pre-ski stretch and gradually introduce your body to the movements with a warm-up. "Mobility is the key to preventing injuries," Hines notes. "Stretching itself encourages muscles to relax, which is not likely to be helpful if you need your muscles to react quickly. Just moving the arms, legs and trunk, then gently increasing the range of motion and speed will warm the muscles to make them more elastic in a manner similar to stretching."

Jorge Cruise is the author of three consecutive best sellers. For his free health report, visit thebellyfatcure.com.