Muscles Used While Skiing

Skiing is a coordinated muscle action that involves every large muscle group in the body. The following sections illustrate the primary muscles used during each movement of the skiing pull. Both the primary (red) and secondary muscles (yellow) work together in a synchronized fashion to accomplish the movement but with different levels of involvement and power output. Refer to the following or see SkiErg Muscles Used (PDF).

The Start

Primary muscles: triceps, trapezius, lats, calves
Secondary muscles: abs, back extensors, glutes, hamstrings, hip flexors, quads and shins

The Pull

Primary muscles: triceps, lats, abdominal muscles, hip flexors, shins
Secondary muscles: quads, back extensors, glutes, hamstrings, calves

The Finish

Primary muscles: triceps, abdominal muscles, hip flexors, shins
Secondary muscles: quads, back extensors, glutes, hamstrings, calves

The Return

Primary muscles: quads, glutes, hamstrings, back extensors, deltoid front part, trapezius upper part, pectoralis upper part, calves
Secondary muscles: abdominals, shins, hip flexors