Functional Fitness Training: Fitter Pro Giant Slalom

intermediate Level

The Fitter machine was originally invented by Louis Stack in 1985 to rehab himself back from a skiing related ankle and knee injury .  In addition to board based sports (snow and water skiing, surfing, etc.) it's a great device for developing balance skills and weight shifting skills for sports such as golf and  baseball.

The Giant Slalom exercise simulates its skiing namesake.  It's a great off-season maintenance exercise or pre-season exercise to prepare the athletes body for the rigors of the actual sport.

To get started gingerly place one foot in each of the platforms on the fitter.  If the band settings are set high enough you should not have any issues with staying upright on the machine.  If you're concerned about maintaining your balance we also have "ski poles" to help you maintain your balance.

Slowly shift your weight laterally back and forth.  The goal will be to keep your head centered over the Fitter while your feet move towards the outside edges of the machine.

Keep your eyes forward... don't look at your feet.  Your hands can be held out in front of you.

As your skill with the movement improves gradually extend the range of the left-right shift.  Your initial movements should only be 2-3 inches to the left and right.

To substantially increase the level of difficulty of this exercise squat down into a crouched position.  Doing so will create a substantial burn in your quadraceps.

Back to Other Sample Exercises