Building Strength for the Slopes: A Ski Mom's Guide to Fitness with Hollie Nicholson

In this summer episode, personal trainer and ski mom Hollie Nicholson shares her expertise on building strength for skiing through accessible at-home workouts. From her Indiana roots to skiing the Swiss Alps, Hollie discusses how she helps women build confidence and strength for their mountain adventures. As the creator of Strong Training Methods, she breaks down how busy moms can incorporate effective 30-45 minute workouts using simple equipment like dumbbells and resistance bands.

Hollie shares valuable insights on teaching young children to ski, starting with her own kids at age two. She discusses practical approaches to managing ski gear for growing families, including tips for buying and trading equipment through platforms like Poshmark and local ski swaps. 

We dive into fitness fundamentals and learn why unilateral training is crucial for skiing and how proper core engagement can help prevent injuries. She emphasizes that strength training doesn't require heavy barbells or gym memberships - just consistent, purposeful movement with proper form. Her program offers flexibility for active women who enjoy multiple sports.

The conversation includes Hollie's adventures skiing the Swiss and Italian Alps, practical packing tips for international ski trips, and navigating European ski culture with family. And like always, we discuss après ski traditions, including non-alcoholic options and her family's unique pop-tart tradition. For women hesitant to start strength training, Hollie offers encouraging wisdom about the connection between muscle maintenance and long-term health.

Notable Quotes:

"Muscle is your metabolic engine. It's like your body's physical 401k - we wouldn't step into retirement without money in the bank, so we shouldn't step into retirement without muscle on our body."

"The longer you wait, you're delaying the results and not just like in the mirror. You're delaying feeling better, being okay with your body, being more confident and just being able to move well."

Hollie is offering our listeners a special discount code for $20 off your package

Use code SKISTRONG at checkout  www.hollienicholsonstrong.com/strong

Mark your calendars! The legendary Ski Haus/NOTB and Patio Place Tent Sale is back this August in Woburn, MA and Salem, NH

Expect deep discounts—up to 60% off on skis, snowboards, boots, bindings, and more. August 8-10th, shop Woburn, August 21-4th, shop Salem. 

Head to skihaus.com on the events page to check exact sale hours and get directions.

Loam Pass is the premier North American mountain biking pass. Loam Pass, gives you over 100 days of access to some of the best mountain biking destinations across the country. Get your pass at https://www.loampass.com/ use code SKIMOMS2515 to save 15%