Frida Hansdotter, great World Cup skier, is currently on fire! In stark contrast to running, jumping and hopping activities, characterized by a short-lived eccentric action initiating the stretch-shortening cycle (SSC), YoYoTM exercise relies on both prolonged eccentric exposure, and a brief episode of very high SSC activity.
Sure Frida travels fast down the slope! Yet, in the world of sports, alpine skiing is unique as eccentric actions are executed at a slow angular velocity! The eccentric action however is critical in making the skis turn fast which requires lots of power. YoYo inventors Drs. Berg and Tesch, years ago investigated muscle activity with help of electromyography (EMG) in world class alpine skiers. Interestingly and similar to exercise using YoYoTM, the slalom and giant slalom called for greater eccentric than concentric EMG activity.
Conclusion: Ski specific strength training using YoYoTM should help preparing skiers to turn quicker!