Flying Exercise,
A short blurb by Paul Gazis

Since the season is about to begin, I thought we could all use a reminder about how best to get back in shape for this summer's flying.

Thermal Curls

Launch on a strong day at Gunter or Paiute. Core a strong thermal, low over the valley, and try to fight your way into rowdy 1500+ FPM lift. Keep getting kicked out. Fight your way back in. Continue for 3 sets of 20 repetitions or a 3000' altitude gain. Then reverse direction to work on the other side.

Quad Climbs

Go to the training hill. Set up your wing. Slog up the hill with full harness and gear. Continue for 1 set of 10 reps or until you get 3 good landings in a row.

Triceps Panic Extensions (the 'Bar Stuff' exercise)

Launch Horseshoe when it's blowing 35+ out of the west at 18,000'. Climb 3000' in a lee-side thermal until you get obliterated by the rotor. Realize, too late, the error of your ways. Stuff the bar and try to make it out to the valley. Get slaughtered. Get the wings level, point the glider back towards the valley, and stuff the bar again. Get slaughtered. Repeat for 2,351 sets of 12,651,892 reps or until you finally make it out to the Postage Stamp and pound in.

Dewer Hoist (Biceps exercise)

Head out to the bar with your flying buddies. Order a pint. Pick it up and chug it down while swapping lies about your flights. Pause to order another round and allow your heart rate to recover. Repeat with the other arm. Continue for 3 sets of 10-15 reps or until totally plastered. Note: this eexercise can be combined with quick trips to the restrooms to make it an aerobic superset.

Paul Gazis
Physical-fitness-vale, CA