Halfpipe Skier Brita Sigourney's Secret to Fabulous Abs
by Thailan Pham
Halfpipe skier Brita Sigourney is probably doing everything in her power not to spring into a euphoric backflip right about now: Her sport, halfpipe skiing, is making its grand debut at the Olympics this year -- and she's one of the lucky few who've scored a spot on the U.S. team.
She's crazy talented and has already skied her way to a couple of X-Games medals, but it was more the appeal of camaraderie and artistry that drew Sigourney to the sport.
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"Everyone was always really laid back and friendly, and it didn't seem like a super competitive or cutthroat sport," she says of first starting out. "There is so much room for creativity in freeskiing, I think it would have been hard not to get drawn in."
And for a halfpipe skier, self-expression -- and the expression of said creativity -- means finding a way to put your own spin on tricks while flying up into the air.
"Learning new tricks is a scary experience, but I think it's really important to scare yourself and push your limits so you know what you are capable of," says Sigourney. "It's the best feeling in the world when you land a new trick for the first time."
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But the ultimate challenge, she says, is learning how to keep your body strong, protected, and most importantly, injury free. And heed her advice: The talented skier's already had six sport-related surgeries! Now, you can find Sigourney in the gym five days a week targeting her core with moves like the hanging leg raise to keep her center of balance strong and her body in top shape. If your abs need a break from ground-bound crunches and planks, this move will be just the thing to mix it up!
THE MOVE: Hanging Leg Raise
Hang from a pull-up bar with an overhand grip, keeping hands slightly wider than shoulder-width apart. Without swinging, bring your knees to your chest. Straighten legs downward. Do 3 sets of 12.
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