100. Understanding Biomechanical Differences in Male and Female Skiers (feat. Demelza Clay)

In this milestone episode, I sit down with Demelza Clay—ski coach, sports scientist, and co-leader of The Ski Coach Collective alongside Tom Gellie of Big Picture Skiing.Demelza has coached at ski camps all over the world, from Engelberg to BC cat-skiing lodges, and brings a unique perspective to athlete development—especially when it comes to female skiers.We dive into her journey from sports science to ski coaching, how coaching women differs from coaching men, and how she helps skiers prepare in the off-season to thrive when snow starts falling again.We cover:✅ The unique biomechanical differences in skiing for men vs. women✅ Tips for off-season conditioning that actually transfer to snowWhether you’re curious about ski coaching, planning a trip, or looking to grow as a skier—this one’s packed with insight and practical tips from a true expert in the field.🎿 Learn more about Demelza and her work:Demelza’s Website: https://www.demelzaclay.com/ Follow Demelza: https://www.instagram.com/demelza.clay/Ski Coach Collective: https://skicoachcollective.com 👉 Free 14-day trial of the Legaski Club: https://legacyrehabandperformance.com/legaskiclub-signup

In this episode, I sit down with Caroline Gleich—a professional ski mountaineer and climate activist—who shares her incredible story of summiting Mount Everest without having ACL surgery.After tearing her ACL just months before her expedition, Caroline made the bold decision to rehab without surgery. We unpack what went into that decision, how she trained, and the mental fortitude it took to climb one of the world’s tallest peaks while managing an injury most assume requires surgery.We cover a ton, including:✅ Why she chose not to get ACL surgery—and how it changed her approach✅ How to build strength, balance, and confidence post-injury✅ The mindset shifts that helped her push through pain and self-doubt✅ What every skier should consider before choosing surgery✅ Why “listening to your body” isn’t just a cliché—it’s essential✅ How to advocate for your health and make decisions aligned with your valuesWhether you’re navigating an ACL tear or just want to be inspired by what’s possible through grit and intention, this one is powerful.🔗 Resources mentioned: – Caroline’s Everest story: https://www.youtube.com/watch?reload=9&v=YRtQ1rJk-eE  – Caroline’s website: https://www.carolinegleich.com – Caroline’s IG: https://www.instagram.com/carolinegleich – Caroline’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CarolineGleich 🎧 Listen now at www.legaskipodcast.com/episode99 📲 Ready to take your rehab or performance training seriously? Start your 14-day free trial of the Legaski Club: legacyrehabandperformance.com/legaskiclub-signup

In this episode, I sit down with Sam—a sports therapist and passionate skier based in Zurich—who tore his ACL and experienced a ski cut to his calf the following season.As a fellow rehab professional, Sam offers a unique lens on injury recovery: balancing personal experience with clinical knowledge. We talk through the mental battles, the physical milestones, and how his approach as a therapist changed once he became the patient.We cover a lot, including: ✅ What it’s like to rehab when you already know the protocol ✅ How to build a support system when you’re feeling isolated ✅ Lessons from treating athletes that he now applies to himself ✅ Tips for managing emotions and setting healthy expectations ✅ How to return to skiing with confidence—not just clearanceThis one’s especially powerful for skiers in the thick of recovery, or anyone who’s ever felt the tension between what you should do… and what you feel ready for.📲 Want help navigating your own rehab or return to snow?Follow Sam’s journey on IG - https://www.instagram.com/samde__vries?igsh=MTlmcTY0ZmNmZnE5aA==Start your 14-day free trial of the Legaski Club:  legacyrehabandperformance.com/legaskiclub-signup

In this episode, I’m joined by Brian Finch—a physical therapist, strength coach, and alpine ski coach based in Vermont who works with athletes chasing World Cup dreams.Brian shares his journey from ski racing to PT to coaching elite skiers, and we dig into what separates high-level performers from the rest. From strength and conditioning to mental strategy and recovery, Brian brings a wealth of experience from the front lines of ski performance.We cover:- The biggest physical gaps that hold skiers back from progressing- Why athletes should train more like sprinters than marathoners- How to program strength for skiing vs. strength for aesthetics- What World Cup athletes do differently when it comes to rehab- When to push and when to back off during injury recovery- How to approach testing, return-to-snow benchmarks, and moreWhether you’re a competitive skier, coach, or just serious about your training—this episode will give you a high-performance lens to view your own ski prep.Want to train like the pros? Join the Legaski Club 14-day free trial: legacyrehabandperformance.com/legaskiclub-signup

I’ve been chasing the elusive hip drag turn for the past few seasons—and in this episode, I finally get some expert guidance.Brian from Level Up Sports Academy (Level 3 Certified Ski Instructor) joins me to break down exactly what it takes to achieve higher edge angles. We dive deep into posture, strength training, ski setup, and why so many skiers miss the foundational elements that make buttery edge angles possible.We also talk about mindset, terrain manipulation, and how most skiers are over-relying on boot fitting instead of improving how their bodies move. If you’ve ever wanted to get your hip to the snow—or just carve with more precision and control—this episode is packed with gems.Here’s what we cover: ✅ Why posture might be your biggest limiter on snow ✅ The training methods that actually support hip drag technique ✅ How to safely build edge angle using terrain and turn shape ✅ Why ski stiffness, width, and radius all make a difference ✅ The truth about “perfect” outside ski pressure ✅ How Brian coaches balance and edge without brute forceCheck out Brian’s content on Instagram: @levelupsports.academyWant to work with him? Visit: www.levelupsports.academyAnd if you want to ski stronger next season, join the Legaski Club—my ski-specific training membership—for free for 14 days: legacyrehabandperformance.com/legaskiclub-signupOr book a strategy call to see how we can work together: www.MeetTheSkiPT.com

In this episode, I sit down with Drew—a passionate skier who's no stranger to injury. After tearing his ACL multiple times and navigating a current rotator cuff tear, Drew shares what it’s really like to come back from major setbacks and still pursue big goals on the mountain.But instead of me interviewing him, we flipped the script: Drew asks me the questions he’s most curious about—from what separates pro-level recovery from everyday rehab, to how to protect your knees and meniscus long-term, and even why falling “wrong” might be the real culprit behind so many injuries.We cover a ton, including: - Why eccentric strength is the most overlooked piece of ski prep - The 3-pillar system I use to help skiers prevent arthritis and re-injury - How to train like a professional skier (even if you're not one) - The underrated skill of falling well—and how to build better body awareness - If stem cells, peptides, or PRP are worth it for knee injuries - Why intensity might matter more than sets, reps, or weightThis episode is full of insights for any skier who’s dealt with injury—or just wants to ski stronger for life. Whether you’re coming back from ACL surgery or trying to stay ahead of breakdowns, this one’s for you.📲 Ready to take your recovery or training seriously? Start your 14-day free trial of the Legaski Club: legacyrehabandperformance.com/legaskiclub-signup

In this episode, I’m joined by pro skier and trainer John Collinson (@johncollinson)—someone who's not only been through multiple ACL surgeries, but has also made it his mission to come back stronger each time. We sat down to talk through his most recent ACL injury (his third), what’s worked in past rehabs, and how he’s navigating the mental and physical grind of recovery all over again.John also flipped the script and asked me some questions about injury prevention, rehab best practices, and how to build a return-to-snow plan that actually works—whether you're an elite athlete or a passionate weekend skier.If you’re in the middle of ACL rehab, recently injured, or working with injured skiers, you’ll get a lot out of this one.We dig into: ✅ The injury mechanism behind John’s latest ACL tear ✅ Why he went with a cadaver graft—and how it compares to hamstring ✅ What to expect during the early post-op phase ✅ How to mentally stay strong during setbacks ✅ The differences between pro-level rehab and what most skiers experience ✅ The gap between PT discharge and real return-to-snow training🎿 Follow John Collinson: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johncollinson YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@johncollinson🎧 Follow me and learn more:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_ski_pt/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/legacyrehabandperformance.skiingWebsite: https://legacyrehabandperformance.com/skiing-homepageYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@the_ski_ptBook a call with me: https://www.meettheskipt.com/Try the Legaski Club free for 14 days: https://legacyrehabandperformance.com/legaskiclub-signup

In this episode of The Legaski Podcast, I sit down with lifelong skier Nathaniel just 3.5 weeks after his ACL surgery. His story starts like many—on a powder day, first run of the morning, and an unexpected drop that changed his season. But what followed is a powerful look into the physical and mental resilience it takes to navigate ACL rehab.We discuss everything from his initial injury at Stevens Pass to choosing a surgeon, managing recovery at home, and the emotional toll of sitting on the sidelines. Nathaniel also shares what helped him the most—before and after surgery—and what he’s focusing on as he rebuilds, with the ultimate goal of returning to skiing stronger than before.✅ Inside the episode: • How the injury happened and what went wrong on the hill • Why he was able to drive home (in a stick shift!) after tearing his ACL • The challenges of navigating early recovery and crutches in a 3-story home • What made the biggest difference in managing swelling and pain • Why prehab and having a plan were game changers for surgery prep • His thoughts on bracing, rehab timelines, and long-term return to skiing • Mental strategies for staying motivated during recoveryWhether you’re currently rehabbing an injury or simply want to hear how other skiers are making their comeback, this episode is packed with insight, encouragement, and first-hand experience.🎧 Tune in now and be inspired to keep moving forward—even when the road is long.—💬 Ready to work together? Book a call: https://www.meettheskipt.com⛷️ Start your recovery or training journey with the Legaski Club: Try it FREE for 14 days: https://legacyrehabandperformance.com/legaskiclub-signup—📲 Follow Greg Louie (The Ski PT) for more ski rehab and performance content: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_ski_pt/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/legacyrehabandperformance.skiing Website: https://legacyrehabandperformance.com/skiing-homepage YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@the_ski_pt

In Part 2 of this unique husband-and-wife ACL recovery series, we turn the mic to Carl.Three weeks after Sarah Beth’s ACL injury, Carl found himself on the mountain with their 5-year-old—trying to help him off the lift—and tore his own ACL. What followed was a tandem ACL surgery experience, a shared rehab process, and a crash course in navigating recovery as a dad, pilot, and skier.👟 In this episode, Carl opens up about:What led to his injury while skiing with his young sonWhy he initially progressed faster than expected post-opThe mental side of ACL rehab: fear, boundaries, and comparisonBalancing recovery with the pressure of returning to work as a pilotHow he's reverse-engineering his rehab based on job demandsGetting back to basketball, hiking, and future ski trips—safelyIf you’ve ever felt unsure about your recovery timeline or wanted clarity on what’s “too much, too soon,” this episode is packed with insight—and a few mindset shifts you’ll want to hear.–🔗 Stay connected & dive deeper:Instagram: @the_ski_ptFacebook: Legacy Rehab & PerformanceWebsite: legacyrehabandperformance.comYouTube: The Ski PT on YouTube🎿 Book a free call: meettheskipt.com🚀 Start your 14-day free trial of the Legaski Club: Join Here

When Sarah Beth tore her ACL on a blue run she knew like the back of her hand, she had no idea her husband, Carl, would suffer the same injury just weeks later.In the first of a two-part series, I sit down with Sarah Beth just two weeks post-op to hear her story of injury, surgery, and early recovery—all while parenting four young kids. We dive into the emotional and logistical challenges of navigating ACL rehab as a mom and the steps she’s taking to come back stronger.👟 What we cover:The surprising way she tore her ACL on a familiar slopeHow a delayed diagnosis led to a longer rehab timelineWhat’s helped her most in the first 14 days post-surgeryUsing blood flow restriction and early mobility to accelerate healingManaging parenting, swelling, insurance limits—and progress trackingWhat it really takes to get back to hiking and skiing with kidsWhether you're in rehab yourself or supporting someone who is, Sarah Beth’s story is an honest, hopeful look at what early ACL recovery actually feels like.–🔗 Stay connected & dive deeper:Instagram: @the_ski_ptFacebook: Legacy Rehab & PerformanceWebsite: legacyrehabandperformance.comYouTube: The Ski PT on YouTube🎿 Book a free call: meettheskipt.com🚀 Start your 14-day free trial of the Legaski Club: Join Here