Workout of Champions: Noel Lyons
Instruction
Heading out the door? Read this article on the new Outside+ app available now on iOS devices for members! Download the app.
noel lyonsNoel Lyons
5′ 5″; 123 lbs.
Claim to fame: 2000 U.S. Freeskiing Open skiercross champion; won 24 Hours of Aspen in 2000; 1993 World Extreme champion; former U.S. Ski Teamer; seven Warren Miller film credits.
Fit thought: “It’s great to be really strong, but you need to know how to control the muscles and maintain good balance.”
Favorite move: Hamstring Curl plus Knee Bend
Targets: Hamstrings, quadriceps; also improves balance.
How to: Do a basic ham-curl exercise on the seated hamstring machine. Hop off between sets and work the opposing muscle group (quads) with a one-legged knee bend. For the knee bend, stand with one leg out in front for counter-balance (use the machine for extra balance), then sink your butt down. Keep the spine aligned and abs engaged. “Go only as low as feels comfy; you want to maintain good form,” says Noel.
Reps & sets: Ham curl: Do 10-15 reps, 3 sets; once 15 is easy, add weight. Knee bend: Work up to 15-20 on each side.
Noel’s tip: “Think about last fall, when you hadn’t gone to the gym…and you were left in the dust…and you were smellin’ like Ben-Gay. That’s the best motivation.”