Winter Biathlon

Ski fast and shoot rifles! A biathlon is usually a race of two sports in the same event. In the winter Olympic biathlon, athletes ski cross-country then shoot at targets (not competitors in front of them).

The Winter Olympics currently offers four different biathlon races. In each, skiers carry .22 caliber rifles, weighting just under 8 pounds (3.5 kg). Skiers race to each shooting stop along the course. Half the shooting stops are prone (lying face down). Half the shooting stops are standing. The commemorative medal at right shows a hyperlordotic stance (overly arched at the lower back) during standing aim that will be covered in future articles on back pain and target shooting. Check the article, Prevent Back Surgery, and see if you can guess the cause, and how to change stance for shooting without back pain.

Winter biathlon is said to originate with Norwegian soldiers training for military maneuvers. Other northern countries offer their own history of training these disciplines for military and defense.

A summer biathlon usually combines cross-country running and shooting.

Related Fitness Fixer on biathlons and duathlons:

• The Olympics, The Challenge

Fitness Fixer on Prone Lying:

• Fast Fitness - First Morning Stretch

Related Olympic and Racing Fitness Fixer:

• Triathlon
• Ironman Triathlon
• Tour De France 2008 and Increasing Aerobic Capacity
• Olympic Calories for Michael Phelps and Everyone Else

Random Fun Fitness Fixer:

• Fast Fitness - Get in Shape with Good Deeds

Labels: biathlon/duathlon, lordosis, lower back, marksmanship/target shooting, Olympics, running, ski

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