Off Ice Training

An Olympic Survey

A Skaters Journal

The Olympics

Care for your skates

Top 10

Scrapbook

The Jumps

Precision Skating

Famous Firsts

Bulletin Board

Sign My Guestbook

In order to improve your skating on the ice, you must have the dedication to work off the ice. Flexibily is important for skaters. To some, this comes naturally, but for most, it requires work. By simply taking 10-15 minutes each day to stretch, your skating would improve immensly.

Strength is also extremely important for figure skaters. Do you think just anyone has the strength to go pop off a triple? I don't think so. All jumps require muscle strength, whether it be singles, doubles, triple or quads. It is important to work at your strength. You could do this by taking the staires rather than the elevator, or walking instead of taking the car. These are just normal, everyday things. If you're more serious about training, I would strongly recommend gymnastics. The trampoline will help build better muscles, and is the best way to get the "jumping" feeling. By training on the trampoline, you will be more aware of what your body is doing, and hopefully transfere this knowledge to the ice. Jogging and biking are also good ideas. They'll keep you in shape. You could also try step aerobics, or slide aerobics. For figure skaters, rollerblading could also be very usefull.

Remember though, that all training activities have dangers. Be sure to stretch before and after you train. By stretching more often and working on your strength, I promise your skating will improve. Who knows, you may just become the next King or Queen of the Quad!