Mine, too. I have students who are more comfortable holding my hand when we're trying something new, and it took me awhile when I started teaching to get used to that, just because it's not something I would have ever wanted. If they're really leaning on me, rather than using my hand as kind of a guide, I try to break the element down into smaller steps that they're comfortable doing without me.

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Shae-Lynn and Victor: We knew you were champions, and on 3/28/03 the whole WORLD found out! Thank you for twelve wonderful years!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h3Ig5ioRjrw
This is one of this forum's members, if I'm not mistaken, proving that weight has little to do with athletical abilities (let alone with flexibility)

Just to clarify, I don't believe I said anything negative about older-than-average beginners, nor heavier-than-average beginners -- just the scary-scary wobbly beginners of ANY adult age and body type. It was only coincidence that both of my scary-scary beginners were older.

I agree with you. The issue here is not whether age or weight or disabilities should prevent a person from learning a sport. It scares me every year to see adults in the beginner class, who are just not physically ready to meet the demands of balancing on that thin piece of steel. Anyone who believes that a learn to skate class will make them fit - is deluding themselves. Let's face it - the first few classes of rank beginners are spent learning how to get up and fall safely, and how to balance on the ice.....no marathon skating there just hard work balancing. There are some adults - of all ages and sizes - that are just not physically able to balance themselves safely on the ice nor are flexible enough to recover from the guaranteed falls. Those skaters should enrol in exercise classes or pilates etc. first in order to develop safely the skills needed to balance on the ice. Then sign up for learn to skate lessons, which will become more enjoyable and productive.

I've taught blind skaters, developmentally challenged, physically challenged, seniors, obese and anorexic (as well as elite competitive) -- and have had quick natural learners in all groups catch on with ease and go on to enjoy advanced learn to skate level figure skating.......and I have also seen the sheer frustration and the devastating injuries that skaters who did not have any natural ability faced when they weren't physically able to cope with the balance demands of the sport. Seniors with fragile bones and poor balance are not good candidates for skating; neither are obese skaters with joint and balance problems nor anyone whose body isn't ready to bounce around on the ice during the learning process!

More power to any athlete of any age that wants to take up a new sport....just make sure the sport is one your body can handle!

I apologize if I offended any of the coaches or other participants here with my comment.

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Gordon Zaft
http://sk8rboi.blogspot.com
School figures are skating's equivalent of the Latin Mass.

On the fitness note.
When signing up for certain exercise classes (aerobics, kickboxing, etc) for a gym membership, many facilities have a release form that suggests the participant check w his/her MD before starting the program. This disclaimer is also shown in fine print on home exercise equipment and infomercials.
I have not seen this for LtS. However, every rink where I have worked/skated has a disclaimer poster posted prominently stating that the participant assumes the inherent risk of skating. One rink has adult pick up hockey ppl sign a release at the front desk. This may be common practice.

If problems w LtS students are a serious concern, look into your rink's policies and make suggestions. I have yet to see a rink w a large adult LtS program, but if you have one, it might be worth making a suggestion to the management about some kind of release and/or information packet upon sign-up (not just for adults, but for everyone so it is not a discriminatory issue).

Kay

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Visit my figure skating journal
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That's a good point, kayskate. We really should have that disclaimer and/or recommendation in signup forms. I remember our local YMCA being concerned about my using the machine room because of my allergy medicine. It was unfounded, but one of the possible side effects was dizziness.

For the record, I think this has been a civilized discussion, so no one should feel that voicing their opinions politely offends others.

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Come to ours on a Tuesday or Thursday night! In the winter, 2/3 of the rink is taken up with adult LTS classes! And there are additional classes on Saturday and Sunday mornings.

And yes, large notices at the rink remind punters that they skate at their own risk. And the coaches carry mandatory insurance (which is why unqualified coaches are not allowed - they can't get the insurance!).

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Mrs Redboots
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I love my computer because my friends live in it!
Ice dancers have lovely big curves!

Come on, folks, these people are ADULTS!! If they want to take skating lessons, LET THEM! They're grown-ups--they know perfectly well they can get hurt by falling down--don't you think it's patronizing to give them a note telling them they might fall down and hurt themselves!! My two best students are adults and one of them is in her 60's. She works twice as hard as the kids and is a joy to teach. The only student I've ever had (and I've taught a fair number of adults, in groups and as private students) who broke anything was a teenager who fell and broke her leg doing 3-turns. If you're really worried, you might just chat casually about osteoparosis (or however you spell it!) and how skating is low or non impact if they're not jumping (and if they tell you they have bone density problems, THEN give them a note!