Say,I do get excerise. But can anyone here offer me any tips for actual Off-Ice Trainning. Because, as a Skater..I want to be able to know that I'm doing everything right. Can any of you skaters help me? Thanks.

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FSWer

I'm not sure if this is what you mean, but as a beginner learning basic skills, I've noticed that rollerblading on days when I can't get to the rink has really ramped up the speed at which I learn new techniques. I know blading is not exactly the same, but at least at this basic level, there seems to be a lot of overlap in technique.

I can't offer much advice if you're looking for a specific workout routine, but I've been working on one legged squats, and doing planks & side planks for core strength and I think the combination has really helped my balance. But again, I'm a beginner, so that may or may not help you much.

I'll be interested in seeing what others have to say on the subject

Hi FSWer.

Feel free to check out our programs, as we are endorsed by the PSA. I am located in Connecticut if you ever want to meet up to develop a personalized program.

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Visit www.sk8strong.com for complete off-ice training information and sport specific DVDs for figure skaters

Is there anything for Off-Ice Trainning I can do here at home? BTW. is anyone able to come watch me skate to see how I'm doing?

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FSWer

You can do everything in your own home without the need of an expensive gym.... core, lower body, upper body, and plyometirc exercises. All you need is a few pieces of equipment (phyisoball, 1/2 foam roll or balance disc, resitance band) to do a complete functional training, sport specific routine... designed to improve all aspects of your skating.

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Visit www.sk8strong.com for complete off-ice training information and sport specific DVDs for figure skaters

All my disposable income is going toward a good pair of skates for now, but a couple of your programs are on my wishlist

Here's what I made up this morning for off-ice training. Please tell me what you all think.

I started with laying on my back doing 20 leg-lifts on each leg.
Then laid on my stomach and did 20 MORE on each leg (of course I couldn't tell if my legs were straight).
I also did some sit-ups to try and touch my toes (yes,I think I cheated a bit. As I didn't go up straight. Or keep my legs straight,or END up touching my toes).
I also did 20 Push-ups for my last thing.

Since I have a exercise Bike, I rode for 10min.

What do ya all think? Any more suggestions? I love you all. Thanks a BUNCH!!!

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FSWer

Great job, FSWer!

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10 minutes on the bike ... cycling is really more of a cardio/aerobic thing than strength.. I ride mostly to gain endurance (and I enjoy it).

One year ago, I could barely manage 15-20 minutes on the bike without feeling like I was going to die, and I wouldn't have thought myself out of shape. Now I routinely go out for 25-30 mile rides (about two hours) and it's no big deal... I can ride longer, but it's hard to find the time for it. A short ride for me is 30 minutes... and I usually don't feel like I've done much of anything afterwards.

This has helped my skating immensely... I no longer tire as quickly, and my leg muscles in particular are conditioned for keeping up with what I want to do. I take only breaks to stay hydrated and stretch periodically, and give my feet a bit of a break from my skates, not because I'm tired.

So,is that a good thing for Off-Ice-Trainning?

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FSWer

Yes, it is.

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Gee...thanks!!! You all are the BEST!!!! You surely DO take GOOD care of me.

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FSWer

Yes, it's fantastic!! Great job! As you continue to do it, you'll eventually be able to touch your toes.

You could also try some simple balance exercises--stand on one foot with your arms stretched out the the sides. While you're standing on the one foot try bending your knee down a couple inches, and then straightening it back up again.

GREAT!!!! Any suggestions on how often to do off ice trainning? Gee...I feel soooo good being trained by all of you. I don't feel funny at all. As a matter of fact...you guys trainning me makes me feel like a very strong helthy skater.

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FSWer

Start with just two days a week and see how your endurance is. If you are able to complete it without soreness or fatigue, add another day. Three days would be plenty to start off with!

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Visit www.sk8strong.com for complete off-ice training information and sport specific DVDs for figure skaters

Thanks. What exactly do we mean by fatigue?

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FSWer

Fatigue means being very tired.

So basicly,if I can handle just any 2 days. Not nessicerally in a row,and not end up getting tierd from doing my trainning during either of those days...then add another,right?

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FSWer

Right. And you don't necessarily want the days to be in a row. It's best to have a rest day in between.

In Figure Skating For Dummies, Kristi Yamaguchi says that the exercise bike is great for skaters. I couldn't speak to how true that is, but I added bike into my workouts because of it.

Ok. Thanks for the advice. I did do 2 days in a row today. I'll remember to seperate it next week. THANKS A BUCH!!!!

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FSWer

Ok....I have all told you what I finally made up for MY off-ice trainning routine. Here's a recap of mine for this thread. 20 Leg-Lifts on each leg while lying on my back. 20 more while lying on my stomage.20 push-ups,20 Sit-ups trying to touch my toes. Or at least just Sit-ups with my hands in a fist. Finally 10min. on my Bike. (would you guys call off-ice-trainning and a Program the same thing btw.?) So what I'd like to know from all of you...my fellow Skaters. Is what YOUR off-ice-trainning is? What it is like.

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FSWer

Say,now that I do Off-Ice-Trainning, I thought I would ask my fellow Skaters here how long THEY'VE been doing Off- Ice-Trainning..and how long it took THEM to get used to it. I myself Just started Off-Ice-Trainning about a week ago. So it's new to me. I guess you could say that I still need to figure out how used I'm really used to it. But...HECK!!!! I'd say I'm getting there. LOL. What about all of YOU?

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FSWer

I started off-ice training last summer by running twice a week, and that took probably 6 weeks to 2 months before I could run a mile (which was my goal) without stopping to rest and without my legs hurting.

Then I started lifting weights in December, and that took a good month (of doing it twice a week) before I didn't get sore anymore.

Ok. Does anyone have any advice on HOW to DO Off-Ice-Trainning? Should I be resting in-between when I do my exerises? I other words....should I be resting in between my 20 Push-ups (after I do 10),then continue? Or would that be cheating in which case I should start with the amount I CAN do...and the increase it? Because I CAN do 20 Leg-lifts,and I CAN do 20 Push ups. But sometimes I do find myself tired after 10 push-ups. But still forch myself to 20 for a work-out. Any advice?

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FSWer