I was wondering if anyone had any ideas for off-ice training? My parents insist on me playing both piano and clarinet, and I swim every Wednesday. I only get to skate once a week (twice if I'm REALLY lucky) with my group lesson for half an hour on Thursdays. I can't fit in any dance lessons (and we couldn't afford them if I could) and running isn't really suitable as we're slap bang in the middle of London. I stretch every morning and do about 100 sit-ups every other day. Is there anything I can do or am I a bit stuck? I've only just started working on my 2 footed-spins (Skate UK Level 4/5).

Feeling spread out a bit to thin?

Same issue with my 12 year old daughter. She has cross country skiing, downhill skiing, clarinet, drama club, private tutoring, etc, etc.

I think if she felt a strong passion for one of them, I'd see that she had more time dedicated to that and less or none to the others. Schoolwork & tutoring excluded, of course.

For off ice training, there are many excersizes. I go through a routine every moring right after breakfast. Maybe some one else can go into detail, but right now I'm off to work.

Good luck!

hey Helen88 - congrats on the spins. I hope you don't get as dizzy as I do. I'm SkateUK 5 (Test Week this week ) anyway...

I think that the stretching is good, maybe you could get like a yoga DVD or something and do that every evening? also, whilst watching the TV, you could do some stretches too, or sit in a lotus position?

Also, when I walk round the house I just randomly practice spiral positions or arabesque type things.

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OK, thanks everyone. Got my level 4 test on Thursday (never been tested before *bits her nails*). Good luck Peanut!

lol thanks, and don't worry. I haven't been tested before either, but it's basically just the coach looks at everyone one at a time... and it's not that hard if you've learnt it

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Good luck Helen88 and Peanut! Remember, relax and have fun! I am sure you two will be wonderful in your tests.

Aww, thanks Petlover - you're right; we're just doing it for fun!