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On the Ice => Off-Ice Training for Skaters => Topic started by: Sam_Bryant on February 05, 2017, 02:51:53 PM

Title: Off-Ice Training advice.
Post by: Sam_Bryant on February 05, 2017, 02:51:53 PM
So, getting back into it as an adult. I know I have to get in good shape/form for skating. Is there any recommended activites (beyond skating. Obviously.), Exercises or nutritional tips you guys would be willing to offer? I'm really trying to gather as much information beforehand as I can so that I can enjoy this hobby to the fullest.

Thanks,

Sam
Title: Re: Off-Ice Training advice.
Post by: riley876 on February 05, 2017, 03:11:26 PM
Actually GO SKATE!  Stop fluffing around getting all your ducks in a row, and just hit up some public sessions regularly.   Don't worry about lessons too much, you need time on skates.

The best exercise for skating is .... skating ...

Find some public sessions, and just skate.  LOTS.   Eventually it'll became clear which specific muscles you're particularly weak on,  but for now you're probably weak on ALL of them.   Though hamstrings and glutes will be the most useful ones to build up first.

Nutritional tips:  You state somewhere else that you suffer from anxiety.  You may be short in magnesium (and lots of people are).   Magnesium deficiency makes a feeling like living in a war zone.   If you skate lots, you may need more iron too, as exercise rapidly turns over red blood cells.   And lots of protein.   Can't build muscles without protein.    Zinc too maybe (foot ezcema is a dead giveaway for a deficiency).
Title: Re: Off-Ice Training advice.
Post by: Sam_Bryant on February 05, 2017, 03:40:21 PM
@riley876

I am as often as I can currently. There aren't the most available sessions here in town though I am looking into other towns public skating days as well. Hopefully I can source some nearby.

I just like lining everything up beforehand. Getting my foot in the door for the club has been...difficult. Police background checks, old Skate #s etc. etc.

I will make sure to get lots of skating in then :) I really appreciate the advice.

Anxiety, yes. That sounds exactly how I feel when it gets to me. I'll certainly look into it. I never actually knew that. Iron I'm sure I'm good for and protein can be easily sorted. Thanks for the advice ^_^

Title: Re: Off-Ice Training advice.
Post by: Loops on February 06, 2017, 05:23:10 AM
Off ice is a great idea.  I use the Sk8strong videos and like them. Lauren the owner, who's on here, is very nice and will be able to direct you as to which series is most appropriate for you, but I have the manual as well, which is very useful.  If doing things solo at home isn't your schtick, why don't you see if your rink does any kind of off ice physical training.  Or if you can afford it, talk to a trainer at a gym?  They'll be able to tailor something to you and your needs directly. 
Title: Re: Off-Ice Training advice.
Post by: Sam_Bryant on February 06, 2017, 05:39:24 AM
@Loops

What's the account name for the owner of the videos?

I'm in talks with a PT at the moment though I didn't think to ask at the arena. I shall! Thanks for the advice ^_^
Title: Re: Off-Ice Training advice.
Post by: mamabear on February 06, 2017, 12:14:45 PM
My coach is really big on stretching.  I alternate between stretches she has shown me and a yoga app on my phone. 

I've felt the best in terms of power when I've also done running.  But, I don't like running so I don't tend to do it as much as I perhaps should.... I do walk briskly several days each week with a friend. 

I'm trying to incorporate some weights for shoulder/back strength. 
Title: Re: Off-Ice Training advice.
Post by: Sam_Bryant on February 06, 2017, 05:08:26 PM
@Mamabear

I imagine my gymnastics background will help significantly then. Flexibility and stretching are my bread and butter ^_^

Running I could try, although I find it kind of...boring. I do walk every night with my fiancee though.

Machine or otherwise?
Title: Re: Off-Ice Training advice.
Post by: Backtotheice on February 07, 2017, 05:34:21 AM
I have found doing yoga to be extremely helpful in strethening all the little balancing muscles as well as my quads and abs. I use the Yoga Studio app and it's great.
Title: Re: Off-Ice Training advice.
Post by: Loops on February 07, 2017, 07:05:01 AM
@Loops

What's the account name for the owner of the videos?

I'm in talks with a PT at the moment though I didn't think to ask at the arena. I shall! Thanks for the advice ^_^

I can't for the life of me remember her handle, but she may pop up here on her own.  Her website is http://www.sk8strong.com/home.html

And Yes for the hated/dreaded running.  I had to stop for the autumn (wonky knee) and have noticed the decline on ice as well as other places.  Hard to get motivated to restart in the middle of wet winter though.....
Title: Re: Off-Ice Training advice.
Post by: Isk8NYC on February 07, 2017, 10:18:16 AM
The PT behind www.sk8strong.com is Lauren Downes (rsk8d on www.skatingforums.com)

http://skatingforums.com/index.php?action=profile;area=showposts;u=83
Title: Re: Off-Ice Training advice.
Post by: Sam_Bryant on February 08, 2017, 05:23:52 PM
Thanks for all the advice guys ^_^ She actually did message me! I've already got a lovely yoga routine I do each week so it's good that it will help ^_^