Off Ice Programing
In “Fancy Footwork: Two Figure Skating Experts on Injury Prevention,” sports medicine physician Dr. Ellen Geminiani, in response to being asked what needs to change to reduce the number of figure skating injuries, states: “We need to get over the idea that figure skaters have to spend countless hours on the ice at the expense of everything else. Training off the ice helps athletes develop strength and mobility that’s critical to preventing injury. Unfortunately, it’s going to take a culture shift within sports as a whole for many coaches and athletes to embrace this more balanced approach.”
Proper off-ice training is vital to the development of on-ice skills as well as in preserving the longevity of the athlete. Figure skating requires flexibility, muscle strength, balance and coordination, and mobility and range of motion of joints. While these attributes may develop over time with consistency and dedicated training on the ice, incorporating a structured off ice training program into your skating journey will definitively develop each of these elements safely and exponentially.
Combining my knowledge of dance, pilates, yoga, plyometric exercise, strength training, and dynamic movement, my off ice classes will not only advance your on ice abilities, they will increase your overall wellness, health, and proprioceptive awareness.
Off-ice training at SNHSC - Spring 2023
I am thrilled to begin offering my Ballet for Skaters curriculum at Southern NH Skating club starting April 10th, 2023! Join me every Monday night after our freestyle session at the Ice Den from 6:50-7:10pm. Classes will focus on mobility, flexibility, posture, movement quality, and performance skills!
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If you're interested in registering, please read below for more detailed information about requirements, what to expect, and payment details!
Education
What to bring:
Sneakers, socks, and water!
2011-2014
Degree
University Name
Briefly describe your degree and any other highlights about your studies you want to share. Be sure to include relevant skills you gained, accomplishments you achieved or milestones you reached during your education.
2007-2010
Degree
University Name
Briefly describe your degree and any other highlights about your studies you want to share. Be sure to include relevant skills you gained, accomplishments you achieved or milestones you reached during your education.
Ballet For Skaters
Speaking from personal experience, and the proven success of my students, ballet is an essential tool for every skater that will refine performance skills, grace, and upper body control. There are myriad similarities between the two forms of movement, and the most skilled skaters reflect their dance training in their performances on ice.
However, often times, the two techniques can contradict each other if an instructor isn't well versed in both genres. My Ballet For Skaters class takes the most effective parts of ballet technique that I have studied for 25 years, and applies it directly to your skating specific training.
Jump Training for Skaters
Properly developing your advanced skating skills requires repetitive and consistent training, and a lot of coordination. Training jumps and spins off ice will allow you the opportunity to condition proper alignment, timing, and control. By incorporating off ice work into your training plan, you can effectively double your progress by adding additional time and focus to your difficult elements without having to be on the ice.
Flexibility and Stability
The ability to take your joints through full range of motion and being able to control that range of motion will allow a skater perform movements on the ice efficiently and reduce injury potential.
My approach and belief is that overall flexibility is best achieved through dynamic, not static, stretching. My classes will help develop greater flexibility through movement, rather than sitting for long periods in difficult positions.
