The BYOP of Figure Skating

The Importance of Off-Ice Training


Ballet: provides strength, balance and extension.
Yoga: teaches body awareness the mind-body connection.
Off-ice Training: will decrease risk of injury.
Pillates: increases both strength and flexibility


Skating has its own unique physical requirements. In order to perform all skating elements, skaters need to be well prepared both physically and technically. Certain off-ice training methods will transfer themselves on-ice to produce a better athlete. While other training methods have very little value to the skater, it is well to relate an off-ice conditioning to the individual skater and the demands of the sport. Off-ice Training improves flexibility, cardiovascular conditioning strength, power and endurance; it increases stroking speed and power and improves posture and body positioning on the ice as well.

Ballet, Yoga, Off-ice Training, and Pilates are required tools for anyone who is serious about Figure skating wether you are an adult or a youngster. Pilates, Yoga and ballet use floor exercises to increase body awareness, centering on core strength. These techniques will greatly improve overall athlete performance and bring them to the next level of sport performance. Ballet and Yoga are not only used to create graceful skaters, but also to avoid injuries. A ballet class can be very helpful. These exercises help teach skaters the importance of posture, technique and expression in their skating and assists them with things as: breaking the habit of looking at their feet, and things such as how to find their shoulders, hips, and feet in a vertical line; an important aspect to skating.
Pilates is an excellent tool for the skater as well. Breath, focus, alignment, abdominal and pelvic controls are a few of the techniques that are unique to

Pilates. Pilates not only strengthens the muscles but stretches at the same time, resulting in long lean muscles. Off ice conditioning including ballet provide figure skaters with that

Figure skating is a captivating sport that integrates showmanship. It can be developed at almost any age for recreational enjoyment, career opportunity, or competitive fulfillment. The figure skating student develops coordination, balance, rhythm, endurance, confidence, and self-expression. Mastering skills through lessons, practice and a complete off ice training routine generates an astute sense of responsibility and self-discipline. Combining specific training programs and techniques will greatly improve overall athlete performance and bring them to the next level of sport performance.