Archive: February 2007

Don’t skate around the issue

Figure skating can be a fresh exercise

by Mo Parisian, Director of Figure Skating at Suburban Ice, East Lansing

If you’re like most Americans, getting healthy was somewhere on your list of resolutions this year. And, like most people, you have spent a good portion of January in a health club doing the same workout you did last year. That’s great, until February rolls around, boredom kicks in, and you’re skipping your workout to check out the latest sale at the mall. Why not try something new this year? I say it’s time to lace up some skates, step on the ice, and feel the rush and cardio benefit you can get from skating.

Figure skating has the same health benefits that you would get from any other cardio activity. It offers the cardiovascular endurance of biking, the strength of jogging, and the fluidness of swimming. On top of all that, you will learn patience and perseverance like never before. Skating may look effortless and beautiful on TV, but what you are really watching is the end product of years and years of hard work.

So how can you fit skating into your life? Follow these easy steps and you might be surprised by the changes in yourself!

Find a local rink that offers U.S. Figure Skating-based skating programs. Taking lessons increases your chances of following through and not giving up on the sport. Even taking one lesson a week for a month will teach you enough to get you started with basic forward and backward skating, some turns, and stops. Once you have a good base, you’ll feel more comfortable going out on your own. Younger skaters can also benefit from lessons. Coordination, strength, and self-confidence are only some of the extras that kids learn from skating. Find a class today!

Train your brain during your lunch hour. Lets face it; a mind is a terrible thing to waste. Instead of zoning out on a stationary bike or treadmill, why not spend an hour perfecting your Mohawk, hockey stops, or crossovers (all skating moves)? Taking even a half hour to focus completely on yourself while perfecting your skills may be just the break you need in the middle of your day. You’ll go on with the rest of your day refreshed, energized, and able to deal with the world around you.

Burn baby, burn. Not only does skating build endurance, strengthen muscles, and increase flexibility, but it can burn up to a whopping 800 calories an hour! Along with a healthy diet, skating will help aid in all of your weight loss and fitness goals. At any age, skating will keep you fit and young at heart.

Face the fear and do it anyway. Let’s face it, certain sports can be intimidating, and figure skating is certainly one of them. ESPN placed it 19th out of 60 in their Toughest Sports Category. Conquering your fears can be extremely empowering, giving you confidence and self-esteem you’ve never had before. With dedication, persistence, and the right teacher, skating will give you the assurance that you are definitely reaching outside your comfort zone.

Become an athlete at any age! Taking on a sport, young or old, takes courage, desire, and mental focus. Not only will you appreciate the active lifestyle that a sport, any sport, will award you, but you will develop and grow in ways you’ve only dreamed about. Take the challenge and sign up for a skating or hockey class. If you’ve been skating awhile, then sign up for a local competition. Take a chance and try something you once thought impossible!

It isn’t about how well you are doing something, it is about the process of giving yourself a chance to experience something new.

Whether you’re three or 73, skating is a sport that you can start at anytime. Most basic skills programs offer lessons for adults and children at the same time. That way you and your child (or grandchild!) can learn and practice together! With equal amounts of practice, determination, and even a little bravery, you’ll be gliding in no time.

Not only will you have a Happy New Year, but you’ll have a cool New Year too.