Exercise Description:
Ice skating is an excellent way to strengthen the legs and buttocks, enhance muscular endurance and increase stamina. Rather than giving the same muscles the same workout day after day, ice skating challenges your muscles to perform in a whole new way. What Muscles You Work:
Ice skating is a great way to sculpt your legs by strengthening the quadriceps, buttocks, hips and calves, as well as improve balance and coordination. Tips To Improve Your Ice Skating Technique:
- Start your workout by skating lightly for 5 minutes to warm up your leg muscles. Then step off the rink and give your legs a good stretch. Stretch to the point of mild tension and hold the position for 10-20 seconds.
- When skating bend both knees before pushing and always push from a bent knee to a bent knee. Your skating knee should always be active with a constant rise and fall movement.
- Keep your back straight and hips and shoulders in good alignment. Holding your stomach tight aids in keeping your back in good position.
How Not To Get Hurt:
Pay attention to others around you to avoid collision. The best way to avoid injury and skate correctly is to take a few lessons under the guidance of a trained and experienced instructor. He or she can help you improve your skating form, which will help you burn kilojoules more efficiently and condition your body to make the most of your skating experience. And don't forget to stretch prior to and after your workout. Essential Equipment:
- Layer clothing so that you can adjust to the temperature (indoors or outdoors). Remember, you can always remove layers of clothing if you get too warm.
- Gloves made of wool or acrylic are best. They can keep your hands warm and are a great hand protector for those who tend to fall more frequently.
- If you are just getting started, consider hip, knee, elbow and wrist pads or guards, as well as a helmet.
- Wear comfortable socks, not ultra-thick ones. They should fit snug around the foot. Choose socks that keep moisture away from the skin to prevent skin irritation.
- Select skates that fit comfortably. Skate sizes do not necessarily equate to the same size you wear in normal shoes. Skates must be well fitting. Your heel must be snug against the back of the skate. There should be enough room to wiggle your toes up and down – just ever so slightly.
- Don't forget the importance of drinking adequate water, dehydration is not as obvious when engaging in a cold sport.