Ice Skating Fitness Training

Ice Skating Description

Competitive ice skating is made up of two basic types of skating: figure skating and speed skating. Figure skating often incorporates choreographed dance and gymnastic type movements. Speed skating involves skating various distances in the shortest time possible, sometimes racing against competitors. Recreational ice skating can be a fun way to exercise.

Ice Skating Warnings

• If you have had knee, hip, lower back or ankle problems, consult your doctor prior to participating in ice skating.

Ice Skating Risks

• Groin or calf strains
• Ankle, knee, elbow, shoulder or wrist sprains from falls
• Bruises and cuts from falls

Ice Skating Sport-specific applications

• National, international and Olympic level competition for figure skating and speedskating

Ice Skating Equipment required

• Skates: different blade design for different types of skating
• Protective gear includes knee and elbow pads to protect from falls
• Helmet (for speed skating)

Ice Skating Applicable substitutions

• Roller skating
• Ice hockey
• Nordic skiing
• Swimming

Ice Skating Reference sources, organizations and publications

• Ice Skating Institute of America: 355 West Dundee Road, Buffalo Grove, IL 60089­3500, (708) 808­SKAT
• U.S. Olympic Committee: 1750 E. Boulder St., Colorado Springs, CO 80909­5760, (719) 632­5551
• U.S. Figure Skating Association (USFA): 20 First Street, Colorado Springs, CO 80906­3697, (719) 635­5200
• Professional Skaters Guild of America (PSGA): PO Box 5904, Rochester, MN 55903, (507) 281­5122
• U.S. International Speedskating Association (USISA): PO Box 100, Park City, UT 84060, (801) 649­0903/0920

Mode

Cardiorespiratory : Aerobic/Interval (Recreational skating) Anaerobic (Figure skating, Speed skating

Fitness Benefits

• Cardiorespiratory 4
• Flexibility 2
• Muscular Strength 1
• Muscular Endurance 4
• Body Fat Recution 3

Fitness Requirements

• Cardiorespiratory 1
• Flexibility 1
• Muscular Strength 1
• Muscular Endurance 2
• Coordination/Skill 3

Muscle groups used

Primary muscles: quadriceps, hamstrings, calves, hip adductors and hip abductors (gluteal muscles, tensor fasciae latae) Assistance muscles: erector spinae, abdominals, obliques, latissimus dorsi, chest and shoulders

Energy expenditure

Approximately 0.061 Calories per minute per pound of body weight