Stretching Like a Figure Skater

Lisa Knoerl is a figure skating coach and the director of the figure skating program at the Sherwood Ice Arena in Sherwood, Ore. She is used to working out in chilly temperatures and believes ice skating is a wonderful way for families to exercise together. She gives the following tips to get a workout while on the ice.

Ice skating is a wonderful cardio workout that also strengthens the leg muscles. To keep from getting sore later, it is important to stretch several times during your session. This can be done right on the ice! (Most rinks have a waist-high wall or railing to grab onto. If not, do this off ice!) Remember, the exercises are to be done once the entire family is competent and comfortable on the ice (i.e. skating easily away from the wall and the ability to stop safely).

This is similar to a wall stretch that you do before a run. Grab the wall on the side of the ice with both hands. Put one leg behind you and bend the leg closest to the wall while pressing the heel of the other leg to the ice. Move hips slightly forward. Don't bounce. Stretch the muscle and return to your starting position. Do five times and repeat with your other leg.

Grab onto the wall with both hands. Place leg onto wall while the other is positioned with your foot to the wall, leaving enough space for your knee to bend in slightly. Bend the knee you are standing on toward the wall, stretching the thigh and calf muscles of the raised leg. Remember to keep your buttocks pulled in and do not bend at the waist. Do five times and repeat with the other leg.