Figure skating is a physically demanding sport, and the jumps, spins, lifts, and throws can lead to serious injury if not performed properly. It’s important for skaters to focus on technique, training, and safe equipment in order to prevent injury.

Get Fit Tips from the NEBH Sports Performance Team

Figure skaters require an exceptional amount of strength, agility, balance, and power to spin, jump, and stick their landings. Figure skaters need to spend a significant amount of their training both on and off the ice.

Before beginning any exercise, make sure you warm up to help avoid injury. Try jumping jacks, jump rope, stationary cycling, or running or walking in place for 5-10 minutes.

Strength Exercises

Strength is essential for figure skaters to perform jumps and spins, as well as to increase speed and power on the ice. Try pushups and back leg raises.

Core Strength

Your core is made up of your pelvis, lower back, hips, and abdomen. Strength, power, speed, quickness, agility, coordination, balance, and proper skating posture all come from the core of the body. Planks and abdominal crunches are great ways to work your core.

Agility Exercises

Ice skaters are constantly improving their agility in order to move quickly and change direction with ease, all while looking graceful. Agility exercises can also help with balance, range of motion, coordination, and strength. Good agility exercises include the grapevine and power skips.

Balance

A great deal of figure skating is performed on one foot, so the ability to balance is crucial. Try weight shifts and the balance walk to improve your balance.

Preventing Injuries

To help prevent injury, make sure you practice these general safety tips:

• Warm up and stretch for 5-10 minutes before you skate. It’s particularly important to do warm-up exercises because the cold temperature in the rink makes your muscles tighter and more prone to injury.
• Ensure your equipment, specifically your skates, fits properly. Blades should be placed and sharpened properly.
• Limit the number of repetitions of jumps, particularly new jumps, per training session.
• Participate in an off-ice conditioning course to strengthen your muscles, particularly ones statistically prone to injury.
• Consult with your coach or athletic trainer about ways to prevent overuse injuries.
• Avoid skating when you’re injured, and maintain dialog with your coach and doctor about when you’ll be ready to return to skating.
• Have a physical examination at the start of the season to make sure you’re healthy to skate.