Am I hopeless for figure skating?

Question

Well, recently, after watching my friend figure skate, I decided I wanted to figure skate as well. So, I borrowed a couple of books and started reading some, but haven't finished all of them. Anyways, I found the sport so artistic and thrilling, I decided I wouldn't give up if I started. But the problem is, I'm so inflexible that I can't even reach my toes. =[ Because of this inflexibility, do you think I won't be able to figure skate? I would really like to do this sport a lot, but I'm afraid my inflexibility will stop me. Please answer.

Answer 1

if you like it do it eventually you will be twirling and spinning with your friend.

Answer 2

No it wont all you need to do i start stretching now and strat the lessons. When you start you will be learning to get the hang of the ice you wont need alot of flexibilty. If you stretch everyday from when you start by the time you reach the level where you do need flexibility it will be second nature. So go for it ! See how you like it(lots of people do) Its a very fun sport and very entertaining. You'll be fine.

Answer 3

No. I'm into figure skating also i just started like two months ago and i love it... i'm inflexible too but i'm improving myself, it also depends in how old are you

good luck and chase your dreams :)

Answer 4

Try it and if you like it, do it as best you can just for you and for the pure joy you find in the activity. We all have different levels of capability at different things. You shouldn't sit on the sidelines just because you aren't an Olympian.

Answer 5

Flexibility can be improved by proper training. I'd reccomend you to take ballet lessons which will improve your skating in many ways. With good training and long ballet sessions, an old US National Champion named Gretchen Merril managed to be able to perform the Eagle which was a figure even the great Maribel Vinson stated she would never be able to do because of her body type.

Stretching a lot everyday at home will loosen those muscles and will allow you to touch your toes. I have abnormal joint extensibility so that was never a problem I had (though I can't do Eagles which sucks >_<).

You don't need extensive flexibility for the early figures (except for Spirals and maybe lunges) since half of what you'll be doing is crossovers for hours and hours which don't require a lot of flexibility. It's possible for even a complete beginner to do Eagles like the pros if they have the right body for it, it's probaby the only figure my dad could ever do.

Answer 6

You don't need to be "flexible" to start skating.  It will not hinder you from skating, but certainly flexibility would help as you get advanced.  Some people are naturally more flexible than others, but everyone "works" on it to achieve or even maintain flexibility.  You say you can't reach your toes now . . . but if you worked on it, you would eventually be able to.  It's a gradual process, but it IS possible!    

Stretching/warming up is important (for any sport) . . . to keep your muscles limber and prevent injuries.  Here are some recommended stretching exercises for figure skaters . . .   http://www.skating-wos.on.ca/sportsci/st...  These would be good starter stretches for you to work on.  Do read Notes on Stretching http://www.skating-wos.on.ca/sportsci/st... so you stretch correctly.  See if your rink has off ice stretching classes so you have the aid of a trained instructor to make sure you are indeed doing them correctly.  Yoga and ballet could help too.      

For further reading, I've found this about Stretching and Flexibility . . . a lot of it was similar to the things I did to get flexible.  

http://www.cmcrossroads.com/bradapp/docs...  

I started skating as an adult . . . I was definitely "stiff" when I began.  But I worked really hard and became pretty flexible (for my age - wink).  I even achieved splits - though it took me a year.  I assume you are much younger than me . . . with youth on your side, you may become much more flexible - in faster time - if you work on it consistently.

Hope that helps!!  Good luck when you start skating!

Answer 7

No, you can still skate and have fun, and every day stretch. Don't hurt youself, but just stretch for 15 minutes twice a day you will become more flexibile.

Answer 8

try watching' ice princess'. a movie where physics can give you the answer, try visiting the gym to limber up a bit. as long as you can do up the laces on your shoes why not?

Answer 9

okay, flexibility isn't everything in skating at first. It's something you're going to have to work on as you learn. If you are really into skating and determined enough, you'll do great!!

Answer 10

trust me i was very  inflexible too i could hardly touch my ankles but i think i'm doing pretty well i'm now in freestyle 4 and ice dance clinic