Help with flexibility/dance...?

Question

I'm going to be starting ice skating lessons this winter. However, I'm not very flexible and I'm not very comfortable dancing in front of others. I don't have time to take dance lessons to help with this, but is there anything else you could reccommend to help me with my flexibility and dancing? What are some recommended stretches to help you get better at ice skating or another activity/sport that helps your skating?

Thanks!

Answer 1

yoga and pilates are good sports to help with strength and flexibility. if you have time maybe sign up for classes or if you dont have time maybe get a dvd or two.. but its not uber essential when you are just starting out..

stretch out your entire body after exercising, dont just focus on one muscle group. make sure you stretch at least 3 times a week in 20min sessions. try do more than this if possible, a little every day is really good.

the most important thing to remember is that muscles have to be warmed up to allow stretches to be effective and safe. you should exercise until you break a sweat ( i usually do about 15 - 20 mins ) before doing any stretches. dont bounce when you stretch - there should be a slight resistance, but not the the point of pain.

as for not being comfortable dancing in front of others, dont worry for now. focus on what you are doing and your surroundings wont be noticable.. you'll gain tonnes of confidence over time :) i find that after a fall a few times i feel more relaxed and often practice thigns more constructively.

good luck!

Answer 2

Pilates will aid your skating: posture, strength and flexibility.

Yoga: posture, flexibility.

Ballet: Posture, flexibility, strength of ankles, and a lot since figure skating is almost "Ballet on Ice"!

Well. tough to describe. Go look at these. Stretch everyday. It's noticeable after a week for me.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=KS6nKW5Y6z0&f...

http://youtube.com/watch?v=ptH1Dn49x-0  (There is a part two for this, Below)

http://youtube.com/watch?v=1s0dskzWYWI&f...

All the best and persevere!

Answer 3

I've been dancing for 12 years and still find myself uncomfortable performing in front of others, luckily i have developed some ways to boost my confidence in this area... I always make sure that i my self feel prepared, because at the end of a performance I'm most often thinking about whether  or not i lived up to my own personal expectations instead of what others thought! if you still feeling unprepared after lots of practise try dancing behind closed doors! it really does work to dance when their is know one but you , and not any mirrors to criticize yourself in ... also remember that even if you are competing... this activity is still in the end for yourself, because you enjoy it! for flexibility: make sure you know what areas are most important for figure skating and dance for me they are: the back, legs, feet... it is very easy to injure yourself when stretching so make sure to strengthen these areas with simple sit ups, leg lifts (inner and out thy) and push ups...this may not seem needed but definitely is! teach yourself a basic routine ( do it int front of TV etc.), and only to a mid level of discomfort. describing stretches could become difficult but try the stretches in any aerobic or yoga etc. video they are basic and work well... 3 times a week. Good Luck p.s  I was required a personal trainer when figure skating

Answer 4

Take yoga.

Answer 5

Here are recommended stretches specifically for figure skating:

http://www.skating-wos.on.ca/sportsci/st...

It shows you illustrations on how to do them, text on how to do the position, and what specific skating skills it can help with.

But do read the helpful Notes on Stretching before you start:

http://www.skating-wos.on.ca/sportsci/st...

If you are just starting to skate, concentrate on overall stretching - from head to toe.  It's important to learn how to warm up your muscles to skate - mainly for injury prevention.  See if your rink offers an off ice stretching class . . . that way you'll learn how to stretch properly under the eye of a trained instructor.  Once your muscles are in the routine of stretching, then it's safer to work on specific flexibility exercises.    Flexibility and strength work hand in hand . . . they both need to built up in time.  

Other activities can include (as already mentioned) yoga, pilates, ballet, biking, swimming, and jump roping.  If you are just starting out, there is no need to overload your schedule (or body!) with extra cross training.  It's important for your body to rest as well so you have more energy and strength each time you skate!  

Dancing . . . some are naturals, many can do it with instruction, and others just plain don't want to do it.  If you are  starting lessons, you won't have to deal with skating in front of an audience just yet.  When I couldn't take dance lessons, I liked to put on my favorite music and just dance away by myself.  Think of interpreting the music with your body and facial expressions - think in terms of "shapes" that you can make with your arms and legs to convey an emotion or story (essentially it's acting using your body).  Take the stretches you learn and do them rhythmically to your favorite music!  

Ways to break out of the shell:  group skating classes (sometimes everyone gets to do moves one by one in front of everyone . . . you are just put in that situation).  Get into dancing situations off the ice if you can: whether it's a party, a dance at school, or just getting together with friends just to dance in the livingroom . . . or better yet go to a public skating session where they play music get your groove on on the ice - seriously!!  Just like anything else in skating,  getting used to dancing in front of others takes practice!  

Hope that helps - and good luck!