Wanting to figure skate again?

Question

I really would like to begin figure skating again (I've been off the ice for about 2 and a half years), but I have to wait at least six months before I can even set foot on the ice again because I've had some serious medical problems which are now under control, but my body now needs some time to heal. Any suggestions for controlling my "skating bug" until I'm able to start skating again? Also does anyone have any suggestions to help preventing reinjury to my knee (it's my right knee) after starting to skate again? Thanks!

Answer 1

Do you have a physiotherapist?  My experience with knee troubles is that once you are at a point where you are healed, start building muscle around your knee.   Start small, like bodyweight squats and lunges, and work up to holding dumbbells or a bar on your back.  

Once I got into strength training I was amazed to find my knee was pain-free and more flexible than it had been even when I was a teenager.  A good book for strength training for skating is "Conditioning for Figure Skaters" by Carl Poe.  He even has pages you can photocopy and take with you to the gym to plan your routine.

http://www.amazon.com/Conditioning-Skati...

Also, I really feel for you being off the ice so long.  I am pregnant at the moment and I'm going nuts with being told I can't after the first trimester.  To make matters worse, my daughter is a competitive figure skater so I am constantly at the rink twiddling my thumbs.  No suggestions...I'll be watching this thread for suggestions.

Answer 2

will rollerskating work? or maybe u can just glide and pretend ur stakeing lol

Answer 3

First, I think it's great that the RSD/CRPS is under control, you're pain free, and that you WILL have the opportunity to go back on ice again.  That's the best news!  

Take everything slowly.  I don't know what exactly can trigger the RSD/CRPS to come back, but certainly you shouldn't take big risks as you don't want/need it to come back.  Perhaps you can do some light off ice work so you can be on the right track when you do go back onto the ice?  I would think stretching would be good for starters (as long as it's cleared with your doctor).  It's supposed to be good for overall health anyway - and your muscle flexibility will be ready for the ice when the time comes.  Nothing strenuous . . . just go gradually.  

I would think light off ice balancing exercises may help too - more prep work for the ice.  This could mean the simplest things from standing on one foot alternately to spirals (jumping off ice is probably NOT a good idea for now).  If there is even the slightest possibility of falling, you can hold onto a chair or wall for assistance.  Again, nothing strenuous.



I don't know if strength exercises for your legs are "allowed" at this point, but how about tummy/ upper body work?  We don't get enough of that "on" the ice, so perhaps this is the time to build up those upper core muscles?  It's always good to get out those ballet arms too . . . especially if that haven't been used in a while.        

But if leg exercises are allowed, I would start with leg stretches first (then you'll have less of a chance for any injuries that can potentially happen with strength exercises).  I totally agree with Skatin' in building the muscles around your knee - that's what I was told to do too when I busted my knee cap!  I was told to do many of these types of exercises . . .  http://www.mhc.uiuc.edu/Handouts/overuse... as well little knee circles with my foot planted on the ground.  Using a stationery bike totally strengthened my knee (but maybe that's a bit different as I had to really re-learn to walk on that knee) - and bicycling uses similar muscles to skating muscles.  

Don't forget body alignment.  Always make sure your knees are directly above your foot.  Beyond those boundaries you may risk knee injury.    

Once you are allowed to do more strenuous off ice exercises, consider doing more side to side exercises as that has the same action as skating - even it if it means just walking with side steps, then in the other direction.  You can do variations by crossing in front or back . . . which would help with getting back into crossovers.  I used what I remember my hockey friends did for their drills - it really helps!      

BUT - if any of these suggestions are too physical and out of the question, well, to curb the "skating bug" maybe . . .

*Go pick out and cut the music for your next program(s) and think of some moves you would like to incorporate into it.  Maybe that's jumping the gun a bit, but hey it will give you a goal to shoot for!  

*Go pick out and purchase a new practice outfit so you'll have it for the first day that you get back onto ice.  Keep it out where you can see it as a reminder that you WILL go back on that ice in just a matter of short months.  

*Get your skates polished and blades sharpened - ready to go!  You might have your skates looked at by a pro, just to make sure everything is in good order since it's been awhile (that way you won't have to worry about your skates failing on you when you rely on them for safety the most!).  

*Catch up on the new judging info while you have the time.  Ahem, I need to do that too!

*Watch a bunch of skating videos (YouTube is great for that!).  It's so motivating to watch a nice program when you haven't watched any programs at all for a long time (for me anyway!).  For that matter, why not see if you can check out any local comps from now til then . . . go visit old skating friends and coaches and tell them you'll be coming back "soon".    

*As silly as it may sound, look through the list of basic moves and review it - from the very beginning.  When you get back on the ice, go through all the moves (that you are comfortably able to do) like a checklist or guideline.  The list is pretty much in order of difficulty . . . so you might as well start off with the simplest of moves.  Don't be tempted to jump or spin off the bat . . . again, you need to take things slowly.  

Anyway, just throwing some ideas out your way!!  Best of luck and hugs to you!!      

**To Skatin' - Congrats!  :)

Answer 4

I know what that is like and know that you can't wait to skart landing those jumps again. I would make sure that you are stretching almost everyday. As skaters sometimes we don't have to time to stretch as much as we would like, so i would make use of your lost to to try for that beliiman and split charlotte!