Sports to help skating?

Question

okay so ive figure skated almost my whole life and i want to get better. so do you know any other sports to help? i hear ballet helps i might be a little old to just start that. so help?

Answer 1

Some of the benefits of ballet are artistry, flexibility, strength, musicality, and posture.  I took ballet in my late 20's . . . never too late to start.  I transferred what was useful . . . I wasn't there to master ballet . . . so even if I didn't start "young", it still helped with my skating!  

Yoga - flexibility, posture, strength, body alignment and awareness.

Pilates - core strength, stretching, body alignment (many dancers do this as well!).

Bicycling (uphill particularly) or a stationary bike - quad strength and stamina (you use similar muscle groups as you would for skating).  Helped me with knee bending, pushing, and speed.  

Jump roping (oops - is that  sport?) - Helps with jump explosion, stamina, and coordination.  

Swimming . . . some gymnastics . . . running/jogging/power walking . . . martial arts . . . weight training . . . there are many potential sports you can do - just don't overload yourself by doing too many!  

Hope that helps!  

  

Answer 2

A similar question was asked a few days ago.  Here are some of the responses: http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;...

I suggested tap and speedskating (for the reasons listed in my response on that link).

It really should be about personal preference though, based on what sports you like and what intensity you are looking for.  I never took a ballet class until I was 15 and I was fine when I started.  If think you'll enjoy ballet and can find a place that has older beginner classes that are geared toward those with experience in similar activities (like you), then go for it.  I was in a ballet program like that and it was great - very intense, but great.  Even if you're the oldest in the class don't worry about that.  Just enjoy the experience.

Answer 3

You may not be too old for ballet, ask around, your club may have a special ballet class for skating. Also sports like gymnastics help alot with jumps and balance. I'm taking yoga and it really helps with flexibility,balance, and core strength so its good for skating.

good luck :]