Training classes???

Question

Is it absolutely necessary to take a off ice training class instead of daily exercising? at my rink they offer classes, but I am really flexible already and have already taken gymnastics and ballet. So should i take classes? I am in FS1.

Answer 1

If you have a coach and he/she is telling you that you need to take it, definitely do.  

I'm a firm believer that you can create and follow your own training program, but it takes discipline and dedication.  So if you think you need that nudge that a scheduled class would give you, then stick with the class.

If you want to go on your own, there's a great book for figure skaters that includes pictures of all the exercises, suggests a routine and has logs you can copy off and use in the gym.  It's "Conditioning for Figure Skaters" by Carl Poe.  It covers strength, endurance and flexibility training.