When it comes to classic winter sports, figure skating tends to sit high above the list in popularity. Not only can this sport be enjoyed all winter long – both indoors and outdoors – but you can also continue it throughout the summer months as long as you’ve got a nearby indoor ice rink complex. It tends to be a rather cost-effective sport to break into since not much is required in terms of equipment, and it’s one you can enjoy on your own or with friends and family.
If you’re new to the sport of figure skating and feeling a little apprehensive as to how to get started, and if this sport is truly for you, here are five invaluable tips meant for beginners such as yourself.
Ensure Your Skates are Fitted Properly
One of the biggest mistakes you can make as a beginner is to go ahead and purchase your own figure skates without taking proper care where fit is concerned. Ill-fitting skates are not only uncomfortable but they can cause blisters, and make it difficult to skate in. Riedell Skates covers all the steps to fitting ice skates in its blog “Five Steps for Skate Fitting”. The blog takes a look at how to fit the ankle, heel, width, length, and much more.
Invest in a Helmet
Whether your particular state has helmet laws or not, protecting your head is something you’ll want to do. As a beginner, there is no doubt you’re in for some falls, so why not be proactive in protecting your health and wear a helmet? Again, a helmet should be fitted properly, so it provides maximum protection and support. It’s best to shop in-person at a sports equipment store where a sales associate can fit you.
Allow Yourself a Warmup Before Hitting the Ice
Just as you would warm up before a workout, it’s wise to do the same before skating. Skating is, after all, a workout, so doing a few light stretches can help you with flexibility and mobility on the ice. It will also help to lessen any stiffness you may feel afterward.
Keep Your Head Up
Figure skating is all about balance, which means you need to keep your body aligned to allow for proper balance. At first, it’s bound to be difficult and beginners are tempted to spend a lot of time looking down at their feet. The problem with doing this is that you also tend to bend forward, which throws off your balance.
Plus there’s the fact that if you’re looking down, you’re not looking at what is in front of you. In other words, keep your head pointed straight ahead so that you don’t end up taking a spill.
Practice Stopping
One of the best moves you’ll learn is how to stop, and this is something you’ll want to master fast. Knowing how to stop properly and quickly can help you to avoid a fall or run-in with another skater or object.
Get Comfortable in No Time
With these tips, you’ll be able to get comfortable on the ice in no time and build up your confidence.
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