Off-Ice Training

Off-ice training is essential for all Skate Canada members – right from CanSkate to the elite athletes competing at the Olympics.

Incorporating fitness training into a club’s CanSkate program ensures that Canadian children are getting the appropriate level of physical activity, as outlined in Health Canada’s “Guide to Physical Activity for Youth” (www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/pau-uap/paguide/child_youth/youth/index.html). It also ensures that young figure skaters recognize that off-ice training is part of training for our sport. Fitness classes at the CanSkate level should focus on fun, games and group participation. As the athlete develops, training will become more specific and should include the following areas:

1. Core Stability/Strength Training/Functional Movement
2. Aerobic / Anaerobic Training
3. Flexibility Training
4. Creative Movement / Dance Movement
5. Nutrition
6. Mental Training

Incorporating regular off-ice training into an athlete’s annual training plan will help ensure that our members are doing all that they can to achieve their own level of personal excellence – in whatever Skate Canada program they are enrolled.