"Core Stability Training" DVD for figure skaters

Sk8Strong has introduced a new DVD "Core Stability Training" to the product catalog. This DVD will take skaters through a collection of exercises that range from beginner to advanced level, and includes all of the core exercises from Sk8Strong's other DVDs. If you are just looking for a complete core training program, this is your DVD! To keep your cost down, this DVD is sent in a basic jewel case, rather than the graphic cases from Sk8Strong's original collection. Enjoy!

Sk8Strong MP4 Off-Ice Training Videos for Your Ipod

Due to popular demand, Sk8Strong has created Ipod compatible MP4 videos so you can have your Sk8Strong workouts with you at the gym, the rink, or wherever you please! They have the same content as Sk8Strong DVDs, and can be purchased alone for $29.95 each, or added to your DVD purchase for only an extra $5. As the world becomes more mobile, we thought we would too! Don't miss out on this great addition to your Sk8Strong off-ice training program....

Introducing the Sk8Strong Scholarship

Sk8Strong is sharing some of its profits in the form of a scholarship for a graduating high school senior who is a figure skater. The criteria for applying for the scholarship include: 1) Graduating high school in the spring of 2009 2) Entering a four year college 3) Planning on majoring in a health field-related degree. Sk8Strong is very excited to support a deserving skater who will be working in the health field. Application can be downloaded at www.sk8strong.com/scholarship.html . Good luck!!

Boston Globe Article

Susan Wessling, the editor of International Figure Skating Magazine, was nice enough to feature Sk8Strong and I in an article for the Boston Globe. Thank you Susan, for giving people greater insight into my philosophies. To read the article, please click on this link: http://www.boston.com/jobs/healthcare/oncall/articles/2009/01/16/feature/

What kind of off-ice training should figure skaters be doing at this time of year?

Are you a competitive figure skater training for regionals in the fall? Do you have a 'battle plan' for your training until regionals? If not, then you should start now! The key to creating a successful season begins after LAST YEAR'S regionals. After the last big competition, and a few much needed weeks off, you should sit down with your parents and coaches and develop a year-long training program. And yes, that includes off-ice training, as it is a very important key to a figure skater's success. And that training involves periodization, which is a training plan that involves highs and lows of cardiovascular workouts, strength training, plyometrics, program run throughs, and more, at different times of the year.To peak at the appropriate time, it is important to scale you training at the right times to be in your best shape. Over training can tire you out, but under training will leave you tired and breathing heavy at the end of your program. Figure skating and that 'perfect program' takes work, and that work is a combination of strength training, core stability work, dynamic warmups, on-ice repetition, and technique refinement. If you haven't ever investigated periodization, visit the USFS website for some sample schedules. Sk8Strong periodization recommedations are also included in the Sk8Strong "Off-Ice Training For Figure Skaters" Manual. Find out what you've been missing in your training program. The correct off-ice workout program will take you a long way, and it's never too late to start!

Definition of Core Stability: Brittney Rizo

What makes a skater consistent and able to repeat the same technique over and over again? The answer is a combination of many things, one being core strength and stability. As I watched the US Nationals senior ladies short program last night, I watched a number of wonderful programs, but one skater stood out in my mind, and that is Brittney Rizo. As a coach in New England, I have watched Brittney develop from a Juvenile regional medalist, to Eastern sectional novice champion, to nationally televised senior lady. Through the years, she has developed her triple jumps, first with my former coach, and now with Mark and Peter. Not always consistent, she has developed into an excellent jumper with a terrific axis of rotation. That axis of rotation is controlled by the core strength of her body, as well as upper and lower body strength. As a result of maintaining a high level of strength with off-ice training, her jumps are perfomed at a high level of consistency. She has built an excellent foundation over the years, and she should continue to improve the more difficult triples as she continues her training routine. If you get a chance, tune in to the icenetwork.com to view her fabulous technique! Good luck Brittney!

US Junior Nationals

I returned home yesterday from a two day trip to Lake Placid for the US Junior Nationals. As ususal, Lake Placid puts on a great, organized competition. It has also been my favorite place for skating since I competed in my younger days! I had the opportunity to spend time sharing a table with David Lipetz, a physical therapist and creator of "The Off-Ice Edge Trainer." While promoting Sk8Strong DVDs and my site, I was able to test out the Off-Ice Edge with my own skates on. It is a great product! For those of you who are not familiar with it (as it has only been available for two months), it consists of an angled platform and two poles. A skater stands on the various angled surfaces with his/her skates on and uses the poles to balance. From there, a skater can perform various exercises in the skates while simulating each edge (FO, FI, BO, BI). I was able to mimic jump takeoffs, stroking, landing positions, and spin positions while receiving immediate feedback from David regarding my body alignment. Although this tool is expensive, it is worth the return you will get with improved jump, spin, and overall skating performance. I plan to use the Off-Ice Edge with my students and incorporate it into my off-ice training routines. My Lake Placid trip was a success, as I was able to meet a lot of great people in the skating community and share my philosphies about off-ice training. Thanks to all of the coaches who take the time to educate themselves about correct exercise training in order to improve their students' skating. Check out the icenetwork.com for pictures and comments in the US Juniors diary Thursday gallery. Last but not least, congrats to all of the wonderful skaters who worked very hard to make it to Lake Placid. And congrats to Ainsley McGill, Juvenile girls silver medalist, from my home rink in Connecticut!