Off Ice Classes

It has become abundantly clear to Canadian coaches that we must utilize our off-ice hours to the maximum.  The use of off ice training enables the skater to augment the on ice hours.  We, as Canadians, take ice time for granted and as ice costs continue to rise, we must become more diligent with how we use those valuable hours.  Off ice time must be fully utilized to maximine improvement
Conditioning/Stength Training

Exercise and attitude go hand in hand.  Our goal is to help young athletes achieve a great fitness base, then educate and train so as the take each one to his or her highest physical potential.  When you combine this with the right attitute, we can only succceed in meetin all of our goals!  We believe in building not just great athletes, but developing great life skills as well.  Our off - ice trainers are fully certified, experienced trainers that know what it takes to develop a competitive athlete.  We are looking forward to helping each and every skater at the Durham Region Skating Academy achieve their personal best.  It will take a lot of hard work and dedication, but we will also have a lot of fun and great times doing it.
Pilates

What is Pilates? Is it Yoga? Is it Zen? Is it Dance, NO, it is a gentle excerise technique that reconnects the mind and body.  It's gentle movements strengthen and tone muscles, improve balance, posture and flexibility, as well as concentration, focus and centering.  The main goal of Pilates is postural correctness, flexibility and enhanced physical performance.  A perfect combination within the sport of Figure Skating.  Breathing exercises are practiced to help achieve these goals- first to connect the mind and body and then build strength.
As these two elements combine, students become more aware of what the body is doing.  The breathing exercises also help to oxygenate the blood, increase lung capacity and feed the brain.  With this off-ice training, we should see some spectacular spiral sequences in the short programs this year, and the breathing exercised should be a great help while training the long programs.
Off-Ice Jump/Spins

The skaters are encouraged to jump and spin off the ice.  The essence of this off ice training is to develop rotational skills.  Other objectives will be to enhance jump/spin landing positions with strict attention to body lines and balance.  Spin boards can be used during this time, and may be purchased at local area skating boutiques.
Questions - Email us - we are glad to answer any questions.