ICE SKATING TIPS FOR BEGINNERS

Denver turns into a winter wonderland during the three coldest months of the year. Skiers head into the mountains to try one of the many slopes at popular resorts close to the Mile High City. Many Denver residents head to the nearest city park to test their sleds on challenging inclines. One of the most popular types of winter activities is ice skating, whether it is indoors at a recreational facility or outside at a city-supported center.

Ice skating is a fun physical activity for the residents of retirement communities in Denver. It represents an effective aerobic exercise that gets the heart pumping, as well as strengthens your bones and muscles. If you want to participate in this fun physical activity, but do not have much experience moving about on a pair of skates, let’s look at a few ice skating tips for beginners.

Wear Comfortable Skates

Since you are not competing in the World Championship of Ice Skating, you should place much more emphasis on wearing skates that feel comfortable. Try on different pairs of skates to find the pair that provides plenty of ankle support, while at the same time giving you enough room to wriggle your toes. Make sure to lace up each pair of skates that you try on to get the full effect of wearing ice skates.

Wear Layers

You have three factors to consider when choosing the right clothes to wear during an ice skating session: Warmth, mobility, and protection. If you plan to ice skate outdoors, wearing layers of clothes to stay warm should be your priority. On the other hand, an indoor ice skating session should turn your attention to clothes that provide you with more mobility. Regardless of where you plan to ice skate, choose layers of clothes that protect you against inevitable falls.

Slow and Steady

Remember that you are not competing in a race. Avoid the temptation to move faster than your skill level can handle. Ice skating too fast can lead to a fall that produces one or more painful injuries, such as a bruised hip or sprained knee. Start your session by holding on to the rail while you glide at a safe pace before you gain enough confidence to release your grip and pick up more speed. You have to master basic moves before attempting more challenging moves as you navigate around the ice.

Keep Your Focus Forward

A key tip for ice skating beginners involves keeping their focus on what is in front of them. Looking down at your skates and/or at other skaters on your side can make you lose your balance. Remaining focused on things in front of you helps you avoid other skaters. It also allows you to remain aware of your surroundings in case you tumble onto the ice. Once you master focusing on forward motion, you should be able to get used to pushing off with your skates and moving forward.

Get Loose

It is important to stretch your legs before an ice skating session. This allows your legs to get familiar with different motions that engage muscles that you typically do not use. Stretching your legs should help prevent hamstring injuries, as well as enhance your mobility on the ice. You also need to get loose mentally, which means slowing down the brain to gain control of your emotions.As a highly-rated senior living center in Denver, CO, MorningStar at Observatory Park offers a wide variety of activities that help residents enjoy robust mental and physical health. Learn more by scheduling a tour today of our assisted living facility in Denver.