Figure Skating
Figure skating is a sport which requires a tremendous amount skill and physical conditioning in order to develop and compete at the highest levels. For young skaters much emphasis is typically placed on skill training at the expense of physical conditioning. What many coaches, athletes, and parents are recognizing is the importance of properly structured and progressed off-ice conditioning in improving on-ice performance. Completed properly and progressed, athletes can develop the necessary strength, power, endurance, and flexibility to take their on-ice performance much higher levels.
Testing
Sport specific fitness tesing for figure skaters requires that the age and level of development be taken into consideration. Skaters as young as 10 years of age can be assessed to determine the proper rate and development of off-ice physical conditioning to be completed.
Movement Screen Testing- This test provides specific baseline information pertaining to a young athletes’ current physical conditioning. Tests include upper and lower body strength, power, static and dynamic balance, and flexibility measures.
VO2 Max Testing- Direct testing is used to measure an athletes’ aerobic fitness. Minimum aerobic fitness is required for figure skating, and young athletes have a period specific where development of this fitness quality is emphasized.
Flexibility Matrix Testing- Hip flexibility, rotational flexibility, as well as low back and hamstring flexibility measurements are completed to provide a well balanced flexibility profile for each athlete.
Power Testing- Measurement of lower body power and power imbalance is completed in order to ensure that the right and left imbalances are identified.
Body Composition (16 + years of age only)- Skinfold measurements are completed to determine % of fat mass vs. fat free mass. For younger athletes, due to growth and development, body composition measurements are not completed.
Cost: $199.99 + taxes
Evidence Based Training
Once the testing process is completed and analyzed an individualized strength and conditioning program can be completed based on the information obtained from the sport specific testing. Two options are available:
1. Individualized program and group supervision
Athletes’ attend the PEAK Centre on designated training days (typically 2-4 days per week depending on availability and age). Group supervision is completed within the facility and athletes have the opportunity to ask questions and are corrected on exercise form and weight.
• Testing included
• Facility access included
• Program development included
• Supervised sessions (group supervision)
Cost: $225.00 + tax (first month)
$125.00 + tax (each additional month)
2. Individualized program and personal training
Athletes’ attend the PEAK Centre on designated training days (typically 2-4 days per week depending on availability and age). Individual supervision is completed within the facility and athletes are designated a specific trainer who will work with them one-on-one each time a training session is scheduled.
• Testing included
• Facility access included
• Program development included
• On-one-one training completed
Cost: 2 sessions per week or more of Personal Training
$75.00 + tax per session (min 7 sessions per month)
3. Group program and small group training
Athletes’ attend the PEAK Centre on designated training days (typically 2-4 days per week depending on availability and age). Small group training is completed (1 instructor with 3 athletes max) within the PEAK Centre facility on the designated training days. Athletes will work with a trainer in a small group with all athletes completing the same exercises and training at the same training time.
Cost: 2 athletes per session=$100.00 per session ($50 + tax/athlete)
3 athletes per session=$120.00 per session ($40 + tax/athlete)
At the end of the day the PEAK Centre has a mandate to provide the best possible evidence based training for your young athletes. Whether an individual or group training environment, we will ensure that your son/daughter receives the proper training and guidance to progress them towards their sport and performance goals.