Get Coached - S&C for Figure Skating w/c 28/7/2014

Coaching went well this week, as well as my usual development group classes I had a very good gym session with two of my younger skaters who have only recently started lifting. Both are slightly built but competent skaters who will really benefit from this step up in training and added resistance.
Funnily enough, although they have similar build and are in fact sisters their training needs do differ. Whilst technique work and learning the new exercises are the main focus of these sessions I know from working with them both for a number of years now that one needs to improve her speed of movement and power output whilst the other just needs to increase her whole body strength.

They do share most of the exercises in their programme but with subtle changes for each. Back squat, overhead split squat and stiff leg deadlifts were all performed well and the few  coaching points needed were picked up easily.
An increase in strength will improve power output but it is also the intent to move fast that needs to be developed and as such various jump exercises have been included in her programme as well as introducing the Olympic lifts. This latter inclusion has only just started with Jerks and has been picked up well so far.
I must also thank Bene-Fit Health & Fitness for the continued use of their excellent new facility in Ayr, a gym run by athletes for athletes.
I was also invited to present and deliver workshops on S&C at the Magnum Figure Skating & Ice Dance club annual training camp. This involved three practical workshops and one lecture for the two groups of skaters. The workshops covered basic exercise techniques including various squats, planks and agility drills whilst the lectures covered the need for S&C in Figure Skating and Athlete Lifestyle Management, both of which were well received by athletes and coaches alike.
I then received contact from Dundee at the end of the week to stand in and cover their planned Off-ice strength sessions and lectures at the Dundee Ice Camp annual training event at the beginning of August as well.
This was an excellent opportunity for me to work with some of the best figure skating coaches and athletes in Britain and continue to build my relationship with them after helping out at their camp earlier in the year. With international skaters and coaches in attendance it is an excellent opportunity to learn more about this great sport and pick their brains for their views and knowledge on S&C for figure skating.
I will give a full update in next week's post, thanks for reading and please get in touch with any questions or for more information on Get Coached.