Figure Skating - Facts About Inline Skating
The inline skates that are made specifically for the figure skaters are having a different design.
It has a stream-lined frame that boasts more control and less weight than regular inline skates. Also, its front stopper is similar to a toe pick. The boot is designed in such a way that it can bend and support at the same time. This allows the skater to make jumps and spins.
However, without these special skates, serious figure skaters should never cross train with inline skating. Roller blading should be done only when ice time is limited or unavailable.
However, make sure that the basic elements are practiced only on inline skates. Avoid roller blading as it can hinder an elite figure skater"s progress.
Actually, the two edges on each ice skate blade have four sides that the expert skaters learn to use during the on-ice footwork. A wheel that could replace the concave steel blades will be highly advantageous.
Wheels require a different type of balance and maneuvering than the blade edges and therefore, students learning in-line skating are at a disadvantage.
A serious ice skater should never switch back and forth from ice skates to roller blades as this will slow down their progress in the development of balance and edge moves on ice.
Roller blading has adverse effects on ice skaters and therefore, off-ice skating should be limited for athletes as they progress to edge jumps, spins, and deep footwork.
But, that does not mean that figure skaters have no other cross-training options. For effective cross-training, figure skaters can try resistance training, plyometrics, pilates, dance, mountain biking, jogging and hiking.
Badminton, tennis, swimming, soccer and racquetball can also help the serious ice skaters to develop high level of fitness required for a good performance.
