By Gemmie S. Devera, PA-C, MPH
In April 1997, I visited Thomas Creek Ice Arena in
Skating has many benefits. A low-impact, weight-bearing activity, skating does not strain the knees unless the skater attempts the jumps or spins. The activity has both aerobic and anaerobic components from stroking and from the jumps and spins. Skaters can pursue the sport as an individual or group activity. Skating builds body awareness in space and teaches valuable life lessons such as goal-setting and learning to rise after a fall. Skaters all begin from ground zero, so anyone can learn to skate. Learning to skate is like learning to ride a bike because muscle memory makes skating skills almost instinctive.
Two organizations sponsor skating in the
After the Winter Games end, the performances will linger in our minds. Perhaps they will inspire some to experience the pure joy of gliding across the ice. The triumph of the human spirit at the Games builds the dream for a new generation of Olympic skaters. Skaters can draw inspiration from the stories of Shen and Zhao, Pairs Gold medalists, the men’s skaters who have battled injuries to make it to the Olympic Games, the French ice dancers who returned to competition after Delobel gave birth, and the ladies’ competitive fire. In the words of U.S. Figure Skating, “It’s a great day to skate!”
Discussion question: What other activities are enjoyable, sport-focused approaches to physical activity?
I enjoy running, swimming and biking.
Posted by: Marisol | 02/24/2010 at 06:12 PM