A Great Day to Skate

By Gemmie S. Devera, PA-C, MPH

In April 1997, I visited Thomas Creek Ice Arena in New York and skated to Jewel’s “You Were Meant for Me.” As the lyrics played “Dreams last so long even after you’re gone,” I observed that skating requires a person to stay in the present and enjoy the moment. That thought was fitting because “Enjoy the Moment” is one of the mottos for this year’s Olympic Games. During that visit, I skated with several skaters in their 60s and 70s and learned that one can skate for a lifetime. At my home rink, skaters and coaches inspire me with quality triple jumps and crisp footwork sequences long after their competitive days have ended.

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 United States. The ice rink industry runs the Ice Skating Institute of America, a recreational organization. United States Figure Skating, the sport’s national governing body, sends athletes to competitive events such as the Olympic Games. U.S. Figure Skating has additional disciplines such as Adult, Masters, Collegiate, Synchronized, Theatre on Ice, and the Special Olympics. Skating offers something for all ages and abilities.

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?