How can I become a great figure skater?

How can I become a better figure skater ?

• So I already take lessons and Im a level 8 Skate UK figure skater Im hoping to become a member of my local team but I need to become more flexible so if you can show me any tips and ...show more

• Answer:

  I have a few types of stretches that I use to become more flexible and maintain flexibility. Typically, I repeat each three times and then move onto the next one. Then, I start the cycle over again. First, I start with a lunge stretch. This warms up my quads. I start by easing myself into this position: http://www.moore-chiropractic.com/images/Hip_Flexor_Lunge_Stretch.jpg (be careful of your position, you need to have your knee positioned over your ankle. Going over more like this http://0.tqn.com/d/exercise/1/0/K/p/lungekneeforward.jpg is dangerous for your knees). I hold it for around 15 seconds. Then, I do the same on the other foot. I repeat it on each foot three times. The next stretch I do is a straddle stretch. It looks like this: http://westvalley.edu/academics/pe_department/physical_education/programs/stretch/images/42straddle_side6.jpg . I start by stretching it to my left, and holding it for 10-20 seconds. Then, I stretch forwards to the middle, and hold it for the same amount of time. In this position, you can have someone gradually push your back to make you closer to the ground, but it is not necessary. If you choose to do this, have them push you until it hurts a little, but not too much. Then, I stretch to my left and hold it. I repeat this three times. The last stretch I do in this cycle is to help me get my splits and 135 spiral. I lay on my back and lift my foot towards the ceiling. Then, I use my hands or a rope to pull my leg towards me (Its like trying to do a split, but upside down). Sometimes, I have someone else push my leg towards my body instead. I hold the stretch for 30 seconds. Then I switch to the other foot and do the same things. I do each foot three times. Another stretch I do is to work on getting my spiral higher. I warm up my legs first, by swinging them forward and backwards a few times. Then, I pull my knee up towards the ceiling and hold. It stretches my hamstring. Then, I let it down a little and repeat the stretch. After this, I put my arm on my knee and bring it around into a spiral position. I try to pull my spiral up a little higher. I hold it, then switch feet. You can also have someone push your spiral leg up a little higher. It is also important that you can hold the spiral once you get it higher! To do this, I use ankle weights off ice. I put them on and try to hold my spiral for as long as I can (until it hurts a LOT) and then I do it on the other leg. If you do it enough, your legs will be strong enough to hold up a high spiral on the ice. Many skaters who are flexible do not have enough strength to hold up a position. This exercise will help you hold it. Also, after off ice, running, or skating a session, I like to stretch my splits. It helps when trying to become more flexible because your muscles are warm. Good luck :) EDIT: The first set of stretches will help you become more flexible overall. If you want to become more flexible before you get into spins and spirals, etc, then you could do them anyways. Flexibility always helps. It might help you get those moves quicker when you get to them. :)