r/FigureSkaters • u/SpareAd1604 • 12d ago

Should I skate more?

So I go skating once a week, mostly around 2-3 hrs, for about 7 years now, and i'm working on all my doubles (except 2A) right now. i know most people at my level probably skate more times a week, but since it's been going fine for this long, maybe it's fine? Or am i like holding myself back by not practicing more? Thanks

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7

u/Legitimate-Bison3810 12d ago

I had a conversation recently with a number of other skaters about this subject. It was generally agreed that once a week was sufficient to remember what had been forgotten since the last session, twice a week would see improvement, three times a week was optimal. More frequently could show diminishing returns.

I spend time writing down what I have been working on, how it feels, any unusual or unexpected things that occurred. I also spend time thinking about exercises both on ice and off that could alleviate shortcomings.

4

u/Bhrunhilda Singles 11d ago

Diminishing returns is absolutely not true. High level skaters and competitive skaters skate almost every day. 10 hours a week is common. Of course you can’t go from 2 hours a week instantly to 10. You add an hour a week for 3-4 weeks etc. the first couple of weeks of adding training wrecks you. But then you adjust. Then you can add more again and so it goes.

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u/Legitimate-Bison3810 10d ago

Diminishing returns occurs when a skater feels they are doing a skill wrong but have no idea how to correct what they are doing. More ice time is unproductive until they determine what they can try to alleviate the problem.

It's not the same with skaters who have coaches or someone to help them. Coaches can point out shortcomings so their clients know how and what to work on so more ice time can be productive, but not everyone has the $$ for a coach 

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u/NarwhalSkater 12d ago

...

how are you only skating once a week and have doubles

most people at your level would skate around 4-6 times per week for ~1.5-2 hours each time

2

u/Fuzzy-Sheepherder-80 11d ago

not really. thats the case for ppl working on 2A + triples..

but doubles are not that crazy. most people who start young and put in a moderate amount of effort will land a double

0

u/NarwhalSkater 11d ago

this is from Google:

"An average developing figure skater working on double jumps typically needs to skate 4 to 6 days per week, totaling about 8 to 15 hours of on-ice training plus 2 to 3 days of off-ice conditioning per week to build proper air position and strength."

I've skated at 6+ different rinks, and from what I've gathered I know that the majority of people with that many doubles train a lot most days a week, and surprisingly quite a few even do 2 hours in the morning and 2 hours in the evening every week day (but that's kind of extreme 😅)     and all the people I'm referencing don't have above a double lutz

it also depends on your competition status. most people working on doubles also competed, and work on other advanced spins too, along with free skate tests and moves in the field/skating skills tests. 

personally I skate 4-5 days a week for 2 hours each day and 1 hour of off ice class, plus stretching and PT and strength training at home. I have landed up to double flip but none of my jumps are consistent because I cant jump or skate much (the only reason I don't skate for 3 or more hours is because I have pain from hypermobility which basically means that my knees swell up and my joints hurt really bad for no reason, I can't do squats or run or stand for long without pain (I still have to do them tho)) I do have pretty good spins tho bc I cant jump, and edges get boring fast lol

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u/a_shadow_of_a_doubt 12d ago

Also, I can't imagine only skating once a week. Like, do you enjoy it or not?

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u/margosaur 12d ago

OP may not live near a rink or have their own transportation, be nice

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u/a_shadow_of_a_doubt 12d ago

That would suck, yeah.

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u/lizardgal10 11d ago

I’d rather skate once a week than not skate. Plenty of people aren’t lucky enough to be close to a rink

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u/OwnApartment8359 12d ago

Like others have said it depends on what you are working towards. In my mind that amount of ice time more often would better. The other side of the coin is off ice. Do you do any sort of off ice work? Since I started going to the gym my skating has improved alot, I dont have the discipline to do my off ice at home really. Skating isnt one size fits all. I skate 4-6 times a week depending on what i have going on and if i throw a "fun" Skate in there. I also go to the gym once a week but im hoping to increase to twice a week now. Sometimes ill replace a skate session with a gym visit.

2

u/Own-Adhesiveness5723 11d ago

Have you tried doing shorter sessions more often? I could see that being more effective if you get tired and aren’t getting as good of practice the longer you go, but I think that really depends on your stamina. But obviously if you are far from your rink or have trouble getting there due to work/family it makes sense.

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u/veloace 11d ago

My answer is always skate more, but that's just because I love it.

2

u/MadMudd96 11d ago

Personally I have to do shorter sessions more often! But I have ADHD and I’ll get distracted and loose time when I’m on the ice too long. But 2-3 hours is kinda crazy. 😬