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So, how strong a skater are you?Important Strength ClassificationsDid you know there are different types of strength? Here are the ones most important to speed and figure skaters.
Absolute StrengthMale pairs skaters palm their partners over head because of absolute strength. It doesn’t matter how much a skater weighs or how long he or she has been training. Absolute strength is the most force an athlete produces. Maximal StrengthConcentric (as in power stroking and high jumping,) isometric (exhibited during spirals and sit-spins,) and eccentric contractions (like when a skater lands from a jump) are grouped under the heading: “Maximal Strength.” This is the greatest amount of force that muscles produce voluntarily in a single contraction. It is also the most important strength type for athletes in ice sports. Optimal StrengthHow strong does a skater need to be? This is a targeted question and depends on what discipline the athlete is perfecting. Optimal strength is capping a skater’s strength training according to how much might he or she really needs in order to be competitive. Skaters must balance their training to incorporate all aspects of their sport. Long and short track skaters, for instance, must work on speed drills and endurance training. Increasing their strength is a necessary addition to these components, but it is not the only factor. Relative StrengthIf you want to be a competitive figure skater but not develop the thighs of a long track speed skater, relative strength will be one of your training focuses. By definition, this is the greatest amount of force you can develop per pound of body weight. Figure skaters will develop this type of strength by using high repetitions and low weight and plyometrics. Speed StrengthStarting strength (the force produced at the beginning of a muscle contraction,) explosive strength (as in quick accelerations or increased stroking,) and reactive strength (as with jumping and landing combinations) are all classified under speed strength. Sprinting at the beginning of a race, and being able to speed up quickly, are very important factors in short track speed skating. Ice dancers must also specifically concentrate on their speed strength at well. Strength EnduranceMuscles that don’t fatigue easily have great strength endurance. This is a huge consideration for long track speed skaters and figure skaters performing their long programs. Short track skaters in the 1500m also rely on a muscular system that can withstand the high demands of their sport. A coach and personal trainer can help you decide which combination of strength types to focus on in your fitness program. There are many variables within each classification to consider as well, such as order, resistance, repetitions, tempo, duration frequency, and rest intervals.
The copyright of the article So, how strong a skater are you? in Figure/Speed Skating is owned by Timbre Beck-Murphy. Permission to republish So, how strong a skater are you? in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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