Conditioning program for competitive figure skating.

To test the feasibility that traditional interval training methods could be adapted to the needs of competitive figure skaters, an interval skating program was conducted during a 3-month period for a group of skaters at diverse levels of proficiency. The program required only a small portion of the total ice time utilized by the skaters on a daily basis, i.e., 1/2 hr, three times a week. On alternate days, the skaters used the same amount of time in a strength training program. A flexibility-stretching facet was to be done by the skaters on a daily basis. Progress was evaluated by treadmill oxygen consumption determinations and ability to perform a 1/2-mile skate effort. Over the course of the 3-month period, the skaters in the program showed an average increase in oxygen consumption of 9% from 44.73 cc per kg per min to 55.51 cc per kg per min. This was accompanied by an average 10-sec reduction in the timed effort at the 1/2-mile skate. Subjectively, the skaters were less fatigued during their freestyle skating programs and were able to improve consistency at skilled maneuvers in the last minute of their performances. This initial effort to evaluate the efficacy of this type of a training program for competitive figure skating seems to have proven to be beneficial to the skaters. Currently, we are continuing our efforts to expand the program.