I went skating Friday night, and my husband came to watch, armed with the camera. I wanted to at least get some pictures of how I skate, since I can't see how my posture is, or exactly what my arms and hips are doing. I forgot that he is a jack of all tradea, and he was able to give me a lot of pointers about my skating. First thing he noticed was that I lean forward and stick my bum out (see pic). I already have a larger lower body thanks to genetics and lack of exercise, and my posture wasn't doing anything to help it or my skating. No wonder I have lower back pain! He helped me stand straight, shoulders and hips aligned with my chin up. Then he had me skate that way. What a difference!!! It took me a minute to find my center of gravity, but my movements were more fluid and graceful. I will need to practice better posture off-ice as well if I am going to see any major improvements.
Another thing he noticed was that I don't lean into my turns. My upper body and lower body are trying to do two separate things. After having me practice leaning side to side while against the rink boards, he had me try it out on the ice. Putting all fears of falling aside, I finally felt my body leaning into the turn, and I was most definitely securing the outside edge (LFO). My right side is weaker and will take practice.
My FXO's also improved greatly with fixing my posture and leaning into my edges. Even CW are looking better than before.
We finally looked at my skates and realized I don't have them tight enough around the ankle, of course making it difficult to control the skate. My husband tightened them (way too tight!!!) but I got the idea that I need to support my ankle more.
Friday's skate was full of frustrating moments and EUREKA! moments. All in all, I learned a lot from my husband who has never dared put on a pair of figure skates. It was like a physics, kinesiology, and P.E. lesson all in one. He didn't need to know what a swizzle, spiral, or pivot was. So now I have a free coach for keeping an eye on my posture and presentation!
It's back to the ice on Monday for practice and group lessons. A bit of good news: My work schedule is allowing me to continue with group lessons! And I think I will ask about private lessons this week.
