Skating 101
Helpful hints for a safe and fun skating experience, from the Kettering Ice Arena staff.
* Long pants or tights are required during group lessons
* Hat and gloves are recommended
* Dress in layers; take off a layer or two if needed
* Make sure your skates are snug but not uncomfortable (approximately one-half size smaller than your shoes)
* Lace skates tightly, don’t skip any eyelets
Free ice time at the Kettering Ice Arena
Sept. 12: 2015-16 Season Kickoff Party, free skating (1-3 p.m.); group lessons (1-2 p.m.); skate rental $2.
Oct. 2, Nov. 6, Dec. 4: Free group skating lessons (4-4:30 p.m. and 4:30-5 p.m.)
Oct. 3, Nov. 7, Dec. 5: Free family skating lessons (noon-12:30 p.m.)
Oct. 17: Skate Away: Free public skating, free group lessons, exhibition by local skating organizations 1-3 p.m.
For additional information, go online to www.playkettering.org.
It wasn’t about the artistry or grace or the challenging jumps and spins. Anna Taylor’s reason for taking ice skating lessons was much more basic.
“I grew up in Michigan. I was a pond skater,” she said. “I skated quite a bit over the years, but I never learned how to stop,” she said.
Taylor registered for adult group lessons at the Kettering Ice Arena and soon learned that she could indeed stop without the help of the boards. More than a decade later, the 64-year-old Beavercreek resident is still happily on the ice.
“One of the reasons I continue skating is that it requires balance, and, as you get older, your sense of balance gets weaker, so it’s good for older adults — on and off the ice,” she said. “But it has also helped me as far as core strength and my posture.”
Taylor is just one of many skaters who started taking lessons as an adult.
“Skating can be a lifetime sport,” she said. “And you’re never too old to give it a try.”
While summer is still winding down, it’s not too early to enjoy some ice time. The Kettering Ice Arena opened for its 2015-16 season this Monday and has a full slate of free events coming up.
Getting started
Equipment is one of the most critical safety considerations.
“Skates need to fit and be laced properly,” said Angie Riviello, Kettering Recreation Complex arena and aquatics manager. “If not, your ankle will be very wobbly.”
Digging an ancient pair of skates out of the garage is not necessary or advisable, as facilities — such as the Kettering Ice Arena and South Metro Sports Ice Haus — offer low-cost high-quality skate rental.
Aspiring skaters of all ages can benefit from lessons. Not sure if skating is for you? Try a free lesson as the Kettering Ice Arena hosts Free Fridays group ice skating lessons Oct. 2, Nov. 6 and Dec. 4 and Free Family lessons Oct. 3, Nov. 7 and Dec. 5. From skating and stopping to falling (falling correctly and safely) lessons can help newcomers to the sport gain basic skills and confidence.
“The whole family can learn to skate,” Riviello said. “It’s a lot of fun.”
Taylor knows that firsthand.
“Skating is a really pleasurable way to get your exercise in,” she said.
Fun fitness
“You wouldn’t think you would work up a sweat on the ice, but you can when you’re skating,” Taylor said.
While the legs work particularly hard, skating can provide a full-body workout.
“I don’t think people realize the tremendous core workout that skating gives you,” Riviello said. “There’s so much body control and balance, it really strengthens the core quite a bit.”
Beyond the physical benefits and the calories burned, there is also a sense of camaraderie among those taking classes, whether it’s an adult basic or an intermediate and advanced spins class. And that camaraderie isn’t limited to the classes.
“When I see the families at open skating, laughing and having so much fun, it’s so rewarding,” Riviello said. “It’s why I love this job.”
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