The Many Benefits of Learning to Ice Skate

     Just like riding a bike or learning to play a sport, ice skating is better off learned at a young age. It is easier to teach the mechanics to a younger mind, for the same reason many say teaching a child a second language is easier. That has not stopped adults from lacing up the skates for the first time, as many Learn to Skate programs offer adult and family packages. Skating is a great family activity with many health benefits to keep kids active. It can be a great tool to make new friends, and also discover new sports such as hockey or figure skating. Most people only think about ice skating every four years when the Olympics come around, but I will show you why you and your families should consider this as a fun, beneficial activity.

      First and foremost, ice skating is an extremely useful activity to get some quality exercise. It provides plenty of lower body strength, balance, coordination, and aerobic activity. It takes quite a bit of energy to skate around the rink. It could be a great substitute to going for a morning walk, or being stuck on an elliptical in the evening. Ice Skating quickly becomes an alternative to the family instead of sitting on the couch watching TV, being on the computer, or in their respective rooms playing Xbox. It will keep the kids active, and provide an outlet for all their pent up energy. Daily exercise is known to decrease stress, put you in better shape, and leave you in an overall better mood. What is a better way to do that than an out of the box fun idea, such as getting on the ice for an hour?

     Another large benefit that is noticeable among skating families is the bonding experience. Ice skating is a fun activity for the entire family to enjoy. Whether it is to beat the heat of the Summer or to do something fun during a rainy day, it could be a great alternative to visit a local rink. Most families do not think of going skating on a hot, humid Summer day. It is a great activity for family and friends to spend time out of the house keeping cool. If you have ever visited a public open skate, you can witness dozens of families skating around laughing and having fun.

    Along with being a family activity, ice skating has always been a tool for meeting new friends. From Friday night public skates or meeting fellow classmates in a Learn to Skate class, there is always opportunity to meet new people. Many recreational skaters soon become hockey players, or figure skaters. There they soon make lifelong friends. Many will attend camps together, take classes together, and even will be on the same teams.

    So after those long thoughts about why to pick up ice skating, where do you go from here. Most families will attend a few public skates together. The absolute best way to start your family off on skating is to take lessons at your local rink. Many Basic Skills or Learn to Play classes are very affordable. It is easily the best way to teach kids and adults the basics. Once you start to build confidence on the ice, it is much more enjoyable. Many families will then move their kids to higher classes to prepare them for hockey or figure skating. Feel free to check out your local rink in Andover for more information.

Phillips Academy Ice Rinks

254 South Main St.

Andover, MA 01810

978-684-7200

www.Andover.edu/ice

skating@andover.edu