This blog post delves into the transformative journey of taking up figure skating at this age. I look at how continued work with primitive reflexes at any age, using rhythmic movement training, can play a part in improving sports performance.
In 1980, I remember watching Robin Cousins win Gold at Lake Placid, and thinking how much I’d love to try skating. I remember being entranced and obsessed with Torvill and Dean. However, our ice rink was always rammed, so having lessons was not an option. The UK has the lowest number of ice rinks per capita in Europe, so skating for me was over the shoe roller skates – which by the way, we were allowed to take to school to skate in the playground in.
Age should never be a barrier to embracing new challenges and discovering the untapped potential of one’s body and mind. The world of figure skating re-opened up to me earlier this year as an arena for self-discovery, physical rejuvenation, and social connection. I’ve been hooked ever since.
Skating has become my sport. It’s become my obsession. It’s become a little chunk of social life.
Figure skating is a dynamic full-body workout that defies stereotypes associated with age. The constant movement and balance challenges contribute to improved cardiovascular health, flexibility, and overall fitness. Additionally, the weight-bearing nature of skating enhances bone density, a crucial aspect of maintaining skeletal health as we age.
At the rink, I am friends with skaters between the age of 4 and I don’t know what – late 60s/70s? Who knows. They’re all fabulous.
Core Strength and Stability
As a comprehensive workout for the body, figure skating places a strong emphasis on core strength.
I also notice something very funny: when skaters are first learning a new movement, I see hands mirroring what feet are doing. There are very few new skaters who don’t do this! And then, one day, the new movement becomes automatic, having been repeated enough, and the hands stop mirroring the feet. For some, this can take months, and for others, minutes.
Why do is this? It’s because some of us have to work extra hard to compensate for retained primitive reflexes!
Primitive reflexes at any age
I recently asked my coach to video me, and realised that what holds me back immensely is my persistent STNR reflex, which pops in and out as life happens around me. This reflex causes a weak core, which is pretty disastrous for figure skating. Equipping oneself with knowledge of rhythmic movement training movements is knowledge for life. For this reason, I’ve already been doing some targeted movements, which has helped my core stability, and helped my body to work out what my brain is asking it to do.
I shall be following a skating friend, Jade, for a case study. Jade also has a pronounced STNR reflex. We videoed her today, and we’ll be starting a movement programme imminently and tracking her progress as we go. Watch this space if you’d like to follow her progress! She’s totally up for being my first ever figure skating case study!
Here is Jade about to step onto the ice for the first time in around 4 months:
Overcoming Physical Challenges:
The journey of re-starting figure skating at my age (I’m old enough to remember Andy Pandy and Mary, Mungo and Midge) is undeniably a physical challenge, especially for someone as out of condition as I was when I started, but it’s one that holds immense rewards. Each new movement has become a testament to perseverance, courage, and personal growth.
For children, skating involves balance, motor planning and coordination and physical stamina (especially in hire skates). As primitive reflex enthusiasts will already know, balance and coordination are essential for learning!
A Sociable Symphony of Diversity
Figure skating transcends age and attracts a diverse community. I meet the same people every week and we either talk about skating or completely unrelated things. Last week, we were even snorting with laughter about fish pedicures and what would happen if the fish got a bit carried away.
The shared passion for the sport creates a welcoming environment where connections are formed on the ice and friendships blossom off it.
As the blades carve patterns on the ice, the journey of figure skating at any age becomes a dance of liberation. The synergy between social engagement and the physical challenges of figure skating creates a transformative experience that enriches the mind, strengthens the body, and fosters a sense of community.
It’s a reminder that, with the right support and mindset, age becomes a mere number, and the ice becomes a canvas for a vibrant and fulfilling chapter of life.
So, let the music play, the blades glide, and the spirit soar as figure skating becomes a testament to the courage to embrace life’s adventures, unbound by societal expectations.
As a final thought, I found this absolutely beautiful short film about a 90 year-old skater – enjoy!
