Using the Vertimax in a figure skater’s off – ice training can be fun, challenging, and effective. Here are five tips when working with figure skaters on the Vertimax:
1. Visualize. The figure skater should always visualize her on ice movement when performing an exercise on the Vertimax. She should visualize her on ice motion leading up to the exercise movement, her on ice motion during the exercise movement, and the on ice motion after the exercise movement.
2. Effort. The figure skater should try to perform each repetition faster than the one before it so that maximum effort is being given for every repetition.
3. Technique. It is extremely important that the movement being trained on the Vertimax is replicating the technique the on ice coach has been teaching the skater. There are subtle variations in technique for various jumps being taught to the skaters. The off – ice coach has to be aware of the exact technique expected of the skater by her on ice coach so that the technique can be reinforced during Vertimax exercise.
4. Goals. Knowing what is to be accomplished with the Vertimax is important and may seem obvious. However, knowing whether the skater needs help with vertical jump, rotation speed, take-off positions, or check outs should guide training on the Vertimax.
5. Role. Always know that any training technique is often another tool in the tool box. There are no magic machines and any tool is only as effective as the effort of the coach and athlete. Plyometrics, strength training, speed drills, etc are effectively used along with the Vertimax in a skater’s year long training cycle. The Vertimax has an very important role but it is not the only technique that should be used to train figure skaters.
For more information about using the Vertimax to train figure skaters visit www.ryndakphysicaltherapy.com
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