Prior to the nineties, figure-skating competitions included a segment known as compulsory figures, in which the skater traced a set pattern on the ice, or the figure eight. Competitors had to skate the figures using a prescribed part of the blade, which included change of edge, steps and turns that were performed at specific points on the skating surface. Compulsory figures trained skaters to be faster, more quick-feet, and allowed them the ability to flow on the ice as well.School of figure... Read Full Story

Sasha is an avid skater, a talented artist, she has modeled in major magazines, walked the red carpet, and has skated in many countries. As the two-time and reigning World Silver Medallist, the 2006 U.S. National Champion, Grand Prix Final Champion, and 2-Time Olympic Team Member (2002 and 2006), Sasha is a sure podium contender for the 2010 Olympic Games. Sasha has experience.Alexandra Pauline Cohen was named after her mother's favorite ballerina. She was born on October 26, 1984. Sasha's mo... Read Full Story

While the most exciting portions of figure skating routine (for some) are the jumps, these high-flying athletic moves are the ultimate feats of a skater’s ability. Jumps, in figure skating, come in two varieties, rotational and positional. Positional jumps are short jumps that display an artistic position in the air. The primary objective of rotational jumps is to rotate while airborne. In these jumps, the skater appears to spin in the air. Skaters’ routines are measured partly on rotational... Read Full Story

Figure skating is one of the most difficult and demanding sport in the world. However, skaters have been landing triple jumps since before World War II. Great figure skating, does not mean one must dig their toe pick into the ice and rotate or revolve as much as they possibly can. I mourn the passing of the glorious spiral. No more do we see the absolutely fluid spirals; courtesy of Michelle Kwan, complete with the most radiant smile that has us totally convinced that she was absolutely lovin... Read Full Story

Fat Cells Have MemoryInterestingly enough, fat cells never go away. Each of us inherits a predetermined number of fat cells. You have as many fat cells as you are going to ever have when you are born. The reason that your fat cells grow is as a result of the fat content in food which contains triglyceride that is stored in the fat cells in your body. Your fat cells just become larger. And, this continues until you die.You might reach a point of desperation and even frustration, and feel that ... Read Full Story

Meat, is a poor choice of protein because it will often contain hormones. It is more difficult for your body to digest meat. Many times, after consuming some meats, the body gets sluggish, as a result you feel lethargic. Your body needs a balanced diet, including carbohydrates and good fats. Too much meat will lessen your energy. Eat lots of fruits and vegetables and complex carbohydrates.Protein from meat is mostly fatty protein and if it is not used it is stored as fat. Vegetable protein is... Read Full Story

A lot of skating may build and tone your muscles, however it will be a slow and difficult process if you don't do off ice training. Ballet, Pilates, Yoga and strength training are crucial when it comes to off ice training, this is what truly makes a difference in figure skating. Just like figure skating, you’d be amazed to find out how much muscle is involved when it comes to Ballet, Pilates and Yoga.This is a standard workout if you are new to figure skating and would like to improve. ... Read Full Story

The reason core strength and leg strength are important for any sport, specifically skating, is because most movements and balance depend on your leg muscles and your core strength. If your core and your leg muscles are weak, it becomes extremely difficult to achieve any skating skills. Good balance not only keeps you steady on your feet, but it helps make your movements powerful. Having a strong core and good leg strength mean better performance in different sports. En route to a strong b... Read Full Story

Nerves are a great thing! It's good to be nervous prior to a performance. It shows that you care. Once you're on the ice however, the nerves will melt away. Take deep breaths to calm yourself down. Many of the elite skaters, for instance Sasha Cohen and others, take deep breaths prior to their program. Breathing is importantDon’t allow your nerves to take over your performance. You can often tell when someone is nervous if they are making small useless movements such as tapping their... Read Full Story

The Axel is a jump in figure skating, named after the Norwegian skater Axel Paulsen (1855-1938) who was the first to perform this feat in 1882. A single Axel consists of 1 and a half rotations in the air. For a jump with counterclockwise rotation, it has a takeoff from the left forward outside edge and a landing on the right back outside edge; this can be reversed for a clockwise jump. The Axel can also be done as a double jump with two and a half rotations, or as a triple with three and a ha... Read Full Story