Here we are in the throes of Winnipeg winter. How are you holding
up? Are you getting outside?
If you are getting outside, chances are it’s at the Winnipeg winter hotspot: The Red River Mutual Trail. It’s becoming the
modern iconic Winnipeg winter experience! This year, it stretches from the St. Vital Bridge on the Red
River to the Forks, and continues along the Assiniboine River past the Hugo
Docks all the way to Arlington Ave. Thanks to super cold temps and not much snow - it's the longest its been in a really long time! It’s invigorating, relaxing and always so
inspiring to see everybody out skating. If you’ve been on the
trail, you know it’s an activity that truly brings all of
Winnipeg together.
It’s our collective community backyard
rink. And it’s a wonderful way to enjoy winter.
According to my scientific Instagram poll 31% of Winnipeggers
have never skated before.
This blows my mind, it’s practically a life skill in
Winnipeg!
So, non-skaters: I’m looking at you. I think it’s
time you get out there! You can do this. It can seem a bit scary to try
something new/try something you haven’t done in a while like skating but
fear no more! I’ve put together my top three tips to
give you the confidence to get out on that trail this year:
Step one: lace it up
One of the biggest complaints I hear from new skaters is that
their feet hurt. This is because of poor ankle support and poorly fitting
skates.
1.
Skates are generally one size smaller than
your shoe size.
2.
Ankle support. Lace them up nice and tight at
the top. It’s a hand workout.
3.
Relax your toes. Resist the urge to claw grip
your toes in your skates. Just chill.
PS wool socks will keep your feet nice and toasty!
Step two: understanding balance
Skating is all about balance. The shifting of your weight from
one side to the other.
1.
Take turns standing on one leg, alternating
between the two legs
2.
Keep your knees slightly bent
3.
Core is always engaged, find your centre of
balance!
4.
Shoulders are tall. Don’t lean forward.
5.
Look up! Don’t look at your
feet.
Step three: edge + glide
Let’s talk about your skate blade and
edges. There are two edges on a blade. The inside edge is the edge on the side
with your big toe. Outside edge is the side with your baby toe. Make sense?
1.
Take your inside edge and slightly angle your
left foot back
2.
Dig your inner edge into the ice to push off
with your left foot and glide forward on your right leg with your knees
slightly bent
3.
Position your right inner blade on an angle and
push off repeating the same motion
4.
Alternate each leg, gliding along….LOOK,
YOU’RE SKATING!
Next step: practice! Practice! Practice!
We get better every time. Want to learn how to stop? Come check
out the free Learn to Skate lessons at The Forks every Tuesday evening at 7pm.
Details here: theforks.com/learn2skate
Lindsay Somers is a Lifestyle Health Coach. You can follow her on
Instagram and Twitter. All photography by @sierrasavannahf.
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