By Dr. Marie Miczak
With ice skating season officially being over at the end of last year, it's easy to fall in to the trap of stagnation where you don't see much progress and may even begin to lose the skills you fought so tenaciously to acquire. In this article, I will give you some fresh ideas for cross training.
More than that, acquiring new athletic skills during cross training can sharpen your skating skills due to using different muscles. Besides, it fun! Hiking, running, jogging, cycling are all outdoor activities and unless you use an outdoor ice rink, you're missing the thrill of being out in God's creation. Working out, outdoors is very refreshing and can help prevent the burn out that is so common with high level skaters. Mix it up and get out there. All of the cross training activities that I have mentioned are sports or hobbies in and of themselves. Learning a new skill keeps you mentally keen. The next time you get back on the ice and have to master a new move, you'll appreciate the discipline you've gained from mastering a new sport. It also increases your self esteem when you can try and then excel in something else.
This issue will focus on some summer-fun activities and sports to make sure your legs especially stay strong throughout the off season. We've reviewed the best clothing, gear, accessories and technical trail equipment to keep you comfortable, safe and happy out there on the trail. Here are some of the items featured in this issue for.....
Summer Cross Training:
Athleta's Stylish athletic summer clothes make the transition happen.
My preference for Athleta's fantastic line of women's athletic wear is no secret. I wore their Blue Bayou Hoodie for my segment on CBS News Early Show last season and for good reason. It was the most comfortable item I owned and looked good too. Their clothing is developed and tested with input from women athletes, (good place to start)!
This means that little things that you might not notice sitting around in the clothing become big irritation factors once you're out on the road. Athleta's line is not a condescending gesture at women athletes. They take us seriously and it shown in every garment they make. For example, their Mineret Short and Alpine Pant are made of an amazing Nateo fabric which really dries quickly by actively wicking moisture away from the skin. The fit is very comfortable without looking sloppy. This is due to the small amount of Spandex added which allows the pants a more tailored fit without being restrictive. Both these pants would look great going to lunch so they make that transition from your morning walk right to the salad bar.
