Flexibility/stretching tutorials

I was asked recently if I could share some of the YouTube tutorials for stretching that are out there, so here are a few links for anyone it might help.

I'm not a coach and not qualified in anything of this sort, so if anyone qualified is reading this and sees any issues with any of these videos/tutorials, please do let me know.

Stretches for getting your splits:

Back stretches:

In fact, all of Lisa Maree's videos are pretty good - her channel is here: BalletLisa

"The Frog" is really good for opening hips (although it's not the most lady-like of poses!!):

Another for stretching the legs and improving hip flexibility:

If you're really at a beginner level, this is a great video showing you some starter stretches:

I hope these help!

14 Christmas gift ideas for the figure skater in your life

It's Chrrrrrisssssssssttmmmaaaaaaaaaaasss! Ok, well, it's December - close enough.

We skater types always love skating-themed gifts at this time of year. A new pair of Chloes, a skirt, a dress, a hoodie, a jacket, new soakers or blade guards....the possibilities are endless. But putting aside the obvious, what else could you get for the skater in your life? Here are 14 (well, more really, as some categories have a few items in them) ideas for all budgets:

1) JEWELLERY

Do you know any girl who doesn't love a new necklace or pair of earrings? There are quite a few bits of skating jewellery out there to be found if you look hard enough. Here are just some ideas.

Right are Jerry's silver-coloured and gold-coloured necklace and earring sets. I can't find what these are made from, but at £8.99 from Nice Ice Baby (a business local to my rink, and very reliable) they'd make a fab stocking filler.

There aren't many places you can have bespoke skate jewellery made, but one designer close to where I skate makes fantastic pieces, and still very affordable too. If you caught her very soon I dare

say you'd just make it in time for Christmas. The one-woman company (where everything is handmade) is Best Bejewelled, run by Val, and I love working with her to have her create exactly what I'm looking for.

This, pictured left, is one of the bracelets I've bought from her, but I know she can also do skate earrings, necklaces, keychains, mobile phone charms, etc etc. Well worth a look. She doesn't have a website at the moment, but for info, you can email her on bestbejewelled@gmail.com.



For another cheap-ish but cute necklace, check out this one from Iceventure - I personally think the blue's lovely.


2) BOOKS

Irving Brokaw's The Art of Skating

Irving Brokaw was the first American to compete in figure skating at the Olympics in 1908 (the first Olympics to include it as a sport). Including lots of illustrations and pictures, Irving Brokaw's book charts the history and

Can you really improve flexibility as an adult?

Disclaimer: This is an opinion piece and not to be taken as any kind of medical advice. Always see a professional if you're planning to change your workout routine, or it's at your own risk!

The truth is, you don't have to be flexible, strong or fit to be a figure skater, but it certainly helps. When I started skating three years ago I was none of the above. People have always assumed I'm fit because I'm slim, but the two don't necessarily go hand-in-hand. I'm just lucky to have ridiculously good metabolism (though even that's starting to struggle more with age).

As I'm sure was the case with many others out there, I quickly began to realise getting in some sort of shape was going to be necessary the more my skating progressed. It's not so much of an issue when you spend

It's all in the name: no excuses

I'm very aware that I haven't posted for quite a while. This is mainly due to life getting in the way - between work, freelance work, family stuff, friend stuff and, of course, skating, there isn't a lot of time left over for posting.

However, I read a really interesting article on another blog today that I wanted to share with