Central Texas is experiencing one of the hottest summers ever on record. Today is the first day of August, traditionally the hottest time of the year. This year, our region has already seen more than 30 days above-100-degrees, leading some forecasters to predict it will rank among the top three hottest summers ever. Hotter than normal days are not welcome news for those who exercise outdoors when even the pool feels like a hot tub. The increased heat contributes to pollution through higher ozone levels, causes greater risk of sunburn with higher UV levels and requires individuals to pay particular attention to hydration levels. While many may retreat to the gym for a workout, others realize this is the perfect time of the year to trade a little summer for winter by heading to the ice.
A snow cone tastes so much better on a hot summer day than a winter one and that's the thought with exercise, too. Ice skating feels good in December but it feels even better in August. Ice skating is a perfect blend of low-impact cardiovascular, balance-building and strength-building exercise. An hour of skating burns as many calories as jogging 13-minute miles for the same amount of time.
The primary muscles exercised during skating are the buttocks, quadriceps, hamstrings, calves, lower back and abdomen. As you'll be adapting to a different environment with skates and the ice, you'll be working other muscles as well to provide stabilization and balance.
At first, some people may be intimidated by the amount of balance that is required. Fear of falling is common among adults. "Learning to stand up without hanging on to the side wall didn't take too long," says Kayla Mook, an Austin figure skater who is currently in Denver, Colorado representing the Texas Stars - Capital of Texas Figure Skating Club at the ISI World Recreational Team Championships. In fact, the first lesson taught is how to fall and get back up.
Skating is much more than going in circles. Once a skater gets proficient in staying upright, it's time to learn to go backwards or try to get airborne. "Each level of instruction seemed to get more difficult but it really wasn't. I guess it was because I didn't know how to skate backwards, but now I do and it seems natural," adds Kayla.
Another Austin skater, Marci Medina, backs up what instructors say about learning to skate. "Whenever you start it's tough but using your arms can help you balance." A novice skater may think the skill is beyond their reach but with time and repetition, the body will move from the knee-buckled, wide stance with boots at a 45-degree angle to a more graceful stance.
Chaparral Ice, owners of two ice rinks in Austin, recently moved one of the rinks about 300 feet at Northcross Mall. Besides the location at Northcross Mall, 2525 West Anderson Lane, Chaparral has a second location in North Austin at 14200 IH35. Chaparral Ice offers a free skate class to try it out. The 30-minute introductory classes are for beginners age 6 and up. If your child may be interested in hockey, Chaparral also offers a free hockey class.
Not an Ice Skater
Even if ice skating is not your thing, you can still enjoy the ice rink. Broomball, dodgeball and curling are available for those who don't want to wear skates. Wearing rubber-soaled shoes participants will still need to learn balance on a slippery surface, but they'll be able to do so with their own shoes, rather on a thin blade of steel.
Broomball is played with 10-15 players per team on the ice at one time, with additional players used as substitutes. Broomball is like hockey, but you use a broom and a ball instead of a stick and a puck and you get to wear your shoes on the ice.
Dodgeball games start out with teams at each end of the ice, and players are eliminated when tagged by a ball from the opposing team.
Curling is one more way to enjoy the ice and does not require skating skills. Curling is a sport that's similar to shuffle board, played by two teams of four players each on a long, rectangular sheet of ice. Teams take turns sliding heavy, polished granite stone called a rock, down the ice towards the target. Two sweepers with brooms accompany each rock and use timing equipment and their best judgment along with direction from their other teammates to help direct the stones to their resting place.
Austin's first club, The Lone Star Curling Club, meets at the Northcross location Sundays 9:45 - 11:45 am. The club welcomes new participants or just curious spectators. No experience or equipment is necessary and all ages are welcome.
Even if the thermometer reads 105 degrees outside, if you're going to visit a local ice rink, be sure to dress warm. It's cold in there.
