Is lifting weights (i.e., free-weights) safe for skaters age 7-14?
Off-ice strength training by lifting dumbbells or weights can be safe and beneficial for the prepubescent skaters ranging from 7 to 14 years old. These skaters must be instructed and supervised under a qualified, experienced strength coach or trainer at all times. Also, the program design must be appropriate for the skaters’ maturity level and include a variety of exercises. Should skaters perform off-ice training before or after on-ice training? While lower-level/younger skaters can perform off-ice training before taking the ice, higher-level skaters (novice through senior level) usually find it better to train off the ice after they’ve already trained on the ice. On-ice training for higher-level athletes usually involves many different skills and program run-throughs and generally a more complicated training structure than that for lower-level skaters. When skaters should perform off-ice training should also take into consideration the component of off-ice training scheduled for that
