What are you views on young figure skaters wearing ankle weights during on ice training?
Answer Hi Lori: The basic idea behind using ankle weights (usually about 2.5 lbs) is to provide some resistance in order to increase strength. In my opinion the use of these wts is a bit tricky. For one, although they do provide some resistance they also can interfere with technique–especially with jumping. Figure skating is a very technical sport and includes very complex skills that require a great amount of coordination. Skaters learn these complex skills via feedback that encompasses what is known as proprioception. In other words the joints of the body contain tiny receptors that feedback information to the nervous system. When you put ankle wts on you change the information sent to nervous system and this can interfere with technique. Then when the wts come off the information is changed again. So, in my experience I never used wts for jumps or spins. Changing these signals to the brain could result in more falls and more falls increase the likelihood of injury. However, I feel
