Question I am learning jumps now. I looked on the Internet to see what kind of jumps there are and it says that you have to take off from a specific foot. Ex: Toe loops take off from the back outside edge of the right foot and are launched by the left toe pick (Wikipedia) Is that true? I am learning waltz jumps and it says to take off from my left foot. I take off from my right foot better though. Also, is there any specific diet for a figure skater in Freestyle 2? I know I have to eat the recommended amounts from each food group from the Food Pyramid, but do I have to eat more of something than another. I eat really healthy because I used do do gymnastics so I'm open to anything. One more thing. I go to a gym. It is called Fitness Works. I work out there 4 days a week and I do some exercises from the Sk8 Strong Videos. Is there any specific exercises or machines I should do? I also do a yoga/pilates/tai chi class twice a week to increase flexibility. Is this much training okay? Oh by the way, I am 13 years old.
Answer That's all true, Emily.
You can jump off either the left for a waltz jump if you turn counterclockwise, or from the right like I do if you happen to prefer to jump clockwise.
Skaters at all levels have different diets that work for them. More natural is better in my opinion. Organic is the best. Eat lots of raw fruits and vegetables for vitamins and enzymes. Eat a variety of different foods to get all the nutrients your body needs. As athletes we are trying to be as fit and energetic as possible.
As figure skaters we want strength and flexibility throughout the body, so all exercises will benefit you in some way. Variety is just as good in exercise as in nutrition.
It is impossible for me to say how much training is best for you personally, but you are right to recognize that there is such a thing as too much. Make sure you get plenty of sleep and rest, breathe deeply, and fuel your body with the best quality food to recover from your workouts and get more out of yourself.
All the best to you, Emily!
