STARSkate Off-Ice Classes
SMSC offers a number of off-ice classes that supplement and enhance on-ice learning. Each class has been specifically designed for the specialized needs of figure skaters.
When designing our schedule, we coordinate our off-ice classed with our on-ice sessions, to allow our skaters to benefit from the learning opportunities offered by our experienced off-ice instructors.
Fall 2023/ Winter 2024 Off-Ice Schedule
• Season start: September 11, 2023
• Season end: May 31, 2024
• Download the StarSkate Off-Ice Schedule
| Jump with Flexafit Mondays - September 11, 2023 to May 27, 2024 (32 sessions) |
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| Dance with Katie Tuesdays - September 12, 2023 to May 28, 2024 (34 sessions) |
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5:00 PM - 5:20 PMPreSTAR$117
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| Core Strength with Rachel Wednesdays - September 13, 2023 to May 29, 2024 (34 sessions) |
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| Fitness with Stephanie Thursdays - September 14, 2023 to May 30, 2024 (33 sessions) |
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| Flexibility with Flexafit Fridays - September 15, 2023 to May 1, 2024 (33 sessions) |
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Schedules and prices subject to change due to scheduling updates, errors & omissions.
Core Strength with Rachel
Rachel Cates is a fitness professional working in the industry for the past 25 years. She has been running programs for competitive athletes specializing in off-ice for over 15 years. Rachel has a Bachelors Degree in Physical Education and has managed several fitness centers and taught many early childhood fitness programs. She is a Canfitpro certified personal trainer and a former instructor of the canfitpro personal training course at Georgian College. This course includes training in anatomy, physiology, injury prevention, and nutrition.
Being a former competitive gymnast has helped Rachel to design programs that will improve athletic performance by developing core strength, flexibility, endurance and balance.
This class combines deep core strengthening with stretching, coordination, control, and balance to help the athlete improve in all aspects of their skating.
The key to injury prevention is proper strengthening and stretching of the muscles associated with on-ice training. Core Balance includes proper strengthening of the core and balance techniques specific to figure skaters as well as a 10 minute full body stretch at the end of each session. This combination of strength training, stretching, and balance will lead to improved posture both on and off ice.
Skaters will need to have an exercise mat with them for this class.
Dance with Katie
Katie Bromley has been dancing and performing for over 30 years, studying in the styles of tap, jazz, musical theatre, lyrical / contemporary, hip hop and acro. She graduated the Musical Theatre Program at Sheridan College with honours, training under many incredible teachers and choreographers. She had leading roles in shows such as "Once Upon A Mattress," "The Drowsy Chaperone" and was Dance Captain / ensemble for "The Most Happy Fella." She competed in dance competitions, winning overall awards for her Musical Theatre Solos, top duet / trio awards for tap in both Toronto and Chicago, and received many special awards praising her stage presence and joy. She danced as part of the Blue Jays J-Crew (now the J-Force) performing in home openers and during home games.
Wear form fitting clothes suitable for movement e.g. tights, leggings, leotards, tank tops. Dance shoes such as ballet or jazz shoes are preferred OR bare feet on hard floors/socks for carpet.
Fitness with Stephanie
Stephanie Hansuld has her Bachelor of Physical and Health Education and Bachelor of Education Degrees from the University of Toronto. She has been teaching Physical Education for the Peel District School Board for more than 25 years. She has her Fitness Instructor Specialist through CanFitPro and is certified in Zumba, Zumba Step and Strong by Zumba. Stephanie has completed both the Respect in Sport and Risk Management courses. She has her level one artistic gymnastics coaching certification, NCCP certification, as well as both first aid and CPR qualifications. Stephanie has been involved with coaching and teaching young athletes for more than 20 years. She was a member of the 1988 Canadian Olympic Field Hockey squad and in 2012 was inducted into the University of Toronto Sports Hall of Fame.
Core strength and plyometric strength requirements for figure skating are significant, and at some point, a skater needs to build strength beyond what he or she naturally has. By participating in this off-ice training program, skaters will progress their on-ice skills at a faster pace and be able to handle the strength demands of jumping, spinning and longer programs. Strength also creates power and can improve endurance, and is the number one necessity for a skater to improve and become consistent.
The equipment used will consist of: Hand weights (5-8 lbs. recommended senior level, 3-5 lbs. intermediate/junior level), exercise bands or tubing, a stability ball and a yoga matt.
