Q: What are the muscles
associated with edging and how does this device train those
muscles?
A: Proper edge techniques require the entire body to work concurrently.
However, most would agree that the ankle, knee, pelvic girdle
and core stabilizers all simultaneously play an integral role.
The Off-Ice Edge™ will automatically activate these muscles
at the same time.
The most important muscles are located in the hip. These muscles
are the hip extensors and abductors. They are responsible for
pelvic stabilization and maintaining your center of gravity during
edge techniques.
During edge maneuvers on the ice, the hip extensors and abductors
work together in a unique fashion. When these muscles are strong
and work properly, they create stability in the hip that is essential
for flawless form and the execution of jumps on the ice. More
importantly, proper activation of these muscles will create better
stability in the pelvis and less tendency for compensation in
places other than the hip, such as the lower back or knee.
It is important to realize that training these muscles separately
is not as effective as training them at the same time. Our bodies
are able to "remember" how our muscles contract. If
we train off-ice generically, with isolated motions such as hip
extension or abduction, these muscles will not "learn"
how to effectively work together in the way that they do on the
ice.
Therefore, training generically with isolated hip motions will
not result in successful strength gains on the ice.
We recently performed an EMG study to confirm that the Off-Ice
Edge™ effectively activates the hip abductors concurrently
with the hip extensors when compared to a sampling of generic
hip strengthening exercises off-ice, that clearly do not. For
more information on this study please refer to the medical section
of this site.
Q: How is this different
from other off-ice training aids?
A: The Off-Ice Edge™ is where sports-specific conditioning
meets principles of ballet and injury prevention. This training
aid is the first of its kind to work the essential musculoskeletal
and balance components of edge techniques accurately off of the
ice. Utilizing this training aid allows the skater to "freeze-frame"
their desired position. Whether the position is a jump entry,
landing or spiral, the skater is able to fully train the musculature
and centers for balance that are necessary for success. Most importantly,
the skater can practice on their own time in the comfort of their
own home.
The Off-Ice Edge™ is one of the only off-ice training aids
that allows you to keep your skate on. It is a well known fact
that the "stiffness" of the skaters boot plays a large
roll in how the lower extremity reacts on the ice. In fact, there
are some that attribute injuries to boot design.
Perhaps, the skaters are making off-ice strength gains, but because
the boot does not allow for the same amount of freedom as a sneaker
does during land based training, the muscles in the lower extremity,
pelvic and core are not being trained specifically for an on-ice
environment?
By training off-ice with your skate on, you will create a situation
that is very similar to the one experienced on the ice. Therefore,
the neuromuscular gains (muscle memory) you make in the comfort
of your own home can be immediately used once you are on the ice.
This type of "sport-specific" conditioning is the key
in training off-ice successfully. The Off-Ice Edge™ is not
based on generic strength and/or balance principles that are performed
on land.
If the conditioning you are doing is not sport-specific, then
your time, money and energy will be ill spent.
In addition to being sport specific, the Off-Ice Edge™ incorporates
principles of ballet that are very relevant to edging. By removing
the forces of physics associated with movement on-ice, the skater
is now allowed to focus directly on principles that are seen in
ballet such as isolation, awareness, concentration, control, alignment
and centering.
The skater is instructed to use this device in front of a mirror
in order to strengthen the essential mind-body connection. Because
there are so many motions in skating that happen in a split second,
the skater is unable to really focus on proper positioning. By
incorporating this type of feedback, a better appreciation is
gained.
It is a well known fact that visual feedback is essential for
proper execution of movement. Unless the figure skater is video
taped and receives immediate on-ice analysis, the gains are often
diminished, in terms of the effectiveness of instruction.
The stability poles act in a similar fashion to the ballet barre,
in that they are meant to gradually build strength while reinforcing
these movement principles.
Centering and Proper alignment:
Both figure skating and ballet share a foundation that is built
on proper alignment and the ability to "center" correctly.
First, the skater must be able to find their "center"
on land and then carry this principle onto the ice. Proper centering
and alignment are extremely important in the fluidity of movement
and the ability to perform technical maneuvers such as spirals
and jumps.
However, the skater's "center" on land is a little different
then it is on-ice once you start incorporating an edge. While
the center on land is straight up through skater's head, on-ice,
the center moves towards the center of the circle.
Example: During an inside edge with the right foot, the skater's
center will move slightly off towards the left. Centering on-ice
during an edge will result in differences in contraction patterns
of stabilizing musculature, proprioception (knowing where your
body is in space) and total body coordination. It is essential
for the skater to gain an appreciation of this change prior to
attempting technical maneuvers on the ice. Ultimately, once the
skater is able to master their center during an edge, they will
be able to give the appearance as a beautiful ballerina on the
ice.
Beyond being sports-specific and incorporating principles of ballet,
the most important characteristic of this training aid is injury
prevention. For detailed information regarding the prevention
of injury, please refer to the "Medical Literature"
section of this website.
Q: How can this device
help me with jumping?
A: Whether you are performing a toe pick or an edge jump, an edge
will always be involved. Clearly, there is less demand with toe
pick jumps, but the edge component cannot be ignored. With the
Off-Ice Edge™, you are able to practice the essential elements
associated with jump entries as well as landings. During the specifically
designed exercises, you will be able to functionally isolate the
musculature in your lower extremity and core stabilizers. With
these concepts, you can train your body to perform jumps from
the most basic to the most advanced multi-revolution jumps.
Successful multi-revolution jumps are based on a number of variables.
Of the all the variables that play a roll in successful jumping,
most would agree that high ground reaction forces are paramount
in achieving multi-revolution jumps. Ground reaction forces relate
to the way your lower extremity exerts pressure into the ice prior
to take off. Essentially, the more foundational strength you have
in your jump muscles, the greater the ground reaction forces will
be. For a more in depth explanation of jumping and how the Off-Ice
Edge™ please refer to the "Medical Literature"
section.
Intergrating plyometric training with the Off-Ice Edge™:
It is well documented that plyometric training is quite effective
for jump training, and we agree. However, prior to implementing
a plyometric program, it is important to ensure that the skater
has the musculoskeletal foundation that is required for proper
explosion. Plyometric training targets the neurological component
of the musculature involved with jumping. Training on the Off-Ice
Edge™ targets the musculature that serves as the foundational
"strength" for an explosion. (Please refer to the Medical
Literature section for more on this)
Therefore, the most effective way to train the musculature to
perform explosive motions such as jumping is to have both the
neurological connection targeted (via plyometric training) along
with sports-specific isolation (via the Off-Ice Edge™) of
the involved musculature. As the baseline strength of the involved
musculature increases through training on the Off-Ice Edge™,
the more powerful a plyometric program will be.
Q: If jumping on the ice
involves a rotational component, why would going up and down
on this device off of the ice, without a rotational component,
help me with my jump entries on the ice?
A: This is a great question. While we certainly agree that jumping
involves a rotational component, it is not absolutely necessary
to train the musculature in that fashion. The reason why has to
do with the ground reaction forces that are responsible for your
explosion on the ice. With high speed digital video analysis,
it is quite apparent that most of the ground reaction forces occur
prior to the initiation of rotating into your jump. Therefore,
while this device is not going to completely mimic jumping up
and rotating at the same time, it will certainly target the musculature
that is responsible for a majority of the ground reaction forces
that are required to achieve multi-revolution jumps. Therefore,
strengthening of the musculature involved with jumping will take
place.
Q: Are there different levels of difficulty
for different level skaters or different sizes for different
size blades or height of skaters?
A: Yes. The Off-Ice Edge™ comes in an entry level and an
advanced version. The difference in the two is that in the advanced
version, the edge becomes deeper, and therefore, the strength
and balance requirements become more difficult.
*The advanced level is only recommended for individuals that
are at a highly competitive level and are in the process of attempting
advanced multi-revolutional jumps such as triples.
Additionally, because each platform and set of poles are individually
made, we are able accommodate practically any length platform
beyond the standard 12 inches (which will accommodate most blades),
adjust the angle of each platform either below the entry level
or in between the entry level and the advanced level, or adjust
the pole height to accommodate a taller skater.
*Customization does result in a change of price. Please contact
us for details.
Q: Can the Off-Ice Edge™
be used for ice hockey players as well?
A: Yes. The Off-Ice Edge™ can absolutely be used for ice
hockey players. However, because most of the ice hockey edging
techniques are considered to be "reactive" vs. the calculated
maneuvers that are seen during figure skating, the exercises are
a little different. For the younger hockey players, it is a great
tool to teach balance and fundamental edge strength. For the more
advanced and stronger players, it can be utilized more for single
leg edge strength exercises.
Both the beginner and advanced hockey player can use the platform
as a means of functional sport-specific rehabilitation exercise
following an injury to any part of the lower extremity or spine.
Q: Will training on this
device dull my blades?
A: The surface of each platform is covered with material that
is essentially the same rubber material that is seen in a hockey
penalty box and on the perimeter of ice rinks. Therefore, the
chance of dulling your blade on this device is no greater than
standing on these surfaces at your ice rink.
Q: What is your shipping/return
policy?
A: Return Policy
You may return any unopened merchandise in its original condition,
including original packaging within 30 days of receipt and you
will receive a full refund less shipping.
You may exchange any product within 30 days of receipt if it
is damaged or defective upon arrival. Any shipping cost you
incur during an exchange process will be refunded.
If there are any problems/defects after 30 days of receipt please
call (516) 729-2911 or submit a query through our above form
and a representative will write back shortly. Each issue will
be handled in a case by case basis.
A: Shipping Policy Depending on your area, we provide flat rate UPS™ shipping
to all areas in the continental United States. Once you are
ready to place your order, input your shipping method and zip
code to calculate your final shipment costs before ordering.
All orders placed outside the United States please click
here and submit your full shipping address to receive a
shipping quote via e-mail.
Once orders are placed and a tracking number is generated, an
e-mail will be sent containing a copy of your receipt and all
shipping information.
If orders are placed on an item that is out of stock, you will
not be charged until your item is in stock and ready for delivery.
Q: How can I contact
you?
Address: Analytical Human Motion Inc., 1399 Franklin
Avenue, Garden City, NY 11530 E-mail: westsidespine@aol.com Phone: 516-729-2911 Fax: 516-248-4265
By Analytical Human Motion Inc. The Off-Ice Edge™ is patent pending.
