AxelNestOff-ice (dryland) training makes ice time count. Off-Ice Buddy, from AxelNest, turns off-ice training into a habit your skater keeps at home. Start here: what off-ice training involves, in the words of U.S. Figure Skating and our partner coaches, and programs to train with.
What Off-Ice Training Does for a Figure Skater
Off-ice training is critical to on-ice success. Figure skating is a compelling and beautiful sport that combines athleticism and artistry to create powerful moments on the ice. The primary goal of off-ice training is to make ice time more productive for improving skating skills. Off-ice training should be balanced with on-ice training to ensure energy is productively used on and off the ice.
Effective off-ice training includes six focus areas, defined by U.S. Figure Skating:
Agility
The ability to change directions quickly with control.
Balance
Helps athletes become more aware of their body in space (proprioception).
Coordination
The ability to efficiently use different parts of the body together.
Strength
The ability to move properly and engage key muscle groups to support the muscles and movement patterns needed for on-ice skill development.
Power
Helps in all aspects of figure skating, from jumping high to holding fast spins.
Flexibility
Stretching before and after training helps athletes prevent injuries and helps skaters be more flexible on the ice.
The content above is from the U.S. Figure Skating Parent Guide, Volume 3 — read it for more on off-ice training, including warm-ups and exercises to develop each area.
From our partner, OLIO.FIT
“Off-ice training is not separate from skating. It helps develop the physical qualities that support what skaters are trying to do on the ice. When the body better supports technique, skating often becomes easier, more efficient, and more enjoyable.”
“After 35 years in figure skating, one thing has become very clear: stronger athletes become better figure skaters.”
— Ethan Burgess, Founder & Chief Trainer, OLIO.FIT
OLIO.FIT wrote a guide for AxelNest families — Off-Ice Training: What Helps Figure Skaters Improve — a parent’s guide to how physical development supports better skating.
Where to Start
Many figure skating coaches and programs — and some rinks — already offer off-ice training. The best place to start is a conversation with your skater’s coach about a training plan that fits their level and goals. If what’s available doesn’t work with your family’s schedule, location, or training needs, the featured programs below can help you find more.
Practice at home: once you have the plan, put it into Off-Ice Buddy and your skater can run it on their own — timer, spoken cues, streaks and badges.
Featured Programs
For families looking for more, these partner programs offer off-ice training you can join. It’s a curated, growing directory the AxelNest community trusts — visit each program’s site for schedules and details.
OLIO.FIT
Off-Ice Strength & Performance
Personalized off-ice strength, stability, and movement training built to complement each skater’s on-ice coaching.
- Location
- Online
- Setting
- Personalized
- Best for
- Figure skaters of all ages looking to improve strength, stability, and performance on the ice.
Why families trust them
- Founded and led by Ethan Burgess — 20+ years coaching on and off the ice
- 6-time U.S. National Medalist in pairs
- Specializes in off-ice strength and performance for figure skaters
- Skating double for Jon Heder in Hollywood’s “Blades of Glory” and finalist on ABC’s “Skating with the Stars.”
Start here
New families begin with a Free OLIO Movement Assessment · Visit OLIO.FIT →
The Strategic Method
Off-Ice Jump Classes
Live Zoom classes to understand jump technique, train off-ice jumps, improve height, quicken rotation, and get stronger.
- Location
- Online
- Setting
- Live group classes
- Best for
- Athletes working on double and triple jumps. Must have a good understanding of the axel. Strengthen air position and technique on the floor with exercises you can easily apply to the ice.
Why families trust them
- Off-ice led by co-founder Tiffany McNeil — USFS Master rated and international coach
- U.S. National Development Team coach
- Triple gold medalist and national/international competitor
- B.S. in Exercise Sport Science
- USFS “5 Under 35” and Positive Coaching Alliance award winner
Skaters from around the world have taken these jump classes since 2020.
Start here
New families join the Off-Ice Newsletter for class dates and updates · Visit The Strategic Method →
More off-ice programs on the way — flexibility, stretching, dance, and more.
Do you coach or run an off-ice program? If you’d like to be featured, we’d love to hear from you.
Questions
What is off-ice training for figure skaters?
Off-ice (or dryland) training is the work a figure skater does away from the ice, across the six focus areas above: agility, balance, coordination, strength, power and flexibility. Its main goal is to make ice time more productive.
Can my skater do off-ice training at home?
Much of it needs only a bit of floor. Get the exercises from your skater’s coach or a program, then Off-Ice Buddy runs them at home — a timer, spoken cues, streaks and badges.
How much off-ice training should a skater do?
It depends on your skater’s level, age and time on the ice, which is why it is a question for their coach. U.S. Figure Skating’s guidance is that off-ice training should be balanced with on-ice training.
How do we find an off-ice training program?
Start with your skater’s coach — many coaches, clubs and rinks already offer off-ice training. If that doesn’t fit, both featured programs run online over Zoom, so skaters can join from anywhere.
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