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SKATE TIP OF THE WEEK
Inline secrets from the world's top skaters and coaches

This week's tip:
Don't Let the Winter Slow You Down!

By Patrick Creveling
(Feb. 16, 2007)

The cold is a great excuse to be lazy, but don't give in to temptation. Winter is the perfect time to polish your form and build core strength.

Most people take it easy in the winter. Then when spring rolls around, they wonder why they are getting crushed by the same skaters they used to beat in the fall. The reason is simple: Those skaters didn't quit training in the winter; they used the fact that most people do to their advantage.

So how do you train when it's freezing outside? I've got one word for you: dryland.

Do wall sits, low walks (Go to "Get Low for More Speed."), stationary dry-skating and slideboard. (Oh, baby! We love the slideboard!) While doing the exercises, visualize yourself reaching your goals. (Go to "Train Your Brain.")

Maybe my brother and I are nuts, but for us there is nothing more satisfying than going outside and doing low-walks during a snowstorm. There is something about knowing that you are training when no one else is. It gives you confidence that can propel you to new personal bests in the spring.

Don't let winter get you down. Embrace it. Go low-walking in the snow. Do your dryland exercises in front of a fire.

Don't waste the winter wishing it was warm. Visualize it being warm and make the most of it. Trust me, you'll be glad you did.

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Patrick Creveling won the U.S. indoor national championships in 2001 and was a member of the World Team in 2003. Born into a family of skaters in Pennsylvania, he is brother of 2006 World Team members Chris and Chelsea Creveling. A gifted teacher, he leads the popular Camp Creveling skate clinics.

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