Why Ice Skating is the Perfect Hobby for Adults Looking to Reconnect with Themselves.

During the month after the Olympics, I have seen a lot of growth in my group classes at Steel Ice Center. Not only are a large number of new younger skaters registering for classes but I have seen the an increase in adult skaters too. In this month's blog, I am going to explore the perks of being an adult skater and provide the resources to get you started.

When I coach adult skaters, my first question is Why did you choose ice skating? Many of the responses I hear are "I always wanted to try it as a kid and now it is the time.." I especially love this answer. Adults are following their dreams and trying something new. If are on the fence about trying skating for the first time, I say GO FOR IT! Do something that makes you happy.

There are many benefits to adult skating. Here are some perks for adults who are currently skating or those who want to start:

The physical benefits are one reason to start skating. Ice skating is a full body workout. The act of skating uses muscle groups in order to stabilize the body as it moves across the the ice. Ice skating also allows skaters to improve their balance, coordination and posture. As the skills increase and grow, ice skating requires skaters to improve their flexibility. Whether you are a recreational skater or a competitive skater, ice skating a great way to work out.

Ice skating offers self-care for adult skaters. Many private students view their weekly lessons as a break from their busy lives, providing both skill development and personal care. They enjoy the freedom of gliding on the ice.

Adult skating fosters a sense of community by bringing like-minded individuals together in a rink, allowing them to support each other. Group classes for adults are often separate from younger skaters, enabling adults to progress at their own pace. Over time, many adult skaters form friendships and cheer each other on as they learn new skills. Community and friendships are further built through specific practices and clubs, with many rinks offering adult-only practice times, akin to adult swim times at pools. For example, my home rink offers an "Adult Coffee Hour" where adult skaters of all levels practice together. In hockey, there are adult leagues for different age groups, such as 21+ or 30+, providing a community for skaters.

A key benefit of adult skating is the opportunity for lifelong learning. Whether an adult is just starting out or returning to skating after childhood, the sport offers new skills and disciplines to master. Acquiring these new skills enables adult skaters to set personal goals and advance to more challenging techniques. Some adults move on to

competitive skating, where they learn to combine skills into a routine and perform for audiences and judges. Others create routines for skating shows. Regardless of an adult skater's focus, there are always new skills to explore.

Now that you're aware of the benefits adults can gain from skating, how does one begin their skating journey?

The first step is to reach out to your local ice rink and ask about their adult skating programs. Inform the rink of your interest, whether it's ice skating or hockey. Depending on your location and the rink, there may be various programs available for adults. For more information on adult skating, visit the US Figure Skating Website at https://usfigureskating.org/sports/2025/9/4/adult-skating.aspx or check out the USA Hockey website at https://www.usahockey.com/adulthockey to learn about adult hockey programs.

Whether you skate recreationally, competitively, or on a hockey team, I firmly believe that adults should give ice skating a try!