Light gloves or mittens should be worn to keep your hands warm and to keep them from getting wet and cold. Potential for Injury Pants tucked into the top of skates can cut off circulation when skates are laced too tight to accommodate the added bulk. Scarves can fall off and get caught under skate blades causing the skater or others to fall. Laces tied around the ankle can come undone and get caught under blades, causing a fall. Stretching Muscles should be stretched after they have been warmed up.
Warm muscles are less likely to be injured when stretching.
Beginning skaters should warm up before stretching with an activity that creates a feeling of warmth, such as walking briskly. For seasoned skaters, a few times around the rink should provide an adequate warm-up. When you are warm, stretch the muscles out, paying particular attention to the quadriceps, hamstrings and groin muscles. Stretching should be done before and directly after skating. Victoria Curley, B.S. N., is a Clinical Nurse Manager for the Michigan State University Sports Medicine Clinic Victoria Curley, B.S. N., Clinical nurse manager for the Michigan State University Sports Medicine Clinic.