Tree Yoga Exercise
Learn the parts of a tree and do some tree yoga exercises with Black Hill Nature Facility and Programs Manager Jen Scully.
VIDEO
Frog Jump Exercise
Watch this frog jump exercise video from cure.fit to see how repetitions of frog jumping can strengthen muscles throughout the body, especially your ankles and core.
Nature Mindfulness
Nature lives in our minds no matter where we are. Find a quiet place and sit or lie in a comfortable position.
– Set a timer for five minutes.
– Take a deep breath and close your eyes.
– Exhale out through your mouth. Take another deep breath and picture your favorite memory of being outside.
– Do you remember climbing a tree or a favorite camping trip? Stay with this memory until your timer goes off.
– Try to increase the meditation time daily.
Garden Mindfulness
Time in nature is essential for physical and mental well-being. Use these short garden mindfulness guides each day in your backyard. Make sure to visit the Brookside Gardens Facebook page every Monday to see a new way to practice mindfulness in nature.
Name Drop Workout Challenge
Try out this fun workout challenge from Learn to Skate USA ! This fun at-home workout leverages the power of the alphabet to create endless fitness combinations.
Each letter of the alphabet is associated with a cardio, strength, balance or stretching exercise. Combine letters together to build a custom workout.
The longer the name, the longer the workout!
Sweat and Stretch Challenge
Flexibility is essential for success in skating, and regularly engaging in an off-ice stretching routine will improve your flexibility over time.
Challenge yourself to focus on flexibility with this fun two-part workout from Learn to Skate USA!
Step It Up Skating Challenge
Do you think you could climb the stairs of the Washington Monument to reach the top? If you can climb 897 steps, then you sure can! U.S. Figure Skating and Learn to Skate USA are joining forces and challenging their members to put their cardio and strength to the test with a virtual journey to the top of famous monuments across the United States. All you need is a flight of stairs! Visit the Cabin John Ice Rink Facebook page to learn how you can take part in this challenge!
Off Ice Madness
Let’s do our own March Madness off the ice with this bracket challenge from Learn to Skate USA .
Virtual Mindful Mondays
Explore simple ways to connect and reconnect with nature during our Mindful Mondays series. Led by trained meditation experts from Minds Incorporated, learn how to bring awareness to your thoughts, sensations and emotions in these videos .
Skating Workouts
Keep in shape off the ice with daily workouts, like these from Learn to Skate USA .
Off-Ice Stretching
As we are at home for the safety of ourselves and others, Wheaton Ice Arena would like to remind you of the importance of daily stretching and exercise. Not sure what exercises to do? It is easy!
Try some squats, lunges and leg lifts to keep your legs nice and strong for when the rink re-opens. Do not forget to stretch at the end!
Off-Ice Training
Interested in continuing your ice training and looking into options to keep your activity level heightened? Check out this awesome blog post by Learn To Skate! We found the interactive app they mention worth downloading and an interesting way to keep track of how you (or your little skater) progress in your lessons.
Off-Ice Conditioning
Check out the Cabin John Ice Rink website for exercise videos and other resources from their skating coaches and instructors to help you stay in shape while at home.
Pass the Puck Exercises
Want to keep up with your hockey skills off the ice? Passing exercises can be done at home or outside with your gloves, stick, and a puck or ball. Check out this great video of pass the puck exercises from USA Hockey.
Paper Plate Ice Skating
Do you have any paper plates lying around? Want to practice some gross motor skills with your child? Ice skate with paper plates! View instructions for this fun, easy-to-do activity from Hands On As We Grow: Activities for Toddlers & Preschoolers .
Cleaning Your Hockey Gear
Visit the Cabin John Ice Rink Facebook page for some tips on cleaning your hockey gear while being away from the rink.
Types of Skates
So what is the difference in the skates used by athletes in each of the skating disciplines…figure skating, hockey and speed skating? Four-time Olympic speedskater Dan Cruikshank explains the difference in these skates and how they are built to help athletes master their ice sport in this interview .