If you are aspiring to be a figure skater, chances are that you want to inquire if you have the ideal height or weight to figure skate effectively. This is usually the first question that pops out in the mind of every aspiring figure skater, and it’s not surprising.
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Determining the right height and weight for figure skating is complicated as everyone has what works for them. Some are tall and slim, while others are short and muscular. You can also find good figure skaters that are tall and muscular and others that are short and slim. So what is really the right build?
In this article, we will be looking at the ideal height and weight for a figure skater.
Does Height Really Matter In Figure Skating?
There are some myths that surrounds figure skating. Some people believe having long limbs is an advantage. Others actually believe that having long limbs or being gangly will hamper your performance on the ice.
A lot of figure skaters that are 5’5” or 5’7” have come out to complain about being too tall for figure skating. This further strengthens the general opinion that tall people can’t figure skate effectively. However, that notion is ought not to be held at any regard.
A tall or gangly person can figure skate effectively. Evan Lysacek, for example, is a tall skater that’s excellent at figure skating. A gangly person can skate as much as anyone of the ice. It depends on how such individual develops himself/herself and the kind of skating he/she wish to do.
For example, the smallest and lightest girls are excellent in freestyle or pairs skating. It’s crucial not to be tall and overweight here because these female skaters who perform this activity would have to do a lot of lifting and may jump over 3-4 times. It would seem difficult for their partners to lift an overweight lady in pair skating. It will require more work and strength to do that.
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The weight of the lady has to be balanced with the strength of her male partner since she’s doing more than half of the work. Attaining the right height and weight in this aspect is extremely vital.
Generally, a tall person can perform spins excellently, jump greatly, and carry about their body amazingly on the ice. So height doesn’t really matter in figure skating, but weight does.
However, there are some facts that you shouldn’t neglect as far as figure skating is concerned. First off, you should note that the more body mass you have, the more you have to put in extra efforts to lift off the ice. That is why people believe that slim short figure skaters have the edge over other body builds.
Secondly, it’s easier for tall skaters to fall and have difficulties performing spins because they have a higher center of gravity. Also, tall skaters find it difficult starting and stopping long limbs. This shouldn’t really be a bother because with some consistent practice, tall skaters can perform spins and have better control over their long limbs, just like Evan Lysacek.
So, What Then Is the Average Height and Weight of a Figure Skater?
To start with, we will have to state the average height and weight for male skaters and female skaters separately.
First off, most female figure skaters are around 5’2”. There aren’t many female skaters who make it to 5’11” because they aren’t many women in the world who are 5’11” to begin with. Only a few are around 5’8”.
So it’s safe to say that the average height for a female figure skater should be between 5’2” and 5’6”. At this height, you should have no problem performing well on the ice. Like we stated, it’s not really about heights in figure skating, even though a lot of people make it to be their top priorities. A 5’8” figure skater can skate better than a figure skater that’s 5’2”.
As for the average weight for a female figure skater, it could be anywhere between 90 lbs to 130 lbs. However, you should consider having more muscles than body fats.
The average height and weight for male figure skaters are slightly different. Their height varies between 5’5” and 6’0”. As for weight, it varies between 150 and 175 lbs.
If you want to do recreational skating, that is at the Delta level, there’s really no point going all crazy about your weight or height since you don’t want to go pro. You can get your body into shape by losing a few pounds, and that’s it.
If you wish to skate professionally, then you need to take your dieting and exercises seriously. You should try to lose some weight if you weigh above 130 lbs.
How to Lose Weight As a Figure Skater
If you find yourself overweight to compete professionally as a figure skater, the best way to lose weight is by regulating your diet and probably exercising more.
First off, you need to consult with a sports doctor or a nutritionist. Figure skating is more than shedding a few pounds – you won’t skate well if you don’t have the required strength or stamina, which are both gotten from diet and exercise.
There are a number of things to consider, and that’s why you need help from experts first. A lot of figure skaters have suffered from diet and eating disorders like anorexia and bulimia in the past because of wrong/poor dieting. A lot of these figure skaters stated that they felt intense pressures from cruel coaches to be extremely thin in order to perform, while others said the pressure was self-imposed.
An example of a skater who took the ill advice of her cruel coach to lose weight when she couldn’t make a successful jump was the Japanese skater Akiko Suzuki. After losing one-third of her body weight in two months, she sought for medical help.
An American skater Gracie Gold withdrew from competition before the 2018 Olympics so that she could treat her eating disorder.
A nutritionist or sports dietitian will recommend a healthy, natural, and nutrient-rich diet plan that will work best for you according to your body build and present health status.
Figure Skating Diet and Nutrition
A figure skater must have a balanced and healthful diet in order to succeed as a figure skater. Alongside their rigorous training, young figure skaters should be imbibe healthful eating habits. This is an essential component in figure skating.
Several medical studies have shown how important the right dieting is to a figure skater. Between 2001 and 2004, studies showed that figure skaters do not get the right nutrition to maintain their performances. Many skaters are susceptible to illness and subjected to under par performances because they have low metabolic rate.
Over 10 million Americans have at one point in their lifetime have struggled with eating disorders. More than half of that figure exists in figure skating. The culture of starving oneself to impress coaches and improve so-called performances is still prevalent, despite several active and former skaters coming out to promote healthy dieting.
Eating properly will maximize the performance of figure skaters. Furthermore, staying hydrated by drinking glasses of water and sugar-free drinks daily will boost regulate metabolism.
Your morning meals should consist of a simple breakfast packed with lots of fiber and calcium. Combining it with non-fat milk, fruits such as apple, or a smoothie with Zico coconut water will provide the body with what it needs to kick-start the day. It will keep the energy levels high till lunch break.
You could also opt for a cup of green tea with peanut butter and honey. This will give you a blend of high carbohydrate and a bit of protein.
For lunch, a turkey sandwich or some bean soup, mixed with vegetables like lettuce and snacks like low-sugar cookies and carrots will provide the body with enough protein and vitamins that will sustain the skater throughout the afternoon. This will also limit unhealthy fats.
Taking fruit drinks with more calcium and adding it to grapes is also a good way to fuel the body and regain some lost energy that was used during afternoon workouts.
Evening meals shouldn’t be heavy and should center more on protein and less saturated fat. Chicken breasts, ground turkey, steamed chicken broccoli, and sweat potatoes with green vegetables like spinach will retire the body for the night.
Conclusion
Figure skating is rigorous and a hard sport that requires you make a lot of sacrifices, especially as regards your diet and nutrition. Yet, it’s so much fun. However, you shouldn’t be so obsessed about your body build or structure. While slim or short skaters are at an advantageous point, it doesn’t mean gangly skaters, muscular skaters, bottom-heavy, or top-heavy skaters can’t skate on the ice efficiently.
Irrespective of whether you are a male or female figure skater, the key to excelling on the ice is consistent practice. With that, you can become a great figure skater.
Dieting and exercises are crucial elements to a recreational or professional figure skater as you don’t want to be overweight when you are moving on the ice. It’s essential that you fuel your body with the right meals and drinks in order to perform incredibly well on the ice.
