Belbin & Agosto

Skating Tips

• QUESTION FROM A BLOGGER:
  How do you stay positive and keep from getting frustrated during the learning process?
  BELBIN & AGOSTO :
  I rely on my partner a lot to keep me calm but for those who don’t have that luxury, I would say just be sure that you leave your skating life at the rink and try not to think about it too much when you’re at home or anywhere else. Skating takes up enough of our time and emotions as it is and, if you allow it to, it can completely swallow you up and make everything seem far more stressful than it has to be.
• QUESTION FROM A BLOGGER:
  How do you choose your music for your routines?
  BELBIN & AGOSTO :
  We sit down with our coaches each year and listen through many stacks of CD’s to get a general feel for what we’d like to achieve in our skating through our programs that season (ie; more mature, more energetic, more lyrical). Once we’ve narrowed down the emotion we’re after, we try to find music that we personally feel is the best vehicle for us to convey the programs message through.
• QUESTION FROM A BLOGGER:
  What are some characteristics I should look for in a coach?
  BELBIN & AGOSTO :
  I think the most important thing to look for in a coach is experience.
• QUESTION FROM A BLOGGER:
  How do you know what is the right Figure Skating Club for you?
  BELBIN & AGOSTO :
  I had the most fun growing up with my skating club family so I would say to try and choose where you feel most comfortable and have the most support from other members.
• QUESTION FROM A BLOGGER:
  Where do you get your costume inspirations?
  BELBIN & AGOSTO :
  My mother designs all my costumes and after sending her the music and telling her a little about the story of our program, I leave the rest in her expert hands.
• QUESTION FROM A BLOGGER:
  How long should you take lessons before entering into your first competition?
  BELBIN & AGOSTO :
  Enter your first competition as soon as you feel ready to perform your program! I think the more competitive experience, the better. Even if you don’t place well for the first little while, your experience will become your secret weapon in years to come.
• QUESTION FROM A BLOGGER:
  How often should I sharpen my ice skate blades?
  BELBIN & AGOSTO :
  Every skater is different. Generally, once a month is good idea.
• QUESTION FROM A BLOGGER:
  Should I eat food before a program? If so, what food is best?
  BELBIN & AGOSTO :
  I would suggest eating a healthy meal, which includes plenty of carbs and some protein, about 2 hours before competing.
• QUESTION FROM A BLOGGER:
  How do you create the “perfect” skating program?
  BELBIN & AGOSTO :
  I think the perfect skating program is one which you feel most comfortable with and allows you to be as genuine as possible with the emotions you perform it with.
• QUESTION FROM A BLOGGER:
  What is the best way to break in new skates?
  BELBIN & AGOSTO :
  Unfortunately, the only way I’ve known to break in skates is to grit your teeth and bare it! There are all sort of little tricks like wearing plastic bags over your feet to prevent blistering or using baseball glove oil to soften the leather, but generally the only rule I always stick with is don’t switch back and forth between your new and your old skates. Just tough it out in the new ones and it will get better eventually.
• QUESTION FROM A BLOGGER:
  What is the one thing you wish people knew about figure skating?
  BELBIN & AGOSTO :
  That there are plenty of blood, sweat and tears that go into it behind the scenes so don’t be fooled by its glamorous exterior. We are some tough cookies!
• QUESTION FROM A BLOGGER:
  What type of workout do you recommend to get in shape for ice skating?
  BELBIN & AGOSTO :
  Ice skating is not as greatly benefited by cross training as some other sports may be. If you want to become a stronger skater, spend more time on the ice! Find a “boot camp” that runs drills and strength training on the ice where you can build your stamina all while improving your skating.
• QUESTION FROM A BLOGGER:
  What are basics moves that should be learned first?
  BELBIN & AGOSTO :
  Spending time on the basics is very important in any sport and figure skating is no exception. Stroking and flexibility are two things everyone should be working on from the very beginning.
• QUESTION FROM A BLOGGER:
  As a student athlete who currently enjoys playing 3-4 competitive sports a year, at what age will I need to select a sport to begin specializing?
  BELBIN & AGOSTO :
  I had to give up soccer when I was 13 and I made that decision when I started hurting my development in the sport where I wanted most of my focus to be, which was, of course figure skating. I started getting hurt and giving up practice time to make games. That’s when I realized I needed to give one up.
• QUESTION FROM A BLOGGER:
  As a parent, how can I help my child enjoy skating while training?
  BELBIN & AGOSTO :
  Try not to bring up skating too much outside the rink. Make sure that home is place where they can go to escape the rink when things become overwhelming. Although you may think you’re only showing your support by asking them every day how skating was, it can sometimes be misunderstood and interpreted as their skating being something which holds such great importance in how you value them, which leads them to feel unnecessary pressure.
• QUESTION FROM A BLOGGER:
  How did you know that you wanted skating to be your career?
  BELBIN & AGOSTO :
  I had a very experienced coach sit me down one day and explain to me all the possible sacrifices I would need to make in order to become a competitive figure skater. I took an entire summer to consider whether or not I truly wanted this to be something I’d dedicate my life to and also that it was in fact my decision, not my parents’ or my coach’s. I was left with a feeling that I was so far from being finished with this sport that I knew I had so much more to achieve and the drive to get me there. It has brought me so much satisfaction to have been able to break down obstacles, build character, and get myself to where I am in my career today.
• QUESTION FROM A BLOGGER:
  How did you decide which skating discipline to pursue (single, pairs, or dance)?
  BELBIN & AGOSTO :
  I tried all three disciplines when I was younger but since I was always a performer at heart, dance sucked me in very quickly. Not to mention my height and long legs were ideal for this sport!