How to Build Primary Muscles Used While Skating

Ice skating is an excellent way to build leg strength and mass. Whether playing ice hockey or speed or figure skating, you can have fun while getting a great workout and stress release. Lace up a pair of skates and hit the ice.

Instructions

    • 1

      Know what primary muscles you use in skating. The large muscles used when ice skating include the hip abductors (tensor fasciae latae and the gluteal muscles), hip adductors, hamstrings, quadriceps and calves.

    • 2

      Choose what type of skating suits you. Figure skating, speed skating and ice hockey are the most popular types of skating. Each style requires a different type of skate and uses the muscles in the lower body differently. Some people are better suited for different types of skating. If you are large and not fast, hockey may be your best bet. For those that don't like contact and enjoy speed, try speed skating. Each type of skating is enjoyable and helps build primary muscles.

    • 3

      Skate forwards and backwards to build the primary muscles on both sides of your legs. Backwards skating is a great way to build your glutes. "Hockey butt" is a slang term used to describe the distinct definition some hockey players (especially defensemen) have in their gluteal muscles.

    • 4

      Stretch before and after a skating workout. Lactic acids build in muscles during a workout. If you don't stretch, these acids make the legs feel very sore and restrict your range of motion. By keeping loose, you can reduce the effect lactic acids have on your body and recover faster.

    • 5

      Research in-line skating. For many people who do not have a functioning ice rink near them, in-line skating provides an excellent way to build leg strength. Even if you have ice in your area, try in-line skating to cross train. The uneven surfaces of pavement provide great resistance training.