Ice Skating when Obese/Overweight?

Sakura_Marie

Hi!

I was wondering: do you guys think ice skating would be a good activity to do when in a higher weight range? I used to figure skate back in middle school and high school (when I was in the normal BMI range) and it was one of the only sports I've ever truly loved. Now that it's been a few years and I've gained a considerable amount of weight, I was wondering if it was still possible to do at least basic ice skating without overexerting/injuring myself. Some family members have expressed concern, saying I should focus mostly on dieting/food choices and get back down to about a BMI of 25-27 before starting to incorporate regular exercise. Do you guys think ice skating is "too much" exercise for a heavier person?

Any feedback would be greatly appreciated! Thank you!

TavistockToad

You have a skating background so I say go for it.

Just don't try doing too much too soon.

middlehaitch

Agree with tavistocktoad. ^^^. h

ninerbuff

Like any other activity, you apply the amount of work you CAN do and progress. So if one ran track in high school, fast walking (relative) would probably be the first step even they weren't overweight or obese.

A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
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Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition

Sakura_Marie

Thank you for your replies! I will definitely start getting back into ice skating this summer

Alatariel75

I say go for it! I started Taekwondo at a BMI of 34 so I saw p'shaw to your family! You have the background so it's not like you're going to end up flat on your butt. Start slow and work up to it, but absolutely go for it.

toadiejones

You definitely can do it! One of the best things about skating as you can scale it to how you feel. Do what you love! I'm just getting back into to skating as well. Have found a synchro team to start with again in the fall so will be getting on the ice now to get ready for it. Wishing you all the best!

Rob_in_MI

I play hockey with a couple guys that are whoppers. They still skate and move well.

mitch16

I don't see why not, as long as you realize that you aren't going to be at the same level you once were. Start slow and progress. Jumps are going to be a little harder on your joints while you are carrying extra weight. Have fun!

Wolfger

I would say it depends on how obese you are, but I've skated at a weight of 290. My back got sore, but as long as you listen to your body and don't overdo it you should be good to go. I was actively playing hockey while obese to the tune of ~250-270 pounds.

JeromeBarry1

Ice skating was a sweat-inducing thing for me when I did it while very obese, so, yeah.

stealthq

Shouldn't be a problem as long as your ankles are strong enough not to cave and you don't go trying jumps until you're solid on stroking and spinning again. Then I'd re-start with the basics. Bunny hop, waltz jump, etc. Although, for exercise on ice skates nothing beats stroking, so maybe don't even bother with anything else

Good skates would help - those rental things are crap. I'd have had problems with them even when I was competing as a kid.

HockeyGoalie35

I am 280 and can skate like I'm a 120lb figure skater. My only advice is watch your ankle support. Avoid rentals and pick up clear hockey tape if you feel your ankles are unstable. Couple wraps around to hold the boot tighter

rainbow198

I taught myself how to ice skate at 250+ pounds. It wasn't easy. I could only skate 5 - 10 minutes at a time before I needed to stop to catch my breath. But I was determined so I kept going.

Then I was able to last a little longer. I would come home and see that I sweated through 3 layers of clothes. I didn't do any fancy moves at this time.

Soon I started seeing results on the scale (in addition to changing my diet).

Now years later I can ice skate for an hour non-stop and barely break a sweat and I don't get out of breath.

I do advise to get properly fitted for ice skates at a pro shop. They can mold the skate for your foot and make sure they fit properly.

ridiculous59

Speaking from experience, skating as a teenager and then skating as a large breasted obese woman definitely creates a new centre of balance. I found that out when I joined a women's hockey team several years ago lol. I'm now a "normal" bmi but hadnt had skates on since I'd lost weight, so once again, I had to make slight adjustments when I stepped on the ice this past winter. Being active is all about doing things you enjoy and i'd forgotten how much I loved to skate. Go for it!!!!!

WindSparrow

I have always been overweight. The few times I went ice skating I had a lot of fun.

AliNouveau

Just saw this. No one is too big or too old or too small to skate. If you like to sate do it.

Your skates will break down faster though at a heavier weight. I ruined a pair skating while I was pregnant. My beautiful grey suede custom boots. I'm in my third pair since burning hard on boots but get out and skate.

Spiegelchan

You should absolutely do it!!! I have a BMI of almost 30 and I love ice skating so so much. My rink is down for repairs, but I used to burn like 1000 calories skating 3hrs a day.