Many of us have made a new year’s resolution to be in better health in 2014. However, if the prospect of visits to the gym brings you out in a sweat, then why not try something different this year?

Ice skating is not just for winter. Here in Haringey, we are fortunate to have Alexandra Palace Ice Rink on our doorstep and it is open all year round.

So why not get involved?

 

“It’s for everyone”

After a long day at work, unwind and make new friends while keeping fit on the rink. The only barriers that exist are those around the rink. Age is not one of them.

I began group skating lessons at Alexandra Palace in October 2012, at the age of 31.

So it is never too late to begin.

 

“Improved muscle tone, balance and coordination”

During your sessions at the rink, you will naturally engage your abdominal and lower back muscles to maintain your balance as you skate.

A uniformly toned body is not a bad result.

 

“Great for your heart”

Ice skating is a relatively low-impact sport.

Weekly skating lessons at the rink will exercise your heart muscle to improve circulation, allowing Oxygen to be delivered around your body more efficiently.

I have to admit, that climbing up and down those stairs has certainly been easier since I started skating.

 

“Skate UK programme at Alexandra Palace”

The National Ice Skating Association (NISA), is the UK’s governing body for ice skating.

Skate UK, is NISA’s national flagship learn to skate programme, which teaches the ‘basics’ of ice skating in 10 stages.

For details of the Skate UK program at Alexandra Palace, please visit:

http://www.alexandrapalace.com/ice-rink/ice-skating-courses/week-term-time-courses/

To register your place on the next set of ice skating courses, dial tel:0208 365 4386.

 

“Reward”

For your efforts, you will be rewarded with a choice of a Skate UK medal or a certificate as you successfully complete each stage of the programme.

 

“Stay motivated”

Every year, members of Alexandra Palace Skating Academy (APA) produce a Christmas show on ice. During Christmas 2013, we were treated to 'The Little Mermaid on Ice'.

You can join APA, once you have achieved the minimum requirement of Skate UK Level 10.

For further details, please visit:

http://www.alexandrapalace.com/ally-pally-skating-academy-apa/

 

“Ice Hockey”

If you are a fan of hockey, then why not try ice hockey?

Junior Ice Hockey players are eligible to join the club, once they have achieved Skate UK Level 6.

For details, please visit:

http://www.haringeyhockey.co.uk/

London Legion Ice Hockey Club welcomes adult ice hockey players at varying levels of skill.

For details, please visit:

http://www.londonlegion.co.uk/contactus.php

 

“Transport”

Alexandra Palace Ice Rink is easily accessible by:

Bus: W3 from Bus stop A, outside Wood Green tube station.

Rail: Alexandra Palace railway station.

Road: Alexandra Palace Way, N22 7AY.

Tube: Wood Green (Piccadilly Line) station.

 

So get your skates on (or hire them) at Alexandra Palace Ice Rink, to keep happy and healthy all year round.

Please feel free to share your ice skating experiences by entering your comments in the box below.