Grammy on the Go
By Karen Shadrach
It’s still winter, so we might as well have some fun with it. It’s time to skate!
If you were proficient at ice-skating in the past, your grandchildren would love to go skating with you now. It’s a fun form of exercise plus an opportunity to either introduce your grandchild to a new sport or participate with them in something they already enjoy.
Skating is a great form of aerobic exercise that helps to build your endurance. Feel like a kid again, sailing over the ice! Even at slower speeds, skating will improve your coordination and balance. The gliding motion also increases joint mobility. I do have some rules for the grandkids, however: Don’t push or hang on Grammy (or anyone else) when on the ice!
It took me a few circles around the rink, but I found my balance and could enjoy skating around with the grandkids. It’s always fun to take breaks and sip hot chocolate. Most rinks have small concession stands to grab a snack and fireplaces to sit by and warm up before heading back onto the ice.
For ice skating, make sure to wear a lightweight jacket or sweatshirt. You will get overheated if you wear a larger, heavy winter coat. Longer socks that will come up and over your skates are needed and have hats / ear muffs available, along with a pair of gloves. If it is your grandchild’s first attempt at ice-skating, or if younger than 5, I would also recommend a helmet, just to keep them safe.
Ice-skating, compared to other forms of entertainment, is very affordable and skates of all sizes are available for rent and cost about $5 plus approximately $5-6 per child for rink entry. Skates of all sizes are available for renting and, generally speaking, junior and youth skates fit a half size down from their regular shoe size, while adults generally fit 1.0 size down. Try them on and you can always return them for a different pair. Wiggle your toes and make sure you have space. Tight but not painful is what you are aiming for! Next, lace them up tightly, especially around the ankle area, as this will help to keep weak ankles upright and strong.
If you are not feeling brave enough to skate with the kids, watching from the sidelines is just as fun, seeing the joy on their faces as they love to wave at you as they fly by!
The rinks these days give the kids cones to push along the ice to help them keep their balance and gain confidence. Skate Helpers are skating aids for kids and adults. These resemble a walker, but are made of sturdy plastic and can be stacked depending on your height. You stand straight and hold on to the sides as you begin to master the gliding steps to travel forward and will enable you to skate without falling. The Skate Helper ice-skating aid completely changes the experience for families. We no longer need to strain our backs to hold up our grandkids and it provides a positive and enjoyable experience at the rink.
You need to hurry if you prefer to ice-skate outdoors. Cleveland Public Square Skating Rink is open until January 15th. Cost is $12 per person and also includes skate rental. The University Circle area includes the Rink at Wade Oval that is open on weekends from 1-8 through Sunday, February 25. They are offering free beginning ice-skating lessons on Saturdays from 1-2. Cost is $5 before 5p.m. and $10 after 5. Price also includes skate rental. Crocker Park in Westlake has their outdoor Ice Skating Rink open through February 19. The ice skating rink in downtown Cuyahoga Falls is free, you only pay for skate rental if needed, and is located at the Plaza by the Downtown Pavilion at Front Street.
Northeast Ohio has quite a few wonderful indoor ice-skating rinks. Some of these are open all year and others are seasonal.
Indoor rinks include the Michael A. Ries in Parma, which is open October-March. The John M. Coyne Recreation Center rink in Brooklyn hosts open skate sessions and hockey matches. Check out the OBM Arena in Strongsville or the Winterhurst Ice Arena in Lakewood. The Cleveland Heights Community Center Rink and The Pond Rink in Chagrin Falls is open year around. Call ahead or look online for open skating times.
Ice-skating is fun for all ages and a visit to an ice rink makes for a memorable family outing.
Photos by Karen Shadrach
