Speed skating is an Olympic sport that is enjoyed by many. However, there are also inline skating competitions around the world at other times. These races may vary in length, but they always promise to give you an extreme workout. Therefore, it is important that you prepare for inline skating competitions the same way that you would for all other major events.
Strength
If you want to get into speed skating, you will first need to make sure that you have a lot of lower body strength. You have to have the power to get up to very fast speeds. Your muscle tone must already be built up by both skating and other activities that build muscle. Much the same as a runner, you must take part in track training. It may involve stair workouts, lunges, low walks, jumps, lateral drills, and even jump roping to build up your leg strength and stamina.
Using Weights
After the leg squats are done, you may also want to take part in leg extensions and hamstring curls. You can use weights if you want to. Ideally, you would focus on weights that work out your legs when you are at the gym.
Speed Training
A slide board is the easiest way to get a lateral movement workout. Being a speed skater means that you will use muscles that most people do not work out much with. Keep in mind that you may not be able to find this type of equipment at your local gym. If you are unable to use a slide board, you may consider using a turn cable method which means you run sideways pulling a partner who is holding the cable. Your movements will pull them forward while you run sideways and it will also work out those muscles that are required for speed during competitions.