Pamela Aaralyn Channeling

Now don’t get all mad and stuff. I’m a fat person who loves to skate. You should see the looks I get at my age and size doing all the things. 🙂 

Here are some of the things I’ve heard (from other well meaning adults):

1. I’m so happy you’re losing weight but I’m worried about your joints in such a high impact sport. 

The reality: if you have strong quads and a strong core, ice skating isn’t as high impact as you’d think. My off ice work is harder than my work on the ice, by far.

2. How can you jump?

The reality: the same way any other person jumps.

3. Don’t you get tired skating so much?

The reality: Overweight athletes aren’t typically “out of shape”. We have a ton of strength and endurance. It takes a lot to tire us out. 

4. Are the falls harder?

The reality: I have more cushion near my bum and hips, which makes falls easier on me. 🙂

5. What about dresses and tights?

The reality: get them custom made and you’ll be so happy! 

6. What about the proper type of skates if your feet are wide?

The reality: Both Edea and Jackson have wide sizes. Granted, Edea skates seem to be wider and I’m working with them much better than with Jacksons. Your skate pro shop will punch out the boot so that it fits your foot. 

7. Isn’t spinning harder?

I can’t comment on this yet as I’m only beginning to even get any kind of spin down. I’d say success in spinning likely depends on where you hold your weight. I hold most of my weight in the top part of my body, which is making balance difficult but my quads are strong which gives me more power, also. 

Maybe my coach would have a better opinion on this, but it seems that how you spin and jump is more about your degree of body awareness and core strength, not so much about your weight. 

I hope this encourages some of you larger athletes to give your sport and yourself the dedication and encouragement deserved. 

Stay healthy and strong,
Your fav. fluffy skater

Yes, bigger girls can be athletes