BULDING ANKLE STRENGTH

Question
Pat, I am getting back into speed skating and I want to drop the beans on a nice pair of low cut boots.  But after trying on some today, that fit really well, I don't have the ankle strength anymore to roll in them without breaking an ankle.  How do I build this strength back up?  Is it just a matter of investing in a low cut boot and skating on them until the strength comes?

thanks

-Ben

Answer
Hi Ben,
  If you're sure you want to speed skate again, then go ahead and buy the skates.  But in the meantime, just skate on either (rink rental) quads or inlines to help build your leg muscles back up which will also build your ankle muscles.  You might want to start with the higher boot quads for support, then later switch to either inlines or the lower speed boot quads. I would do this for a couple weeks then try your new speed skates and they should feel a little better.  Keep trying them a little at a time and each time your ankles will feel stronger.  Just don't try to push too much too soon, do it gradually.  

  If you search the internet you'll find various ankle exercises.  Some are for flexibility and some for strengthening.  Simply balancing on one foot (off skates) will also strengthen your ankles.  Try balancing for 1 minute, then build up the length of time as the strength builds.

  Strength and endurance disappear quickly but they also return quickly. So be patient, skate as often as you can for the next couple weeks then try your speed skates.  If your ankles hurt or you feel unsafe, go back to the quads or inlines for another week, then try the speed skates again.

  Good Luck.  I'm sure it won't take you long to get back into speed skating.
Pat