March 28, 2024
The World Curling Academy will host a three-part seminar series for athletes and coaches to get tips on improving curling fitness during the off-ice season. Machinists of all ages and levels can benefit from the workshop series. The information gained will build on last year’s concepts and provide you with new education, exercise and motivation.
However, it is not a prerequisite to receive full benefits, it is recommended that you register for the Level 1 recordings of last year’s webinars on the World Curling Academy website. Their cost is $15 per workshop entry or $40 for all three.
The workshops will be led by Stephanie Thompson, kinesiologist and strength coach. She has worked with hundreds of curlers around the world on and off the ice, helping them move and play better.
The workshops will take place in the following Sundays, May 26, June 9 and June 23 at 17:00 UTC. If you enjoyed last year’s workshops or missed them, we invite you to this year’s series to up your game!
Purpose
The Better Brushing with Off-Ice Training Level 2 Virtual Workshop to be held on Sunday 26th May. Last year the focus was on general movement and exercise requirements to help you feel comfortable while sweeping. Brushing on dry land and cues for better brushing to improve technique were covered.
The Better Brushing Level 2 workshop will outline specific exercises, including an off-ice brushing strength and conditioning program.
Some key issues that will be addressed are not having enough strength to hold the body over the broom and how to prevent shoulder injuries. The goal is to focus on the physical demands of being a better sweeper, working on strength and confidence to make on-ice adjustments easier.
Specific exercises will be provided. For this workshop, participants will need a curling iron, chair, resistance band, light-medium weight (cans of soup, bottle of water) and optionally, a dry ground brush pad.
The The Balance and Strength in Delivery Level 2 Virtual Workshop will be held on Sunday 9th June. Last year the focus was on the general movement and exercise requirements to feel comfortable going in and out of the hack and emphasized the use of a snapshot drill on dry land for accuracy and timing.
The Balance and Power Level 2 workshop will have specific exercises to achieve a balanced delivery, to build strength and practice weight control. For this workshop, participants will need a chair, resistance band, small-medium weight (cans of soup, bottle of water) and a wall.
The Curling Cardio Level 2 Virtual Workshop will be held on Sunday, June 23rd. Last year the focus was on breathing efficiency and types of cardio training. Nasal breathing and how to use your breathing to recover between games was covered.
The Level 2 Curling Cardio Workshop will focus on the use of “breathing gear” during training on and off the ice. This helps you work harder and recover faster.
Different types of training can positively affect curling performance. For this workshop, participants do not need equipment.
Active participation is recommended but not required. Video camera is optional; However, Stephanie can help with technique if a camera is used.
Target groups
Coaches, athletes of all levels and parents can take part in this series of workshops. Newcomers and those ready to take their curling technique to the next level can benefit from the workshop as much as coaches. Advanced curlers looking for that edge over the competition and to make sure they don’t pick up any bad habits can also benefit from participating. Those who join us for the 2023 Fitness Seminar Series will find new material, research and exercises to help improve their curling fitness.
Cost to attend is $15 per workshop or $40 for all three.
After registering on the World Curling Academy website, you can sign up for the seminars at the links below:
Better brushing with off-ice training level 2
Balance and Strength in Delivery Level 2
Cardio for curling level 2
Level 2 Package
Visit Stephanie Thompson’s website and check out her work on Youtube and Instagram. Listen to her podcast and contact her by email.
Engage with World Curling on TikTok, X/TwitterInstagram, Facebook and Weibo and by searching the hashtag #curling
