I didn't know much about figure skating.

Well, I knew nothing outside of watching the Olympics on TV and maybe the toe pick scene from Cutting Edge. So when I was approached about helping a small group of competitive figure skaters increase their flexibility, I said yes to the sessions, but also to researching, planning, and educating myself on the sport. And quickly.

Did I lace up my skates and hit the ice? Absolutely ... not. I have a touchy spine and a tenuous relationship with slippery surfaces. And an injured yoga teacher can't serve anyone. Instead, I got my hands on what I could, which was You Tube videos.

A lot of current and former skaters put stretching guides out there for their peers. As I watched, I realized much of what was being passed along, well-intentioned though it was, didn't exactly focus on correct alignment, body mechanics, or injury prevention. There was no advice beyond "here are the stretches I do at home."

I turned next to watching footage of skaters in action, trying to better understand what muscles and parts of the body are being worked and what shapes they need to make. I learned the difference between a Russian and a Biellmann. Here, I felt the many years of childhood dance experience and my yoga anatomy education coming into play. I could see what needed to extend and what needed to support, what needed to open and what needed to stabilize.

Now, figure skaters know their bodies. In fact, from what I could quickly observe, most competitive skaters have mastered bodily control. That wasn't what was missing. It was the knowledge of what's connected to what and how to GROW the body's flexibility that was really lacking in the skaters' content. And because competitive skaters are already maxed out with ice time, off-ice training, busy school schedules, and other obligations, they don't have hours to spend stretching. They need efficient, targeted solutions: THAT was where I could add value.

The real magic during a custom session comes from the preparation -- the yoga expertise, the study of the unique needs ahead of time, and the bespoke sequence -- and the two-way co-creation that happens once the individuals are in the room. What develops can't be fully pre-planned.

Once I got to the first session, I absolutely had to pivot from my custom sequence. But I'd say I used about 80% of what I had prepared and layered in the other 20% after learning more about the skaters and what their coach was asking of them.

Now I'm collaborating with these athletes most weeks, bringing them some fundamental work that repeats, and adding in new challenges to help them progress. I also created a cheat sheet to help them get some reps in when we can't be together and a video to guide them on alignment.

A lot more real work goes into a custom session than meets the eye. I could absolutely have done zero prework, taken the skaters through some hamstring and hip flexor stretches, and sent them on their way perhaps none the wiser. They'd leave feeling stretched. But I'd like to think I made much more efficient use of their limited time by putting in the hours to better understand the sport.

If you find yourself raising an eyebrow at the cost of a custom semi-private or private session, know that the rate considers all the care and attention I put in to meeting your needs before you even arrive. I know yoga as a toolkit, and it's a baseline part of my work to keep studying and growing my knowledge of these tools. But what I don't know is the specifics that are important to you, be it soccer, or lacrosse, or the medical condition you've been diagnosed with. And once we're in the room together, the real alchemy begins -- it's our partnership that helps you progress toward whatever goal you have in mind.

Whether you want to work on something physical (maybe hip mobility, balance, stability for a sport or activity, joint health, back pain, or general tension) or something mental or emotional (like stress management, anxiety, your patience with kiddos or loved ones, grief and loss, or releasing anger), you deserve preparation, understanding, and expertise from your guide. You deserve to have your needs held and supported. So while you might not have a figure skating competition in your future, chances are there's something on your heart that you'd like to work on. Imagine how far you can go with a partner to guide and accelerate your journey.

If you're interested in learning more, I'm just a quick email away at amandasoltyoga@gmail.com. Drop me a line, and I'll be back in contact.