28 March 2024
Registration now open for World Curling Academy Level 2 Virtual Fitness Workshop Series
World Curling Academy will organise a three-part workshop series for athletes and coaches to gain tips to improve fitness for curling during the off-ice season. Curlers of all ages and levels can benefits from the workshop series. The information gained will build on last year’s concepts and provide you with new education, exercise and motivation.
It is not a pre-requisite, however, to get full benefits, it is recommended to sign up for the Level 1 recordings of last year’s webinars on the World Curling Academy website. Their price is $USD15 per workshop recording or $USD 40 for all three.
The workshops will be led by Stephanie Thompson, kinesiologist and strength coach. She has worked with hundreds of competitive curlers across the world on and off the ice helping them move and play better.
The workshops will take place on the following Sundays, 26 May, 9 June and 23 June at 17:00 UTC. If you enjoyed last year’s workshops or you missed out on them, we invite you to this year’s series to upgrade your game!
Purpose
The “Better Brushing with Off Ice Training Level 2” virtual workshop will take place on Sunday 26 May. Last year the focus was on the general movement and exercise requirements to help you feel comfortable while sweeping. Dryland brushing and cues for better brushing to improve technique was covered.
The Better Brushing Level 2 workshop will outline specific exercises including off-ice brushing strength and conditioning programme.
Some key issues that will be addressed are not feeling strong enough to hold the body over the broom and how to prevent shoulder injuries. The purpose is to focus on the physical demands of how to be a better sweeper by working on strength and confidence to make on-ice adjustments easier.
Specific exercises will be provided. For this workshop, participants will need a curling broom, a chair, a resistance band, small-medium weight (cans of soup, water bottle) and optionally, a dryland brushing pad.
The “Balance and Power in the Delivery Level 2” virtual workshop will be held on Sunday 9 June. Last year the focus was on the general movement and exercise requirements to feel comfortable while getting in and out of the hack and emphasised the use of the dryland snapshot drill for accuracy and timing.
The Balance and Power Level 2 workshop will have specific exercises to get into a balanced delivery, to build power and practice weight control. For this workshop, participants will need a chair, a resistance band, small-medium weight (cans of soup, water bottle) and a wall.
The “Cardio for Curling Level 2” virtual workshop will take place on Sunday 23 June. Last year the focus was on breathing efficiency and types of cardio training. Nasal breathing and how to use your breathing for recovery between games was covered.
The Cardio for Curling Level 2 workshop will focus on using “breathing gears” during training on and off the ice. This helps with working harder and recovering faster.
Different types of training can positively influence curling performance. For this workshop, participants don’t need any equipment.
Active participation is recommended but not mandatory. Video camera is optional; however, Stephanie can assist with technique if a camera is used.
Target groups
Coaches, athletes of all levels and parents can all take part in this workshop series. Newcomers, and those who are ready to take their curling technique to the next level can benefit from the workshop as much as coaches. Advanced curlers who are looking for that edge over competition and to ensure they haven’t gained any bad habits can also profit from participation. Those who joined us for the Fitness Workshop Series in 2023 will find new material, research and exercises to help improve their fitness for curling.
The cost of participation is $USD 15 per workshop or $USD40 for all three.
After registration on the World Curling Academy website, you can sign up for the workshops on the links below:
Better Brushing with Off Ice Training Level 2
Balance and Power in the Delivery Level 2
Visit Stephanie Thompson’s website and get to know her work on Youtube and Instagram. Listen to her podcast and get in touch with her via email.
Engage with World Curling on TikTok, X/Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and Weibo and by searching the hashtag #curling
