Spinning Out: Why Ice Skating Is Set To Be Your Next Fitness Obsession

A Netflix newcomer centred on the ice skating world has us researching the fitness benefits of the sport.

Updated on14th January 2022 at 11.18am

Spinning Out is one of the newest Netflix releases to hit our watch lists – and it does not disappoint. Featuring January Jones and Kaya Scodelario (Effie from Skins, remember?), the series takes a Black Swan-like approach (edgy lighting, skin-on-skin sounds amped up enough to make you twitch, you know the drill) to the world of ice skating and follows talented figure skater Kat (Scodelario) as she mentally recovers from a bad fall and decides whether or not to get back into the game.

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The plot takes a deep dive into family bonds, mental health and the idea of pushing boundaries physically, emotionally and morally. It also predictably features a heck of a lot of ice skating content, all the shots blindingly beautiful, and for the most part minus the frills and glitter we're used to seeing in televised competitions.

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While this new series is sure to fill a few winter evening viewing slots this January, we're betting it's going to encourage a few wannabe Michelle Kwans to book a few lessons too – and why not? The physical benefits of the sport are enough to convince us that we should be giving it a try, too. Here's the lowdown.

Ice Skating: The Fitness Benefits

Well, for a start it works nearly every muscle group in your entire body. Balancing requires prolonged engagement of your core too, which helps to strengthen it. The movements required help to increase your flexibility, and get your heart rate up, meaning its cardiovascular health benefits are notable. It's mindful too. You can get on a treadmill and power away but your mind is still able to wander. Ice skating requires concentration, and it's nigh on impossible to think of anything but your movements while you do it, making it a great mental moment of me-time. Ice skating boosts joint health, balance and coordination, the list keeps going.

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Well, If Jonathan Van Ness Is Doing It...

Avid Queer Eye fans will know that last season saw Jonathan Van Ness take the daughter of one of their subjects to ice skate with the legendary ex-Olympian Michelle Kwan. This seemed to kick off a yearning in the reality TV star slash male grooming expert, and his Instagram has subsequently been full of ice-skating lessons and meet-ups with Michelle. For a first-hand look at how far an adult beginner can come with regular lessons and a hefty dose of enthusiasm, look no further than his Instagram feed; as ever, Jonathan Van Ness is an inspiration.

What Next?

Have we kicked off a craving? Have a Google and find out where you can book a lesson in your area. There are rinks offering group and private tuition up and down the country so don't be shy! It's likely there'll be a fair few Spinning Out-inspired newbies in the classes.