Off-Ice Training
for Total Athlete Development
Miami Ice Arena’s off-ice training program is hosted at Elite Performance & Therapy & Fitness, where licensed physical therapists and performance trainers support skaters through every stage of development. Athletes train with the 4D Skating Slideboard System, a motorized jump and rotation suspension system, and ballet-based movement classes to build strength, control, balance, and artistry—creating a smarter, safer pathway to on-ice success.
Dr. Joel Diaz holds a doctorate degree in Physical Therapy for the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences. He also holds a Personal Training Certificate from Action and Functional Movements Techniques Certification (FMT).
His compassion and Biopsychosocial (BPS) model approach to training ensures the overall package toward the individual's goals. The BPS model utilizes biological, psychological, and socio-environmental factors to unleash the individual's full potential. He is an avid reader of the latest research and incorporates the latest evidence-based methods into his training/practice.
Dr. Joel is available for private and semi-private lessons. He is also available for injury evaluation and rehabilitation.
4D Skating Slideboard System
MIA is proud to introduce the 4D Skating "Slideboard" System for our "Off-Ice" training program. The system was unveiled recently in PS Magazine and also at the 2009 PSA Conference in Orlando. The low-impact slide board exercises are sport-specific and help increase vertical jump height and core strength. The many additional exercises include the traditional sideboard and spinner attachments.
“Off-Ice” Motorized Jump/Rotation Training Suspension System
This unique system is designed for training skaters off-ice. Vestibular is used to teach skaters rotation position and jumping techniques while they are wearing running shoes. Skaters learn to rotate doubles and triples fast and on axis with suspension training. Quickness is the essential skill required for these jumps and the Off-Ice Suspension System teaches that "off-ice".
Ballet Classes
Kendall Ice Arena has been so pleased to have Ballerina Carol Ravich teaching classes this Fall!
Carol Ravich is an internationally recognized ballerina, choreographer, artistic director, and teacher/coach. She danced professionally as Principal Ballerina of the Boston Ballet Company. Her formal training was with E. Virginia Williams, Boston Ballet’s director and company founder. She has performed as a guest artist with the Pennsylvania Ballet Company, Igor Youskevitch’s “Ballet Romantique”, Delaware Ballet, Brandeis University, Dartmouth College, Miami New World Series Performances, The Boston Opera Company, and a command performance for President Lyndon Johnson at the White House.
Choreographers and ballet masters selected her to appear in lead roles, representing a diverse sampling of styles, in their ballets. She performed principal roles in the classics including George Balanchine, August Bournonville, under the direction of Hanns Brenaa, and the Alvin Ailey repertoire. In these roles, Ms. Ravich received the acclaim of dance critics for her artistry, technique, and musicality.
As the resident choreographer at Barry University in Miami, FL. she choreographs full-length operas and musical productions.
Ms. Ravich is a master teacher and choreographer throughout the United States and a coach for YAGP and international competitions.
Upon moving to Miami, Ms. Ravich established The Ravich Ballet School and the Miami Repertoire Ballet Company where she performed and lectured as part of Florida’s Performing Arts for Community Education.
She is also an accomplished concert pianist, having studied at the New England Conservatory of Music.
Carol Ravich is the author of her recently published book “The Mystique of a Ballerina’s Life”.