In the Learn to Skate Stage, "(s)katers should be exposed to many different sports or physical activities all year round to develop overall physical literacy and good health. As much as possible, physical activities all year round to develop overall physical literacy and good health. As much as possible, activities should help to develop agility, coordination, balance, speed, flexibility, etc. The specific types of activities will depend on the specific socio-cultural context of the athlete but coaches, parents and clubs are encouraged to explore the different opportunities that exist in their communities including structured and unstructured play. Ideally, these activities should be participated in one to two hours per week, 20 to 40 weeks per year."

Learn to Train Stage (age: females 7-11; males 8-12)

At point of entry into Learn to Train, skaters should be participating in one to two hours of sport-specific off-ice activity each week, for 20 to 40 weeks of the year. At point of exit from Learning to Train, skaters should be participating in three hours of formalized off-ice activity each week, 44 weeks of the year."

Learn to Compete Stage (age: females 9-13; males 10-14)

"All athletes should be participating in 10 to 14 hours of off-ice training each week, for 48 weeks of the year. In general, off-ice training needs to have the same commitment as on-ice training and needs to include short, medium and long-term goals. Specific work done off-ice must reflect the principles of periodization and take into account the age, growth and development of the athlete. Furthermore, at this level off-ice programs should be very sport-specific and based on the individual needs and fitness test results of the athlete.

Ballet/dance classes should be incorporated into the training plan for all disciplines due to the positive crossover effect with skating. Athletes will ideally participate in two to five ballet classes per week, depending on need and discipline. Strength and conditioning classes are also critical at this stage and should be scheduled five days per week. Off-ice jumping classes should be continued for singles and pair skaters and incorporated into off-ice warm-up sessions. Pair skaters need to be performing lifts off the ice every day. Ice dancers must incorporate flexibility classes and dance classes different from ballet (e.g. ballroom, contemporary, lyrical, jazz, hip hop, Latin, etc.) All disciplines would benefit from acting or theatre classes.