At PSM Icehouse, athlete development extends beyond time spent on the ice.
This edition of our PSM Skating Academy Coach Spotlight Series introduces Nikki Long, a certified personal trainer and movement specialist who helps skaters build strength, confidence, mobility, and body awareness through purposeful off-ice training.
Coach Spotlight: Nikki Long
Movement & Performance Coach | PSM Skating Academy
As part of the PSM Skating Academy coaching staff, Nikki supports skaters year-round through off-ice classes, private training, competitive athlete development, and summer camp programming. Her work helps athletes connect movement, conditioning, and recovery to stronger performance on the ice.
With more than 15 years of experience in personal training and group fitness instruction, Nikki brings a high-energy, athlete-first approach designed to help skaters move better, feel stronger, and build lasting confidence.
Building Stronger Athletes Beyond the Ice
For Nikki, movement has always been part of who she is.
Her passion started early through physical education classes and years of competitive volleyball before evolving into a career in fitness and coaching. Beginning as a Zumba instructor in 2010, Nikki expanded her education across yoga, corrective exercise, recovery, HIIT training, and eventually became an ISSA Certified Personal Trainer.
Today, she brings that broad movement background into athlete development.
“I love sharing that passion and knowledge with others,” Nikki says. “To witness someone’s growth and see what they accomplish is amazing.”
Why Off-Ice Training Matters for Figure Skaters
While skating skills are developed on the ice, many of the physical tools that support performance are built off the ice.
Nikki works with skaters across multiple levels, including Aspire and competitive athletes, helping them improve body control, endurance, stability, coordination, and recovery through structured movement training.
Her sessions focus on creating stronger movement patterns that translate directly into better skating mechanics and long-term athletic development.
“Strength and conditioning helps create full body stability and control.”
She also believes off-ice work plays an important role in injury prevention and recovery by helping athletes build the strength and endurance needed to support demanding training schedules.
Developing Confidence Through Movement
One of the biggest challenges Nikki sees in young athletes today isn’t physical ability — it’s confidence.
She believes many skaters are stronger and more capable than they realize, and her role is helping athletes build trust in themselves through movement and progress.
Nikki approaches coaching by creating clear direction while helping athletes understand not just what to improve but how to improve. She uses encouragement, positive reinforcement, and achievable challenges to help athletes develop confidence both physically and mentally.
Her goal is to help athletes leave sessions feeling stronger, more capable, and excited about what they can accomplish.
Making Training Fun and Sustainable
Nikki’s training philosophy balances performance, safety, and enjoyment.
Her background spans corrective exercise and recovery work alongside high-energy fitness experiences including dance-based training, combat HIIT, cycling, and group instruction.
One of her favorite ways to keep athletes engaged is through music and movement.
“Exciting music means exciting exercises. Make the work fun and then it becomes exercise in disguise.”
She believes great training environments should feel encouraging, engaging, directive, and inclusive — especially for younger athletes learning how to enjoy movement while building discipline.
Supporting Summer Development at Icehouse
This summer, Nikki will support skaters through the off-ice portions of both STARS 2 GO and CHAMPS 2 GO camps.
Her sessions are designed to complement on-ice instruction through strength, coordination, flexibility, jump preparation, body awareness, and movement development.
Whether athletes are developing foundational skating skills or training at more advanced competitive levels, Nikki’s goal is to create sessions that challenge skaters while keeping training positive and enjoyable.
She looks forward to helping athletes build confidence, work toward goals, and have fun throughout the summer experience.
Advice for Skaters This Offseason
For skaters looking to improve this offseason, Nikki encourages athletes to stay consistent and invest in the details.
“Continue to work, do the extra, and support training with healthy, balanced nutrition.”
Her belief is simple: strong movement builds stronger athletes.
Advice for Families Considering Skating
When families express interest in skating, Patty keeps her message simple:
“We love teaching people how to skate. No matter your age or level, there’s a place for you here.”
Her goal is to help every skater discover confidence, independence, and enjoyment through the sport — whether they pursue competition or simply skate for personal growth.
Coaching Credentials
- ISSA Certified Personal Trainer (CPT)
- 15+ Years of Personal Training & Group Fitness Experience
- Strength & Conditioning Coach
- Specializes in Corrective Exercise & Recovery
- Expertise in Mobility, Breathwork & Yoga-Based Movement
- Private Training & Year-Round Off-Ice Development
Nikki Long is proud to be part of the PSM Skating Academy coaching team, helping skaters build strength, confidence, and movement skills that support long-term success both on and off the ice.
To learn more about Nikki and our other PSM Skating Academy coaches, click here. You can explore their backgrounds, see what they offer, and reach out with any questions.