At Skating Edge Ice Arena, our coaching staff represents a wide range of experiences, specialties, and teaching philosophies — all united by a shared goal: helping skaters grow with confidence, safety, and joy.
In this installment of our Staff Coach Spotlight series, we’re highlighting a coach whose journey at Skating Edge has truly come full circle — Dr. Lydia Lau PT, DPT,CSCS a former Skating Edge skater turned coach, physical therapist, and movement specialist.
From Learn to Skate to Giving Back
Lydia’s connection to Skating Edge began when she was just four years old. Like many young skaters, she learned the fundamentals here — building skills, confidence, and a lifelong love of the ice. Years later, after completing college and graduate school, she knew exactly where she wanted to return.
Today, she brings that perspective full circle — coaching in the same community that helped shape her own skating path.
“I feel very blessed to be teaching at the rink where my journey began, and I look forward to shaping the next generation of skaters.”
— Dr. Lydia Lau PT, DPT,CSCS
Coaching Through the Lens of Physical Therapy
What sets Lydia apart is her rare blend of figure skating knowledge and sports science education. She holds a degree in Exercise Physiology, a Doctorate of Physical Therapy, and is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist.
That background deeply informs how she works with skaters. Rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all approach, Lydia focuses on individualized corrections rooted in kinesiology, movement science, and exercise physiology — helping skaters achieve skills safely and efficiently based on their unique bodies.
This approach is especially valuable for skaters looking to build strong fundamentals, refine technique, or return to the ice with confidence.
More Than Skills: Confidence, Resilience, and Growth
For Lydia, skating is about more than competition results or technical milestones. She views the sport as a powerful tool for building resilience, confidence, and perseverance — lessons that extend far beyond the rink.
Skating challenges athletes to fall, recover, and try again, reinforcing habits of dedication and self-belief that apply to all areas of life.
Creating a Safe, Supportive Learning Environment
Whether she’s coaching young beginners, experienced skaters, or adults, Lydia prioritizes developing trust with her students and having fun when learning something new. Drawing from her experience working with people of all ages and abilities, she believes that skaters learn best when they feel relaxed, supported, and motivated.
She focuses on creating a space where skaters feel comfortable exploring movement, setting goals, and enjoying the process — not just the outcome.
Training Smart for Longevity on the Ice
As both a coach and physical therapist, Lydia is especially passionate about injury prevention and sustainable training. Skating is a year-round sport, and she encourages skaters and families to think holistically — beyond ice time alone.
Her coaching emphasizes proper warm-ups and cool-downs, strength and conditioning, fueling, stretching, and the importance of active rest to support long-term health and performance.
“Listening to your body and training smart allows skaters to enjoy the sport for years to come.”
Lydia supports skaters both on and off the ice, and offers both private and group off-ice strength and conditioning lessons tailored to individual needs.
A Collaborative Coaching Culture at Skating Edge
Lydia values the collaborative coaching environment at Skating Edge, where instructors with diverse specialties — including singles, Moves in the Field, ice dance, and showcase — work together and learn from one another.
This spirit of collaboration helps create a welcoming, encouraging atmosphere that benefits every skater on the ice.
Looking Ahead
Looking to the future, Lydia is most excited about continuing to support skaters as they grow — both as athletes and individuals — while contributing to the strong, positive culture at Skating Edge.
She believes skating is for everyone, and that the right environment can help each skater discover how the sport fits into their own journey.
Interested in Working with Dr. Lydia Lau PT, DPT,CSCS ?
Dr. Lydia Lau, PT, DPT, CSCS is currently accepting new students at Skating Edge Ice Arena.
She offers:
- Private on-ice coaching
- Off-ice strength and conditioning (group and private)
- A movement-focused approach grounded in physical therapy and sports science
📞 Contact: EMAIL | PHONE
📍 Location: Skating Edge Ice Arena
Learn More About Our Coaching Team
The strength of Skating Edge lies in its people.
Our Staff Coach Spotlight series highlights the diverse expertise and teaching styles that make our rink a supportive place for skaters of all ages and levels.
Follow along as we continue to spotlight the coaches who help shape the Skating Edge community — on and off the ice.
