Evan Lysacek blog: Adding yoga to his program

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Two-time U.S. figure skating champion Evan Lysacek is an occasional contributor to The Fabulous Forum. Here are some of his thoughts as he gets ready for the World Championships, to be held March 22-29 at Staples Center.

With the World Championships, the premier event of the skating season, right around the corner, all of the world’s elite skaters are in their last couple weeks of preparation.

For me, this year holds heightened importance as it is the year before the 2010 Olympic season. All eyes will be on this 2009 Championships, looking for the faces and favorites of the Vancouver Olympics.

The more personal reason that this Championship is so exciting for me is because it is in Los Angeles, my hometown. I always love performing at Staples Center, and the opportunity to have my friends and family cheering me on will make it an unforgettable experience.

After competing at the Four Continents Championship in February, and a couple weeks of touring with Smuckers Stars on Ice, I decided to find the quietest place I could to prepare for the Worlds: Richmond Hill, Ontario, a suburb of Toronto. I have spent this week training and fine tuning with Lori Nichol. It has been an extremely productive week of training, and adding some yoga to my training day has helped me stay centered.

I’ve been through so much diversity in my skating career, and I’ve always found that staying calm is the best way to stay confident. I still have two weeks to drill my technique, but as I return to my home training base, Toyota Sports Center in El Segundo, I have a strong sense of mental preparedness.

I am going to spend the next couple weeks slipping back into my L.A. groove. Morning bike rides to Joan’s on Third for breakfast, training all day, Yoga at sunset, and relaxing dinner with friends. I love Los Angeles!