Slide board training has been around for a while yet little has changed throughout the years in the development of this unique training product....until now!

PolyGlide Synthetic Ice has implemented the latest in synthetic ice technology into the development of it's new "Slip Slide Board", an infused synthetic ice slide board that does not require any surface sprays or lubricants to train.

Today's industry "standard" slide board consists of either a roll-up or flat, rigid surface that requires a topical spray lubricant application in order to slide on the board.

By implementing their Pro-Glide infused synthetic ice technology into a slide board, PolyGlide Ice has greatly reduced the surface coefficient of friction and created more of an ice-like feel while training.

Benefits of a Slide Board Workout Program

This little-known piece of exercise equipment can provide a great workout for your whole body and help maintain a high level of fitness to help keep you in shape without ever leaving your home.

There are many different ways you can utilize a slide board to get into shape that does not require a whole lot of space unlike many other exercise machines that can be quite bulky.

Some of the great things about slide boards is that they are quite versatile, portable and easy to store in between your workout programs.

You can use them for a wide variety of exercises, making them a great choice for people who want to mix up their workout routine on a weekly basis and develop different muscle group.

Here are some of the main benefits you can achieve by implementing a slide board workout program into your weekly routine.:

 

Improved Cardiovascular Health

You can utilize the slide board for a low-impact cardio workout to get your blood pumping and enjoy the benefits of optimal cardio health.

This is a great way to get your heart rate up without putting too much strain on your lower joints and quite easy to perform once you get started.

The benefits of cardiovascular optimal cardio health is well documented and can help extend ones life when performed on a regular basis.

Here are a few of the positive results that can be achieved by implementing a regular cardiovascular exercise program into your weekly routine:

Reduce your risk of developing heart disease

• Lower your blood pressure
• Improve your cholesterol levels
• Boost your energy levels
• Improve your mental health and well-being

As you can see, "cardio" is an important part of any workout routine because it has so many benefits for both your body and your mind that can help with your overall fitness.

Not only does cardio help improve your overall health, but it can also help boost your energy levels, improve your mental health, and even help you to better manage stress.

The best part is, there are plenty of ways to fit cardio into your day, whether you’re taking a brisk walk during your lunch break, going for a run after work OR hoping on your slide board, so there’s no excuse not to get started!

It's easy to start a synthetic ice slide board exercise program, all you need is a pair of Slip Socks, flat surface and maybe a little music should you so desire (or a good audio book ;-)

 

Strength Training

Strength training has many special benefits that can help you achieve your fitness goals by working on various muscle groups and now it's easy to add it to your slide board routine.

One of the main benefits of strength training is that it can help you lose weight if you are carrying around extra body fat as it will help you build muscle, which will in turn help you burn more calories.

In addition, strength training can help to improve your bone density and reduce your risk of injuries something that not many people are aware of but is an essential part of fitness.

Strength training has also been proven to improver mental health, build self-esteem and confidence AND lower levels of anxiety and depression by maintaining a regular program.

If you are looking for a way to feel better about yourself, then incorporate a strength-training program into your slide board routine and you will reap all the benefits that this simple exercise board has to offer.

It won't take long to achieve results so the key thing is to get started!

Balance and Coordination

There are many benefits you get from improving your balance and coordination including a better posture, reducing stress on your joints and preventing the risk of falling.

Improving your balance and coordination can also help you move more efficiently as you begin to feel more in control of your body the more you continue to exercise.

This means that you'll be able to save energy and reduce fatigue when participating in activities like walking, running, or playing sports.

If you're looking for a way to improve your overall health and well-being, then consider a slide board workout to improve your balance and coordination.

You may be surprised at how much of a difference it can make in your everyday life in a very short period of time!

 

Before Beginning Your Workout

As with all exercises, it's important to stretch the intended muscle groups before beginning your workout routine because the last thing you want to do is injure yourself.

This is why it is important to properly stretch and warm up before starting your routine and get the most out of your workout.

Stretching

Stretching is important because it helps to lengthen your muscles and tendons which will increase your range of motion prior to working out and will help prevent injuries.

When stretching, be sure to hold each stretch for at least 30 seconds and breathe deeply and slowly while stretching.

Warming-Up

Warming up before you exercise is also crucial as a good warm-up will increase your heart rate and blood flow, which will help to prepare your body for physical activity.

A simple warm-up could involve walking or jogging in place for a few minutes, or in this case a light lateral back-and-forth lateral slide on your synthetic ice slide board.

 

Exercise Options

To help simplify things we listed some of the many popular slide board exercises into three main categories.

You will soon find out that there are virtually endless combinations of these to pick and choose and challenge you to create your own once you get comfortable with your synthetic ice slide board:

• Sprints
• Lunges
• Squats

Sprints

Sprinting slide board exercises is the standard lateral, side-to-side movement that emulates ice skating and incorporates a proper skating stride along with arm swing and positioning.

This movement can be performed using different degrees of knee bend depending on the overall goals of your workout and you can also mix-up the arm swing also if you like (short, long or behind the back)

Performing high-rep sprints will provide an intense cardio work out and get your heart rate up quickly if that's the workout you're looking for.

First, put on your stretchy "Slip Socks" over your shoes or sneakers and get into starting position at one end of the board with the outside part of your foot resting up against the cushioned foot rest.

Keep your feet shoulder length apart and lower yourself slightly with your knees bent and when you're ready, explosively push off the foot rest and glide laterally across the board until you reach the other end.

Make sure to keep your body facing forward and avoid bouncing while you sprint and then sprint back to the starting position.

Continue to repeat this movement for a total of 30 seconds.

Feel free to increase the time as you get more comfortable with the exercise.

Lunges

Slide board lunges are a great way to strengthen your lower body and develop good balance when performed properly.

Start the lunge movement by positioning yourself on the floor with your back to the short side end of the slide board.

Take your intended sliding foot and position it at the end of the board before the foot rest with your other foot firmly on the ground just off the end of the slide board.

From this position, put your hands in a praying stance and slowly slide your rear foot backward while bending your front knee until your rear sliding knee lightly taps the top on the slide board with both knees bent.

Your front leg should be bent with your foot planted firmly on the floor with your upper body upright and your core engaged and once your thigh is parallel to the ground, press back up to the starting position.

That's one rep.

Repeat for desired number of repetitions before switching legs and repeating on the other side.

 

Variation: This exercise can be made more challenging by holding dumbbells in each hand or wearing a weight vest.

Just make sure to start slow and listen to your body and if something doesn't feel right, stop and consult a doctor or certified personal trainer before continuing.

Squats

Single Leg squat exercises on a slide board a quite common and there are multiple variations you can consider for this exercise both with and without weights.

Start the squat movement with both legs shoulder length apart and by positioning yourself parallel with the slide board with one leg firmly on the ground and your sliding leg on the end of the slide board. 

Begin the squat by bending your grounded leg into a squat position while moving your slide leg laterally towards the center of the slide board until your thigh is parallel with the ground

Once your thighs are parallel with the floor, return to the starting positing.

Repeat for desired number of repetitions before switching legs and repeating on the other side.

 

Summary

Now that you know some of the advantages and different ways you utilize a synthetic ice slide board to improve your overall fitness, let's look at how to get started.

First, in starting with the slide board, PolyGlide Ice has designed the first of its kind, synthetic ice "Slip Slide Board" that does not require any surface spray lubricants or enhancers. Simply throw on your Slip Socks and start sliding!

Once you get your slide board, simply set it up in an area where you have plenty of space to move around and start working out by doing some simple exercises until you feel comfortable on the board.

If you're new to slide boarding, it's important to start slow and gradually increase the intensity of your workout and remember to listen to your body and stop if you start to feel pain.

Start by putting together a training program that incorporates a few exercises that you like and continue to add more as you grow stronger on the board.

So get motivated and get your slide board and start exercising!

With a little bit of practice, you'll be slide-boarding like a pro in no time!

 

Keep on Skating! - Jim Loughran

 

 

 

When most people think about exercises that work their lower body, the first thing that comes to mind are heavy lifting squat workouts.

This is for good reason – squat workouts are a great way to develop overall lower body strength and power.

However, there’s another way that can help enhance your squat workouts and that’s by implementing a synthetic ice slide board into your routine.

In this article, we will discuss the advantages of using an infused synthetic ice slide board for squatting, and provide you with some tips on how to get the most out of this exercise.

One of the biggest advantages of using a synthetic ice slide board for squats is that it allows you to isolate each leg independently.

This is important because it means that you can correct any imbalances between your left and right sides, which can help prevent injuries down the road.

Additionally, by working each leg independently, you can also make sure that each side is getting an equal amount of work – something that’s not always easy to do with traditional squats.

 

 

Lateral Squat

Lateral squat workouts on a slide board are a great way to work your lower body and get a cardio workout at the same time.

Here's how to do them:

Start by standing with one foot on and one foot off the end of your slide board with your feet shoulder-width apart.

Bend your "grounded" knee into a squat position while extending your other foot lateraly to the side.

Return your foot as you stand back into an upright position..

Repeat this movement using the other leg.

Continue lateral squats for 30 seconds to one minute, then rest for 30 seconds to one minute before switching legs and completing the entire set.

Lateral squats are a great way to tone your legs, butt, and core muscles while getting your heart rate up! Give them a try today!

 

 

 

Single Leg Squat

If you want to work on your quads, hamstrings, and glutes all at once, the single leg slide board squat is a great move to add to your workout routine.

This exercise is also good for those with limited mobility or knee pain, as it takes pressure off of the joints.

Here's how to do it:

Place one foot on the board and slide it out so that your leg is straight.

Bend your standing leg and lower your body down into a squatting position.

Make sure to keep your chest up and core engaged throughout the movement. Return to the starting position and repeat for desired reps.

Switch legs and repeat on the other side.

If you want to add a challenge to this move, try holding dumbbells in each hand.

You can also place your slide board on an incline by propping it up on a few books or other objects.

Just be sure to adjust the height of the slide board so that it's level with your standing leg.

Doing this exercise on an incline will target your quads more than your hamstrings and glutes.

Whichever variation you choose, make sure to focus on proper form in order to get the most out of the exercise and avoid injury.

Single leg squatting is a great way to work multiple muscle groups at once while keeping impact low, making it a perfect move for those with joint pain or limited mobility.

Give it a try and see how it feels! You may find that it quickly becomes a staple in your workout routine.

 

 

Split Squats

Split squat workouts are a great exercise to improve your balance and coordination.

It can also be performed on a slide board to make it more challenging.

Here is how to do a split squat on a slide board:

Place your left foot on the center of the board and your right foot on the floor behind you.

Lower yourself down into a lunge position, making sure that your knee doesn’t go past your toes.

From here, push off with your right leg and slide yourself backward, keeping your left leg extended in front of you.

As you slide back, bend your knees and lower yourself into a squatting position.

Push off with both legs and slide yourself back to the starting position. Repeat this movement for a total of 12-15 repetitions.

If you’re looking for a challenging workout, try adding a slide board to your split squat routine.

This exercise is sure to test your balance and coordination while also working your legs and glutes.

Give it a try and let us know how it goes!

One variation of the split squat that can be done on a slide board is by holding dumbbells in each hand while performing the exercise.

This will help to increase the intensity of the workout and will target the muscles in the arms and shoulders as well.

Lunge

If you want to work your quads, hamstrings, and glutes all at once, then slide boarding is a great workout for you.

Performing a lunge squat on a slide board will help tone your legs and lift your butt.

Plus, it's a low-impact exercise, so it's easy on your joints.

Here's how to do it: 

First, stand with your feet shoulder-width apart on the slide board.

Place your left foot in the middle of the board and extend your right leg behind you.

Keeping your shoulders square and abs tight, slowly lower yourself into a lunge position.

Make sure that your front knee doesn't go past your toes.

Once you reach the bottom of the lunge, press through your heel to return to the starting position.

Repeat on the other side. 

Implementing lunge squat workouts into your routine is a great way to work your lower body so be sure to add it to your repertoire.

 

 

Goblet Squat Side Lunge

First, slide your slide board out so that it is in the middle of the room.

You can use one or two two dumbbells to hold for this exercise

Place a goblet squat on the slide board and get into a side lunge position with your right leg forward and your left leg back.

Make sure that your feet are shoulder-width apart and that you are holding the dumbbells close to your chest. 

Inhale as you bend your knees and lower yourself down into a squat.

Your right knee should be bent at a 90-degree angle and your left knee should be hovering just above the ground.

Exhale as you stand back up, pushing through your heels to return to the starting position.

Repeat this exercise on the other side.

Remember to keep your core engaged throughout the entire movement.

Slide your slide board leg back to the starting position and repeat the movement for a total of 

This is a great exercise to add to your lower-body routine.

It works your quads, glutes, and hamstrings while also challenging your balance and coordination.

 

Conclusion

The advantage of using our synthetic ice, "SLIP SLIDE BOARD" for squat workouts is that they place less stress on your joints than traditional squats.

This is because there’s no impact when you land – all of the force is absorbed by your muscles.

For people with knee or hip pain, this can make a big difference in terms of comfort and pain levels.

Finally, slide board squats are a great way to mix up your workout routine and keep things interesting.

If you’re getting bored with traditional squats, or you’re looking for a new challenge, slide board squats are a great option.

They’re also a great choice if you’re trying to add some variety to your leg workouts.

If you’re interested in trying slide board squats, there are a few things to keep in mind.

First, make sure that you have a good quality slide board – one that’s sturdy and won’t move around when you use it.

Second, start with bodyweight only until you get the hang of the movement.

Once you’re comfortable, you can add weight in the form of dumbbells or a barbell.

And finally, make sure to warm up before you start squatting – this will help prevent injuries.

So there you have it – the advantages of slide board squats.

If you’re looking for a new and challenging way to work your lower body, give them a try!

By the way, slide board training can also help improve your skating!

You won’t be disappointed!

 

 

There are many ways athletes can maximize their workouts with the use of a slide board.

The average NHL hockey player skates up to 5 miles in one game, with most players exceeding that mark.

They cover this distance carrying up to 15 pounds of gear, including skates and sticks.

Figure skaters and speed skaters also cover extensive distances while training or competing.

This distance is not done walking or running.

It’s done in the slightly crouched skating position, with some going up to 30/mph.

Performing these exceptional feats requires high-level training, even when you’re not on the rink.

A slide board workout can achieve this and so much more.

This simple but effective training tool can quickly become your secret weapon to outperform the competition. 

 

What is a slide board? 

A slide board is a rectangular, multi-use training product that provides users a range of benefits through sliding.

Slide boards vary in size, with some as long as 10 feet.

On average, slide boards are bewtween 18" to 24” wide.

The base is often made of plywood or other durable material.

The top part of most standard slide boards is made of a slick PVC.

With PolyGlide’s "Slip" Slide Boards, we’ve leveraged our synthetic ice formulation for a slide that feels close to natural ice.

In addition, the slide board has foot stops on each side which are often adjustable to bring variety to your exercises and target specific muscle groups.

The adjustable bumpers can also accommodate taller users to get a smooth workout.  

Using your slide board 

You’ll first need to put on special shoes or booties to use your slide board.

The footwear allows you to “slide” along the board.

First, you will stand on one end of the board, next to the bumper.

Then you will perform a lateral slide from one end to the other.

Finally, push off with the foot closest to the opposite bumper and slide with the trailing leg. 

Perform the exercise in a slightly crouched stance that will mimic a skater's position.

Hockey players can also use the slide board with their hockey stick and gloves for a more natural stride feel.

If the sliding stance is not your speed, you can change it up and perform exercises that impact your upper body.

Slide boards are popular as they have a range of health and exercise benefits.

The Benefits Of Slideboarding 

1. Low-impact Exercise on Lower Extremities 

When you first begin moving on the slide board, you will notice the smooth, fluid motion.

This motion places minimal impact on your hips, knees, and ankles.

However, high-impact exercises like jogging, running, and riding can place strain on your joints.

These exercises are useful, but increased inflammation can limit movement and recovery over time.

A slide board workout is a fabulous change of pace, providing a low-impact workout that’s high quality.

You can get the same results for your hamstrings, glutes, and calves in some cases. 

2. Skip the Gym. Multiple exercises in One Device 

Strength and conditioning are an essential part of hockey, figure skating, and speed skating.

That means spending time in the gym to work on specific muscles that give you an edge on the rink.

However, if you have limited time, you can skip the gym and get a full-body workout on your slide board.

The panel helps with your core, glutes, hamstrings, and calves.

You can even incorporate pushups and mountain climbers to target the shoulders and arms.

The slide board can easily turn into a total exercise system. 

3. Increase Your Agility and Endurance 

Skating for extended periods and distances is essential in ice sports.

Hockey and other sports also demand agility, especially the ability to change direction quickly.

Performing repeated lateral movements on the slide board increases your cardiovascular health, as it is a great aerobic workout.

The exercise also requires balance and concentration, which will show in your lateral agility.  

4. Speed Things Up (thanks to balance) 

Athletes appreciate slide boarding as the training tool tests their balance.

As you go faster on the slide board, you must be aware of your body and use

your lower extremities to keep yourself set.

When you lace up your skates and hit the ice, the movement translates to your game.

You’ll see an immediate improvement in your speed since you could improve

your balance and strength without damaging your joints.

 

5. Strengthen Your Core 

Any hockey player will tell you that core strength is their secret weapon:

the stronger your core, the more powerful your shot.

The stronger your core, the easier it is for you to shrug off your opponent.

It even allows you to rotate, speed up, slow down and protect the puck.

When we think of core strength, we often think of our abs.

However, your core wraps around your entire lower trunk and includes your lower back and oblique muscles.

Training your core can be time-consuming, and it is easy to miss out on some of these essential muscle groups.

With a slide board, you get a full core workout that targets these muscles in a way that few other devices can 

6. An Excellent Physical Therapy Tool 

Slide boards are popular with physical therapists.

After a sports injury, athletes need several months in rehabilitation to strengthen the damaged area.

These exercises must be low impact to avoid reaggravating the injury.

Physical therapy often starts 1-2 months after a major lower-body injury like an ACL tear, hip tear, or a torn Achilles.

A slide board helps the athlete gradually return to functional movements.

The device will help with coordination, core strength, balance, and endurance.

More importantly, specific exercises can strengthen the muscles around the injury for better support.  

7. Helps in Several Other Sports

We have been mentioning hockey and skating a lot in this article.

Yet, slideboarding is not just for ice sports.

Athletes in all sports see fantastic results with slideboarding.

It adds some much-needed variety to their regimen while providing the same excellent results.

The tool is a great way to recover after training for hours.

And like hockey players, other athletes can strengthen their core and lower bodies with a slide board.

For instance, soccer players can improve their speed, agility, and endurance, vital for the sport.

Other sports that can benefit from a slide board include skiing, basketball, lacrosse, cross country running, and much more. 

8. Train anywhere and everywhere 

Sometimes we don’t have the time to hit the gym, but we still need to get a workout.

Your slide board only needs a few feet of space for you to get a complete workout.

Use it in your driveway, on the deck, or in your backyard.

Some slide boards are portable, allowing you to use them on business trips or get in a morning workout on vacation.

Wherever you can find a few feet of space, you can use your board! 

9. Durable and cost-effective tool. 

Since the pandemic, there has been a boom in at-home exercise equipment.

Bikes, treadmills, and mirrors on walls are now commonplace, all with built-in apps to help you stay motivated.

While these concepts work, most people are priced out of these expensive devices.

A slide board can provide much of the same benefits at a fraction of the cost.

The tool is also durable, lasting for several years with minimal maintenance, compared to other complicated exercise tools.

  

10. Improves skating technique and posture 

The original concept of the slide board was designed by speed skaters.

These athletes needed a way to practice posture and technique in the off-season.

The first slide boards were large planks of wood covered with wax.

Speed skaters would spend hours working on these boards just to tweak their technique.

That simple change meant a fraction of a second needed to beat their opponent at the line.

With your slide board, you can work on the minor details necessary to improve your skating speed and technique.

You can work with your coach or watch yourself in a mirror to correct the things impacting your skating. 

11. Burn more calories compared to cardio 

A 30-minute session on a slide board increases your heart rate, revving up your calorie-burning abilities.

When you include other exercises like pushups, mountain climbers, and lunges, you get even more bang for your buck.

Adjusting the bumpers can increase the intensity, giving you a full-body workout that can burn over 700 calories.

Compare this to jogging or other cardio exercises, which can average between 400 and 500 calories.  

What to consider before choosing a slide board 

With all these exceptional benefits, choosing a slide board as part of your training regimen is a no-brainer.

However, before you add the first one you find to your online shopping cart, there are some factors you must consider.

First, make sure you pick up the right length to your height.

Athletes over 6 feet should get a slide board of at least 8 feet to maximize results.

Shorter slide boards work great for low impact and high rep workouts..  

You should also consider the type of material used, as this will determine performance and durability.

Our special infused polymer boards can give you a controlled skate, like ice.

Since it is of similar construction to our synthetic ice tiles, you should have a training tool that lasts for years.

Other factors you should consider include design, stability, and price.  

 

What surfaces can you use on a slide board? 

Slide boards are flat, rectangular exercise tools that can work on almost any surface.

For indoor use, carpet, rugs, and tiles are best. These surfaces ensure the slide board stays in one place.

If you’re concerned about your hardwood floors, you can place the slide board on a yoga mat or exercise mat.

If you are still skeptical, try placing the slide board next to a wall to prevent excess movement.

Outdoor use is possible as long as you use a level surface.

Your yoga mat may come in handy on grassy areas to keep things level.

Driveways, decks, and porches are other great options.

If the bottom of the slide board or bumpers develop scratches over time, use the exercise mat for added protection.   

How do you take care of your slide board? 

Slide boards need minimal care and can last for years before a replacement is necessary.

If you use it often, you will notice an accumulation of dirt.

Clean the area with warm water and a cotton or microfiber cloth.

Use a dry cloth to remove the excess moisture.

Microfiber "Sock Mops" are also a fun way to keep your board clean and slick.

Some slide boards come with a slip surface conditioner.

This helps to restore that smooth glide you enjoyed when you got it the first time.

Add the conditioner to a spray bottle and apply a light mist, making sure to wipe off any excess.

Caring for your slide board and reapplying your slip agent ensures that it lasts for years.   

Can you use socks on a slide board? 

You need special booties or slip-on covers to perform slide board exercises.

Some providers provide these covers, but if they are not available, you will need to improvise.

Wool socks are an option and work just as well as the conventional slip-on covers. 

Conclusion

If you are looking for a simple, low-impact method to improve your skating, slideboarding can help.

Spending just 30 minutes on the board can improve your skating speed, agility, and balance.

You also get a fantastic workout that strengthens your core, glutes, and hamstring muscles.

A slide board will serve you well even when if you get injured, helping you to recover faster.  

Our slide boards contain our proprietary polymer that gives you an unbeatable slide.

More importantly, you can use it on any surface, so you are not bound by location.

Slide into this new way of training by clicking on the link or reaching out to our team.

At PolyGlide Synthetic Ice, we will ensure you receive a slide board that fits your fitness goals. 

 

If your ready for an elite hockey training program, then you need to start training on synthetic ice plastic. plain and simple!

This unique polymer surface offers a slight resistance when compared to natural ice that you can use to your advantage and help you build a solid off-ice training program.

It provides "positive resistance training", that will help make you a stronger, faster, better conditioned athlete and player.

To make an analogy, think of it like the weighted "doughnut" a baseball player will throw on the bat head while taking their warm-up swings in the On Deck Circle.

This type of resistance training has been around forever and a growing trend in the hockey community that has become a mainstay throughout the industry and quickly moving it's way into many player's homes.

Elite hockey players have always been looking for new ways to improve their game and get a jump on the competition and synthetic ice training has proven itself as the ideal training tool!

Choosing the Right Synthetic Ice Surface:

Synthetic ice is a type of material that mimics the properties of real ice, making it ideal for practicing skating and stick-handling.

While it may not be exactly the same as playing on real ice, players quickly adjust to the surface after just a few minutes of skating and can make all the save maneuvers (hockey stops, mohawks, T-Stop) that they can on natural ice. 

For Elite players it's important to select the right type of surface to train on that will will give them the most realistic "icelike" feel without losing their edge too quickly.

At PolyGlide Ice we have designed the ideal "Pro-Glide" infused synthetic ice panel that checks all the boxes and provides a solid-core surface that is durable and built to last all throughout any hockey players career!

 

 

Geting Started

By using synthetic ice, you can improve your skating speed and agility while also working on your shooting accuracy. Here are some tips to help you get you started and make the most out of of your elite hockey training

1 - Ice Time

The more time you spend training on the ice, the better you will become at skating and andvance your overall game.

Having easy and unlimited access to ice is a huge advantage to any hockey player looking to use this extra time to advance their skills by working on all their individual weaknesses.

With regards to the surface itself, the more you use and break it in, the better it skates as the slight imperfections form the skate ruts actually provide less contact with the skate blade and the surface

Keep in mind, being in cotrol of your own ice time is only advantage if you use it so be sure to plan out your schedule to allow yourself enough time to work on all your skills to round-out your game.

 

2 - Power Skating Drills

Power skating is a fundamental part of hockey and it is important to practice your skating drills regularly. This will help you improve your speed, agility and balance. 

Implementing synthetic ice training at home allows you to improve your skating technique regularly and push yourself to point of failure and get more comfortable on your edges.

Proper Technique: When skating on synthetic ice, be sure to keep your knees bent using a smooth, even stride. It's important to break down your stride to be sure your using the proper technique to maximize your results with the least amount of effort.

Having bad skating habits or improper stride can waste energy which in turn will have a negative impact on your performance.Focus your drills on improving your skating technique and speed. 

Train ot the point of failure and see how low you can get to the ice. Don't be afraid to fall as it's all part of the learning process! The more you skate on synthetic ice, the more comfortable you will become.

3 - Stickhandling Drills

Stickhandling is an important skill for all hockey players to work on and can sometimes be hard to do once your leave your local rink.

The great thing about training on synthteic ice is you get to stickhandle with a regulation rubber puck which helps simulate real game conditions.

Stickhandling with a rubber puck on synthetic ice can is a great way to improve your hand-eye coordination and control in real game conditions which you wouldn't get with a dryland puck or golf ball.

Plan some small area stickhandling drills with cones using a rubber puck and implement it into your workout program and watch just how quickly your skills and speed advance as you get more comfortable with the puck.

4 - Shooting

In order to score goals, you need to be able to shoot the puck accurately so practice shooting regularly so that you can develop a good wrist shot and snap shot. 

Synthetic ice is a great place to practice your shooting because, just like stickhandling it gives you a realistic feel for the game shooting a regulation rubber puck while wearing your skates.

The fact is that shooting with your skates on is a huge advantage than simply wearing sneakers while training as you want to continue those same gamelike conditions while working on all of your skills.

So set-up your targets and create some fast-moving drills and shoot on the fly not just while standling flat-footed as the key is to develop both quick hands and feet!

5 - Passing

In hockey, it's important to be able to pass the puck effectively as you're not the only person on the ice and it's also a skill that needs to be worked on so make sure not to overlook this.

This will help you set up your teammates for scoring opportunities and also create space for yourself on the ice when you don't have the puck.

Practice by setting up passing targets and implementing rebounders on the surface while working on your passing skills.

Remember, you can train mutilpe skills at the same time throughout any drill which will maximize the results of each workout and make the most of every minute you spend training on your synthetic ice surface.

6 - Get Creative

Get creative with your synthetic ice training program and come up with new ways to challenge yourself and improve your hockey skills.

Incorporate other types of training into your program that involve fun new ideas to help keep it fresh and motivate you to keep hitting the ice.

Research different training programs online by checking out different training techniques and see which ones may work for you.

Staying creative is a good way to keep your head in the game and on top of your skills as you continue to become a better hockey player.

7. Have fun!

Remember, hockey is a game and it should be fun!

Try not to take things too seriously and enjoy yourself while training and you'll find yourself enjoying the game even more.

They players that get the best results are the ones you have a hard time getting off the ice because they love it so much.

The more you enjoy it, the more likely you are to stick with it and see great results by advancing your skills at home and on the scoreboard. 

Conclusion

As synthetic ice becomes more and more popular, more and more elite hockey players are using it to hone their skills and take their game to the next level.

As you can see, there are a large variety of skating and shooting drills that can be done on synthetic ice to help you maximize your skills and ability as a player.

If you want to be the best, you need to train like the best to play at an elite level and synthetic ice is a great tool thta provides you unlimited ice time right in the comfort of your own home.

Not only that you can use it all year round, it's super versitile, portable and way less expensive than refrigerated ice to set up!

So if you’re looking for a way to take your game to the next level, consider investing in a synthetic ice rink.

Check out our website for more information on our rink packages and start training today!

  

Ice rinks have been around for over 150 years.

Millions of people continue to enjoy ice skating for winter sports or just plain having fun!

Over the years, the rinks have evolved from large public rinks to versatile, at-home rinks.

Today, more and more people are interested in setting up ice rinks for hockey training, figure skating, or simply as a great form of exercise.

There are three types of rinks you can set up in your home or business space:

• Refrigerated Rinks
• Natural Ice Rinks
• Artificial Ice Rinks

Each has its pros and cons.

But when it comes to a “greener approach,” which one is better for the environment?

Everyone wants the world to be a cleaner, better place.

That won’t come from sweeping changes but the little things we do every day, from how we consume energy to the materials we use in our daily lives. 

Something as simple as choosing the suitable rink for the environment can improve your carbon footprint, save you energy and time.

If you’re about to set up an ice rink or you want to set one up during the following winter, here’s the impact it will have from a “green” standpoint.

 

 

Natural Ice Rink

The first ice rinks were frozen lakes and ponds.

At a specific temperature, the pool of water freezes and is safe for skating.

That concept translated to at-home skating rinks, which became popular in Canada and Europe, eventually translating to northern parts of the United States.

During the winter, you could fill a space with water and let the weather do its job. 

Creating an ice rink takes just a few simple steps.

You’ll need a level backyard or large space.

From there, you’ll need strong plywood boards to create the walls of the rink and a tarp for the water.

When everything is set, the area is filled with water until it’s ready.

You would, of course, need to time this with the weather, namely the first sign of freezing (the first freeze).

When the water freezes, you smooth off the top with water, and you’re ready for skating.

Natural ice rinks have the advantage of getting natural ice, of almost any size, at a relatively low cost.

However, the ice lasts as long as the temperature stays consistent. 

Your Natural Rink and an Environmental Footprint

Are natural rinks better for the environment?

Natural rinks use no electricity, except lighting for late-night skating.

Natural rinks may impact the environment or may not be a “green” approach by its water usage. 

Filling a standard size ice rink can take up to 10,000 gallons of water, increasing the size of the rink.

You’ll need more warm water over the months to resurface your rink if rain or snow settles on top.

For that period, the cost of the rink feels like the cost of the water bill.

But since clean water is a finite and scarce resource, it can be costly for the environment. 

When deciding on your natural rink, take this into account. Is there any way you can save water?

Can you store up water naturally over the hot months to use at the end of the year?

Can we use recycled wood or sustainably sourced materials instead?

Natural rinks are excellent, and we’ve set up our fair share over the years.

When we find eco-friendly alternatives, we’ll be doing our part for the environment.

 

What’s a Refrigerated Rink?

Between 1882 and 1892, the first recorded refrigerated rinks were constructed in Germany.

As the name suggests, the rinks use refrigeration to keep the water at a consistent temperature.

Refrigerated rinks make up most community rinks, private rinks, and public rinks that pop up during the Holidays.

Because of the advancement in refrigeration technology, you can even install a small rink in your home or small business. 

Like the natural rink, you’ll have to set up an ample space for your ice rink, complete with watertight walls and a lining. Instead of water, you’ll first need ice rink mats.

These mats contain narrow pipes that will carry the coolant (glycol, brine, or ammonia, for instance) to and from a chiller and compressor.

The refrigeration machine keeps the water at a consistent temperature, constantly removing heat from the surface.

Once everything is in place and the coolant is at the right temperate, water is added to the top to make the ice. 

Refrigerated ice rinks are fantastic for large families, communities or neighborhoods.

Everyone can come together and skate on natural ice.

It will also last a month or two longer than a natural rink.

While there are many moving parts, anyone who has a refrigerated rink says it’s worth the effort. 

Refrigerated Rink and Your Energy Footprint

These rinks have incredible benefits, but from an environmentally conscious standpoint, there are some drawbacks.

Energy consumption is the biggest red flag.

Over the years, refrigerated ice companies have made massive strides in energy-efficient systems.

However, there is still a significant amount needed to keep the rink operational.

Some use 100 amps per 2000 sq ft, which can add up over time.

You’ll also need more gallons of water and regular maintenance.

Like your refrigerator, you’ll need to decide if to keep the chiller on when it is not in use.

When you’re setting up the rink, make sure to keep energy consumption in mind.

Speak with the supplier about your concerns.

A simple way to protect the environment is to opt for a glycol coolant instead of ammonia, as ammonia can be toxic if leaked. 

 

 

All About Your Artificial Ice Rink

Both natural and refrigerated rinks have pros and cons.

A common thread is that both allow you to skate on natural ice.

However, you don’t need natural ice for skating, especially at home.

With artificial ice, you get all the advantages of skating with none of the hassles. 

Artifical ice panels are made from a special infused polyethylene polymer that can be used for skating.

We can trace the first artificial ice panels to more than 30 years ago.

Today, the technology behind artificial ice makes it close to the real thing.

On the best synthetic ice, most skaters should feel a 10% coefficient of friction.

Athletes actually enjoy the added friction for training as it makes them faster and stronger when it’s time to compete on natural ice. 

The biggest appeal to artificial ice comes from its versatility.

You can have the tiles cut to almost any size, and they can interlock like puzzle pieces, making them easy to move and store.

It’s more accessible, and of course, since it’s not natural ice, you can use it at any time during the year.

While it’s not entirely natural ice, you barely feel the difference, especially if you take good care of it.

Synthetic Ice Sounds Terrible For The Environment... But Is It?

If we were doing a word association, “synthetic” would immediately bring the word “plastic” to mind.

Plastic is our environment’s natural enemy.

We use and waste hundreds of thousands of tons of plastics every year.

It’s invaded our waters and affected our wildlife.

It sounds like if you’re investing in synthetic ice tiles, you’re causing harm to the environment. 

This couldn't be father from the truth.

Today, many synthetic ice panels, like ours, are made with non-toxic, environmentally friendly materials AND ARE RECYCABLE!

More importantly, an artificial ice rink lasts at least ten years with the proper care. In the long run, you’ll save significant energy and water.

Imagine the expense and carbon footprint of running a refrigerated ice rink for ten years when you only have to purchase your synthetic tiles once. 

That does not mean there are no drawbacks.

Synthetic ice tiles made with harmful chemicals and materials do exist.

Make sure to research the provider and ask about environmentally friendly panels and accessories like resurfacing liquids. 

 

Conclusion

There are pros and cons to each selection.

Natural ice rinks can use a significant amount of water which is then disposed of at the end of winter.

Refrigerated rinks use water, energy, and potentially harmful chemicals as coolants, while some synthetic ice tiles can have toxic materials. 

In the end, choose the one that has the least amount of impact on the environment.

If there are ways you can minimize your carbon footprint, don’t hesitate to ask!

Synthetic ice tiles are the best choice if you only need a small rink (for instance, a driveway, spare room, or deck).

For a larger space, natural ice rinks hold the advantage but remember their limitations.

Synthetic ice panels also come in panels large enough to cover massive areas, so you can consider those as an option as well.

At Polyglide Ice, we’re committed to providing non-toxic, environmentally friendly tiles, training aids, and accessories.

We construct our panels with the highest degree of quality, giving you a long-lasting, smooth skating experience.

CHECK OUT THIS VIDEO DEMO: https://youtu.be/gRxfNcntwU4

Although the panels are “synthetic” over the long term, they can be an advantage in your quest to save energy, water and be “green” in your way. 

Keep on Skating!! - Jim Loughran