The Health Benefits of Ice Skating with Synthetic Ice
So you were wondering what the health benefits of ice skating with synthetic ice are?
Could be the reason is you find yourself feeling out of shape during the long, cold winter months?
Is it difficult to stay motivated to exercise, particularly when there's frost on the ground?
Are you ready to ice skate your way to good health?
The good news is that now with PolyGlide Synthetic Ice you no longer have to live near a rink to ice skate.
If your home exercise equipment or local gym is failing to get you up and out of your easy chair we have an answer.
It may be time to try a new type of exercise that will get you in shape.
How about something that:
- Gets your heart beating
- Improves your balance
- Will Keep You Fit
- Adds Fun to your Workout
Why not try something new that now can be done in the Comfort of your own home?
Ice skating might just be the perfect fit for you!
You may follow figure skating competitions or snow sports during the winter Olympics or enjoy watching your favorite hockey team square off against its rivals — but do you ice skate yourself?
It’s never too late to learn and now you can bring the rink home with your own PolyGlide Synthetic Ice.
There's no need for electric, no water or messy rink liners.
Just grab a few panels and start skating!
You can learn to ice skate your way to good health at any age.
Learn more about the benefits of this fun and invigorating winter activity and how you can get to enjoy working out.
It's easier on joints than running or jogging and improves coordination and agility.
The great news is that now with PolyGlide Synthetic Ice you can practice ice skating in the comfort of your own home whithout even getting in your car.
Health benefits of ice skating
- Skating is a Great Way to Improve Your Mental Fitness
Ice skating can improve your mental fitness with each workout.
As you learn to skate, you’ll challenge your mind and body to develop new skills, increase your self-confidence, and exercise mental control.
Hitting your local ice rink together can help you unwind and relieve stress in the company of loved ones.
This fun seasonal activity is also a great way to spend time with friends and family members.
- Skating Helps Relieve Stress by Getting Your Heart Rate Up
Ice skating is great for your heart and lungs with every stride!
It provides an aerobic workout, getting your heart pumping and improving your circulation.
This can help you feel more alert and energetic, while lowering your risk of heart disease.
- You'll Burn More Calories Skating for an Hour Than You Will Walking for the Same Time Period
Ice skating can also help you lose weight, especially if you combine it with a healthy and well-balanced diet.
You can potentially burn more than 200 calories for every half hour of skating, reports Harvard Medical School.
- Skating Strengthens the Muscles in Your Legs, Hips, and Back
Ice skating also tones and stretches your muscles as you learn to engage your abdominals, thighs, and calves to maintain your balance.
The more you skate, the more strength and endurance you’ll develop.
Before you get started
Talk to your doctor
As with any exercise program, it's wise to check with your doctor before starting to ice skate.
They can help you decide if you're in good enough health to take on the challenge.
They can also help you understand the risks and benefits, and strategies to avoid injury as you ice skate your way to good health.
Stock your closet
It’s important to dress warmly but in layers when you skate, so you can shed clothing as you start to warm up (Unless of course your skating on your own home PolyGlide Synthteic Ice rink).
Leggings and stretchy fitted tops allow freedom of motion.
Wear microfiber socks rather than cotton socks. They will absorb moisture and fit well on your feet, reducing your risk of blisters.
Wear gloves, not only for warmth, but also to protect your hands if you fall.
Consider wearing hip, knee, elbow, and wrist pads or guards to protect your joints against injuries.
A helmet can also help you stay safe by avoiding head injuries.
Wearing protective equipment is especially important if you're not confident in your balance.
These precautions can help you avoid injury and continue skating, even after a fall.
Rent or Buy Skates
When you first start, consider renting your skates at the local rink instead of buying them.
That will give you the chance to try different styles to learn what you like and don't like.
When it comes time to buy, you’ll have more experience and knowledge on which to base your purchasing decision.
If you want to buy skates right away, get some advice from a reputable skating instructor.
They can help you determine which skates may be best for you.
Whatever you decide, make sure your skates fit well to your foot.
Skate sizes don't always match shoe sizes. Your heels should be snug against the back of your skates, and you should be able to wiggle your toes up and down.
Hitting the Ice
Once you've got your doctor’s approval and basic apparel, you're ready to go skating.
You can choose a public skate time at your local rink OR invest in a synthetic ice starter kit to practice your training at home.
Lessons - You can invest in group or private lessons.
Or you can ask a friend or family member who knows how to skate to help you learn.
Relax - Try to relax as you fall, so you don't land too stiffly.
Protect your wrists, elbows, hips, and knees if possible. If you can, land on your backside.
That's the least likely part of your body to get injured.
Falling - You’ll probably fall a few times along the way, so it’s important to learn how to fall in ways that will minimize your risk of injury.
Tuck your hands in close so other skaters don't run over your fingers when you are down.
Stopping - Practice stopping as soon as you can.
This will be your most important skill.
You can use the T-stop, where you drag one skate behind the other at a 45-degree angle.
Or you can use the snowplow stop, where you push your skates apart and form a pigeon-toed position, using the inside of the blades to shave the ice and slow your momentum.
Stay Positive - Try not to become discouraged. Remember you're learning something entirely new.
It’s important to be patient with yourself and enjoy the journey.
Conclusion
The hardest part as with any training program is just getting started.
By now, we hope you’ve learned plenty about the joys of ice skating and how you can ice skate your way to good health.
But there is so much more than just learning how to skate!
Be sure to check out our other related blogs for even more information on this fun and healthy lifelong activity!
Are you ready to start skating?
Take a look at some of our most popular rink packages!
PolyGlide Ice - Home Ice Tiles
PolyGlide Ice - Pro-Glide Panels
Keep on Skating!
Jim Loughran, PolyGlide Ice
www.polyglideice.com