Info & Tips

There are many things to consider when purchasing a synthetic ice rink including whether to go with an "infused" or "non-infused" surface. Infused or "self lubricating" synthetic ice panels are manufactured with a slip agent additive... 

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The average athlete spends 1-3 hours training 5-6 days per week.

This number rises significantly for full-time professional athletes.

Besides practicing the fundamentals of their sport, athletes must also work on strengthening their bodies and improving their speed, conditioning, coordination, and agility.

The need to gain a competitive edge has brought about a rise in different forms of training.

Slide board exercises, which were once only for speed skating and figure skating, are now becoming a useful tool for all sports.

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Slide Board Training for All Sports With The Slip Board By PolyGlide Ice

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A slide board is a long, rectangular tool used to train specific figure and speed skating skills.

These boards are usually smooth, slippery plastic or wood with a footrest on each end.

Some are now made with polymer plastic for more durability and off-ice training.

The user would wear socks or booties on both feet, then slide from one end to the other. 

If you’re a budding athlete or a seasoned professional, you may wonder if adding slide board exercises to your routine makes sense.

Spoiler alert: it does!

Let’s look at some benefits and how you can integrate a slide board to improve your performance based on your sport. 

What are the health benefits for athletes that train using a slide board?

When you place your slide board on the floor and use it for the first time, it can feel strange and even a little silly, especially if you’ve never skated.

But as you continue using it, you’ll notice some fantastic benefits, such as:

• Improved cardiovascular health: Athletes must have excellent lung capacity, endurance, and energy stores to compete at a high level. Some more than others. For instance, basketball players can run 4-6 miles per game, while soccer players can run up to 8.5 miles. Slide board exercises help increase and maintain heart rate, improving endurance.
• Improved balance: Figure skaters performing triple Loops or Axels need great balance between takeoff and landing. The same goes for many of the popular high-contact sports today. Slide board exercises activate many stabilizing muscles, such as the core, glutes, quadriceps, calf, and ankle muscles.
• Build your speed: The faster you go on a slide board, the more control you’ll achieve with your overall movement and change of direction. That can translate to more speed and control in your movements.
• A low-impact alternative: Athletes exert ridiculous force on their joints when running, jumping, or colliding with others. Constant joint injuries can shorten or limit the career of even the best athletes. The athletes that stick around the longest (think Tom Brady and LeBron James) focus on flexibility and pliability. Slide board exercises are a low-impact option for strength and conditioning, which can translate to fewer injuries. It’s excellent for lower and upper body exercises. A slide board is also great for recovery from injury. A low-impact option helps athletes to strengthen the surrounding muscles while reducing the shock around the injured joint or muscle.
• It’s just fun!: Even for the seasoned athlete, exercise can be boring. Using a slide board is a great way to add some variety and fun to your training.

What muscles do slide board exercises work?

When looking at how you use a slide board, it’s easy to assume that it’s only for lower body exercises.

However, slide boards are excellent for the entire body.

You must engage your core muscles in any routine to maintain balance.

The constant movement is also a great calorie burner. 

A slide board is also versatile as it can also target parts of the upper body.

By assuming pushup or plank positions with your hands or forearms on the board, you can perform a variety of strength-building exercises. 

Lower body:

You can perform sliding exercises on the board facing any direction.

Slide boards are known for strengthening the lower body and can target specific exercises.

They are helpful for the glutes, hamstrings, quadriceps, calves, and ankles.

It also supports the hips and stabilizes the knees, protecting the knee’s meniscus and ligaments. 

Upper body:

Moving the arms during slide drills is sure to give them a workout.

Yet, slide boards are versatile enough to target specific muscles in the upper body.

You can target the chest, biceps, triceps, and shoulders with pushups, reaches, reverse flies, and planks. 

If you play a specific sport, you may be eager to know which slide board exercises are best.

Some exercises help all sports with balance, core strength, and endurance.

However, your discipline may benefit from slide board routines targeting specific body parts.

Here are some of the more popular sports and the respective exercises to enhance performance. 

What are the best slide board exercises for skaters?

Figure skaters and speed skaters need a strong core, glute, and leg muscles for balance and speed.

For figure skaters, these muscles also help the skater perform turns, spins, and difficult jumps.

Skaters must also stay light and lean to perform double and triple jumps with ease.

Additionally, strong hips help generate power, enhance agility, and improve flexibility.

Here are 5 slide board exercises to become a faster, stronger skater.

1. Skating drills: Use the slide board for its intended purpose, skating side to side. Increase the speed and duration of skating as needed.
2. Slide board lunge: Put on your slideboard socks or booties and practice a deep lunge from one side to the other.
3. Reverse Planks: Follow this guide. You’re going to sit on the floor, press your arms behind you at shoulder width, then extend your hips and torso to the ceiling. With the board, you can slide your feet around in different directions to increase the intensity.
4. Leg lifts: Lie on your back flat on the board. Raise one foot at a time (or both) to stabilize and strengthen the core.
5. Slide board squats: Use the board to slide your feet out while you squat. You can also try split squats, alternating feet using the board’s sliding effect, or the curtsy squat, an excellent exercise for skaters.

Along with these strengthening exercises, the slide board is also a great tool to practice the mechanics of a figure skater’s jump, helping coaches to correct any technical flaws.  

What are the best slide board exercises for hockey players and goalies?

Hockey players, especially goalies, have the added burden of nearly 15 pounds of gear while on the ice.

Endurance and speed are vital for hockey players who must establish a low center of gravity when racing for the puck.

They also need strong arms and shoulders for holding the stick and receiving (or giving) the occasional body check.

Some useful slide board exercises include:

1. Lateral slides: Stand in the center of the board with a tall body, strong core, and hands on hips. Slide one foot away from the body as far as possible (without bending the knee) while maintaining your rigid body position. You can change things up by bending the knee of the standing leg when performing your slide. 
2. Standing Lunges: Stand tall and extend one leg back and away from the body as far as possible while bending the knee of the standing leg.
3. Skating drills (with or without your stick): Use the board to slide from one end to the other. Grab your stick to establish the same motion and mechanics, keeping your knees always bent and a low center of gravity.
4. Explosive skating drills from a kneeling position: For our goalies out there, you’ll constantly find yourself on your knees, protecting your goal as much as possible. A great slideboard drill is to start on one end from a kneeling position, then explode up to your feet, sliding to the other end. Repeat to get back to your starting position. Do this with your stick in hand for an effective full-body workout.
5. Slideboard pushups: If you’re recovering from an arm or shoulder injury, try low-impact pushups. Get into a pushup position with your arms on the slide board. Stretch one arm away from your body as you lower yourself into a pushup, then return the arm when you come back up.

Repeat these exercises as many times as recommended by your trainer or doctor (if you’re recovering from injury). 

What are the best slide board exercises for baseball players?

Baseball players need strong, explosive arms and shoulders for pitching and hitting.

That means strong wrists, forearms, biceps, triceps, and shoulders.

Pitchers can throw hundreds of times per week in practice and games.

The same goes for those practicing their hitting, swinging over 100 times a day.

Combining a slide board with dumbbells, resistance bands, or kettlebells can take your performance to the next level.

Here are some slideboard exercises:

1. Sliding Lunges: Baseball players may pitch and hit, but they depend on their lower bodies to generate power. Lunges can strengthen the hips, quadriceps, and glutes, improving performance.
2. Side-to-side slideboard drills: Just because you’re not a figure skater does not mean you can’t skate. Build your endurance with side-to-side slide board exercises.
3. Plyometric pushups: Gain explosiveness in your arms and shoulders with these plyometric pushups. Explode up from the slide board with every rep.
4. Slide board shoulder extensions: Place your arms on the slideboard in a plank or modified plank position. Extend one arm as far in front of you as possible, lowering your body to get the best range of motion. Return to the starting position, then extend the opposite arm.
5. Arm circles: Adopt a plank position with your arms on the slideboard covered with socks or booties. Form circles one at a time with each arm.

Slide boards are great low-impact tools on days you need light exercise or as a part of physical therapy after an injury. 

What are the best slide board exercises for basketball, football, and soccer players?

Basketball, football, and soccer players all depend on full-body power and endurance.

These disciplines require a strong core and lower body.

Basketball and football players also benefit from strong shoulders.

Some of the best exercises include:

• Dumbbell lateral lunges
• Mountain climbers
• Romanian deadlifts
• Single-leg squats (pistol squats)
• Planks
• Push-ups
• Shuffle exercises

These can all be modified by adding weights, resistance bands, or kettlebells.

How can someone improve their athletic performance using a slide board?

Whether for strengthening your body or improving your performance, slide boards are excellent for all sports.

They are also invaluable for ramping up recovery.

Slide boards are a low-impact tool for increasing strength around the injured muscle and joint.

Along with improving your cardiovascular performance, agility, and mobility, slide boards are a fun way to exercise and remain motivated through a grueling season.

Remember to stay consistent, follow the instructions of a coach or trainer, and be consistent to enjoy the benefits of a slide board.

Check out our glide-infused Slip Board that offers the ultimate slide board workout!

 

 

So you're finally ready to take your ice skating to the next level and have decided on purchasing synthetic ice tiles.....or so you thought.

While doing your research you find yourself asking yourself;

"Do I want synthetic ice tiles or panels?"

Well, There are many reasons why people purchase synthetic ice.

Maybe your kids are eager to get in more reps to prepare for the new hockey season.

Perhaps you've got a bit of an entrepreneurial spirit, and you're going to make some money with a huge rink.

Whatever the reason, you're probably thinking about synthetic ice.

Synthetic ice is a great way to enjoy skating without natural ice.

A common question we're asked is the difference between our synthetic ice tiles and pro-glide panels.

Each product has its pros and cons.

To get the most out of your purchase, we're going to outline the key differences, uses, and important facts you need to know.

 

 

Understanding Synthetic Ice

Before we go further, let's touch a bit on the concept of synthetic ice.

Synthetic ice is made of a durable polyethylene material that's specially designed for skating.

That means you can use your metal figure skates or hockey skates on the tiles or panels.

In the past, it was crazy to think about skating on something that was not real ice.

Today, technology has allowed us to create these interlocking tiles or panels that feel close to the real thing.

Synthetic ice is durable and makes skating accessible to thousands of people.

If you want to learn more about synthetic ice and its uses, read our Expectations vs. Reality blog for a deep dive into the world of synthetics. 

Option 1: Tiles

When you head over to our site, you'll have the option of Home Ice Tiles or Pro-Glide Panels.

Home Ice Tiles are our popular product and got a bit of notoriety thanks to our appearance on Shark Tank.

When you order a kit, you receive four equally sized tiles in a convenient box.

The tiles are about 1/4 inch thick and cover 32 square feet when assembled.

This is our lightweight entry product (each weighs about 10 lbs) and can easily be shipped almost anywhere in the world.

Keep in mind that there are several lightweight tile products on the market that have a hollow back and can be only skated on one side.

When reaching out to manufacturers be sure to ask, "Can your synthetic ice tiles be skated on both sides?"

People who opt for our home ice tiles love them for several reasons:

Tiles Are Great For Skills And Drills.

With 32 square feet of tiles per box, you basically get a mini rink with each order.

That's fine because home ice tiles are perfect for skills and drills.

For example, you can set up a space for hockey players to practice slap shots or stickhandling techniques.

If you're a figure skater, you can practice beginner to advanced spins on your tiles.

If you want a space where you can put in countless hours practicing specific skills, this is for you.

They're Portable

With a mallet and just a few minutes, you can have your home ice tiles in a designated space of choice.

With the same speed you put them together, you can take them apart.

Choose this product if you're setting up in a multi-use indoor space like a garage, basement or living room.

We've even seen mini-rinks set up in kitchens!

When you're done, you can store them away until it's time to skate the next day.

 

 

You Can Customize Them For Almost Any Space

Do you just have a long corridor to work with?

Are you setting up your rink in a playroom or den?

You can place your panels in a straight line, square or rectanglar shape.

If you purchase multiple boxes of synthetic ice tiles, you have even more flexibility that will allow you to get the most out of almost any space.

They're Easy To Maintain

Large, natural ice rinks require a lot of maintenance.

You'll have to clean and resurface the ice, protect it from rain (if it's outdoors), and buy several different maintenance products.

If you're looking for a hassle-free way to skate, you can go for these tiles.

Even large at-home rinks need minimal maintenance compared to natural ice rinks.

You'll only need mild PH neutral soap mixed with water to clean your panels (with a cloth or dedicated mop).

We also formulated our slip surface conditioner to help maintain a slick surface.

They're Durable Yet Scalable

With just a few clicks, you can add multiple boxes to your order.

As the number increases, you double your square footage.

That makes tiles scalable at an affordable cost.

Remember, these are lightweight, interlocking tiles that are easily movable, customizable, and long-lasting.

On average, our synthetic ice tiles last eight years or more.

If you're planning a larger rink project to install in a dedicated space, your next option is pro-glide panel.

 

 

Option 2: Pro-Glide Panels

For the serious ice skater, home ice tiles may not be enough.

And for a space to accommodate lots of skaters, you'll need something much more durable over time.

In this case, our pro-glide panels are the preferred option.

Pro-glide panels are twice as thick as our synthetic ice tiles, and each panel is almost twice as large, meaning fewer interlocking seams.

One panel can weigh between 40 and 80 lbs and must be freight shipped to your location. Keep this in mind when ordering your panels.

PolyGlide synthetic ice tiles and Pro-glide panels come infused with a special lubricant that helps it sustain its performance.

However, you can grab an additional surface conditioner for maintenance purposes.

As you can tell, the clear difference lies in the size, weight, and shipping options.

So why choose pro-glide panels?

You're Looking For A Durable Rink For Hardcore Use.

Some customers want tiles for recreational use or for their kids to practice on the weekends.

Others are hardcore, professional skaters that need the space and durability for training and practice sessions.

These pros need the performance of a professional-grade rink without the hassle of maintaining natural ice.

Furthermore, if you plan to have large groups skating at your home rink (for instance, teammates coming over to practice), you should invest in a more durable option.

You Have Lots Of Space To Play With

Professional grade panels are best if you have a large backyard or space, deck, garage, or barn that you'll be turning into a rink.

The large panels mean fewer interlocking tiles and more seamless surface.

It also means you spend less time installing your rink.

The only caveat is that you'll need more help to construct your rink due to the weight and size of the panels.

 

 

Your Budget Is A Bit More Flexible

If you have the space and a larger budget, professional-grade panels are a better choice.

Compared to home ice tiles, you'll get a greater return on your investment over time.

For heavy use, pro panels have the least amount of surface wear and do less damage to your blades.

The larger rink could even start paying you back if you're a coach or influencer.

It's Great For Commercial Spaces

As it starts to get colder, the thoughts of ice skating heat up.

Every year, businesses wishing to capitalize on that interest install large refrigerated rinks leaving small to medium-sized companies behind. 

With professional-grade panels, you too can add some value to your business with a large rink.

These panels are great for heavy traffic during the holidays or any special event throughout the year.

Also, unlike outsourcing a company to install and maintain your rink every year, the panels are yours.

That means you can properly care for them and store them, then whip them out every winter.

 

 

Plan Your Purchase With These Questions

One thing's for sure; you know you wanted a durable, natural ice replacement for your home or business.

Now you also see the difference between tiles and panels.

With this info, now ask yourself these questions to make an easier decision:

1. What am I going to use the rink for?
2. How many people need access to the rink?
3. Do I have enough space?
4. How often would I/they be skating?
5. What's my budget?
6. Is it going to be a long-term rink or a temporary setup? Where will I store it when it's not in use?

Our  product has made leaps and bounds over the years and can now support skaters in different scenarios.

It would be unfortunate if you purchased the wrong type of tile/panel for your space and needs.

Take your time and make the choice that's right for you.

Conclusion

It's a common misconception to hear the term 'synthetic ice' and think they're all created equal.

Remember, when we talk about synthetic ice tiles, think about a lighter, more customizable product that's easy to get to you.

When we use the term 'panel,' we're thinking heavy-duty, large panels that must be freighted to you. 

Even with a clear understanding of the difference and what you want, you may still need some help in terms of measurement, accessories, and so on.

If that's the case, feel free to reach out to us, and we'll be happy to help.

What are you going to do with your synthetic ice tiles or panels?....Let us know!

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

You can still practice basic to complex hockey drills, even with the current pandemic. With synthetic ice panels, you can get an amazing skating experience and come out better than ever. Here are some trips and drills for synthetic ice for hockey at home.

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Thanksgiving, Black Friday, and Cyber Monday are always a challenge to find the ultimate gift with each passing year.

The holidays are always a special time to share special memories.

And one of the biggest problems we face every year?

Stressing to find the perfect gift for your kids, relatives, and loved ones.

If you have some hockey-playing kids or relatives in your life, then you’re in luck.

This holiday gift guide for hockey lovers is right up your alley. 

This gift guide will cover the at-home essentials and some great stocking stuffers that will make anyone smile.

So keep scrolling so you can get some hockey gift-giving inspiration!

1. A Stick and a pair of skates.

What’s hockey without its two most essential tools?

Do you have kids raring to get into the sport?

Or a relative who needs an upgrade?

They’ll love a new stick or a pair of skates.

The right stick or skates could make a massive difference in power and performance.

In terms of both sticks and skates, Bauer and CCM are the most popular brands.

If you need some stick ideas, consider:

• STX Ice Hockey Surgeon RX3.1 brings the right mix of speed and power.

• Arsenal Envy Carbon Fiber Ice Hockey Stick withTechnology that “delivers consistent explosiveness and precision.”

• STX Stallion HPR2 Ice Hockey Stick with Composite Grip, has fantastic durability. 

And for skates:

• The Bauer Supreme S22 M1 Junior Ice Skates is a great, budget-friendly senior skate that promises comfort, flexibility, and support.
• The CCM Super Tacks 9350 Senior Ice Hockey Skates focuses on durability, stability, and protection while still being a comfortable fit.

• Tour Hockey Tr-750 Ice Hockey Skate that promises best-in-class fit and comfort.

Make sure to get the right size and fit, so you don’t have a disappointed loved one on Christmas Day!

2. A Sweet Grip Stocking-Stuffer

Having a good grip on your hockey stick is crucial for performance.

Tape has always been the go-to for professional hockey players and squirts alike.

While taping is almost synonymous with hockey, it can be a painstaking process.

Taping can also get dirty, smell, and lose its luster, needing continual replacement. Investing in a grip not only makes the process faster, but it lasts much longer.

Companies like Sniper Skin allows you to customize your grip in the color and style of your choice.

Get your loved one a sweet hockey stick grip that gives the user a consistent performance, even when wet.

3. A Shooting Pad or Stickhandling Pad.

Do you know a hockey lover looking to improving their skills but has no access to a rink? Get them a Pro-Skill Infused Shooting Pad.

Shooting pads are large solid panels made of high-quality polyethylene material that feels just like natural ice.

It’s also infused, meaning it will always feel smooth like ice and won’t need future treatment.

The pad can be used on a flat surface to practice their stick control or shooting. 

4. Slip Slide Board

The Slip Slide Board by PolyGlide Ice offers a premium surface that simulates the slickness and glide of real ice, perfect for training and recreational activities.

Its durable design and superior performance ensure a realistic skating experience, whether for practice or play.

5. A Hockey Net with shooting targets.

The future Maurice Richard Trophy winner in your life will need a net to practice their shooting.

Gift them an at-home hockey net complete with shooting targets.

Most goals come with targets in the lower and upper corners to become excellent scorers, preparing them for their next game.

The EZ Goal steel goal with net backdrop is a perfect example of a hockey net they can use to practice indoors and outdoors.

 

If they already have a hockey net, the Franklin Shooting Targets can strap on to any corner of your goal.

Or try the Forza Hockey shooting tool that wraps over any net and provides five scoring zones. 

6. Give the gift of agility.

What you do off the ice is just as important as what you do on it.

The great hockey players know that agility, speed, and acceleration can give them an advantage.

Learning those fundamentals is as simple as performing consistent agility drills.

A set of agility cones will be a perfect gift for the person ready to level up with some simple agility drills in their back yard or driveway.

You can also gift a set of agility ladders, which helps with improved footwork and balance. 

7. Maintain your Edge with the "Re-Edger"

Features a Handheld Multi-Function Skate Blade Sharpener that includes Ceramic Steel and Replaceable Honing Stone.
Perfect for "On-the-Fly" Skate Blade Repairs during practices and games.
From A&R Sports, the leading brand in sports accessories for over 20 years

 

8. Grit HTFX Hockey Tower Equipment Bag

 

Who wants hockey sticks, gloves, skates, and training equipment scattered everywhere?

To keep everything organized, you can gift a hockey equipment bag or ice skating duffel bag.

After training at home, kids or professional athletes can keep all their equipment in one place.

And when it’s time to head to the actual rink, they can just grab and go.

Try the Grit HTFX Hockey Tower Equipment Bag !

 

9. Synthetic Panels For Their Own Rink

What's hockey gear without ice?. So why not gift a hockey rink?

While it sounds crazy, it’s possible with synthetic ice panels.

Synthetic ice panels are made of durable polyethylene that connects like puzzle pieces to cover any flat surface.

These panels feel like real ice as you skate on them with your metal skates.

Gifting a few of our panels will be enough to set up their basement, driveway, garage, or spare room with their own rink.  

10. Passing Aid or Rebounding Dasher Curb.

Wit their synthetic ice rink installed, your kid or loved one would be eager to practice. But who will pass the puck?

Adding The Bounce Bar’s Rebounding Dasher Curb keeps the puck contained while using special rebounding foam to help them play off the walls.

Besides curbs to fit your rink, you can also gift stand-alone passing aids so they can practice shooting off of quick passes.

11. Give the Gift of Hockey Classes.

Does the hockey enthusiast in your life need some extra help?

Why not gift some coaching classes? Coaching can help youth and adult players alike improve their skills.

More importantly, a coach holds them accountable!

While others are slacking off, they will be making an immense progress.

You can gift one or a bundle of classes so they can get expert advice and training.

With the pandemic, training has become increasingly difficult.

So make sure the trainer or coach can provide online classes.

12. Rep Your Favorite Team!

This year’s NHL was unlike any we’ve experienced.

For the hockey fan in your life, gift them with a Team Tee or an authentic hockey T-shirt from their favorite team to get ready for any season.

 

13. For The Hockey Gamer

If the hockey lover in your life is a gamer, you can’t go wrong with NHL 2K21 for PS4 or Xbox.

The Great Eight, Alex Ovechkin, has both his face and fingerprint on the game.

Players get to follow Ovechkin’s career, play NHL ‘94 in Past Meets Present, and create the next superstar in Be A Pro mode.

They’ll enjoy learning the game and skills while having fun with their favorite NHL players.

Help them have a hockey Christmas!

These gifts are sure to make the hockey lover in your life happy.

Sure to make it a special one to remember for years to come!

Throughout the last few years, more and more persons were not getting to enjoy the ice sports they love.

Gifts like synthetic ice panels, rebounders, and our infused training surfaces can help them train at home at their will.

If you need ideas on some of our products to help with your holiday shopping, don’t hesitate to contact us today.