Info & Tips

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

 

The W.E.A.R. Score Generator Tool

A skater's W.E.A.R. Score provides basic information on all the elements that affect the edge sharpness of an ice skater's blade.

By using the W.E.A.R. Score Generator Tool, any skater can better understand how long their skate blade may hold its edge given these four key elements:

Skaters' Weight, Edge Blade Type, Abrasive Surface, and Rink Hrs per week.

So what's your Score?

Answer each of the four (4) highlighted categories using the W.E.A.R. Scoring Schedule below. 

Each of these factors directly impact the sharpness of your blades which will determine your overall W.E.A.R. Score. 

(Note: Try refreshing your browser if you have trouble loading the tool)

How Do I Find Out My Skate Blade W.E.A.R. Score?

Follow each of the 4-steps below to calculate your overall skate blade W.E.A.R. Score on the graph above.

Note: The higher the Score, the duller the blade, and the need for additional sharpenings (or better quality skates, blades, or blade runners).

Easy 4-Step Instructions:

Step One

Weight: To start the W.E.A.R. Score generator, simply enter the skater's body weight, and the Weight Score will enter into the score field and onto the bar graph to begin the process.

Step Two

Edge: Using the Schedule above, enter the Score for the type of blade that the skater is currently using in the second field just below the Weight Score.

Note: If the skate blade is "Chrome-Plated," then deduct .5 from the scheduled Score before entering it into the score field.

Step Three:

Abrasion: As you can see, surface friction varies from fresh-cut arena ice all the way down to synthetic ice skating tiles (single-sided).

On Arena ice, skate blades will see more wear as the ice surface gets chopped up, much like you would see at any weekend public skating session.

Enter a score of 1 to 5 depending on the condition and quality of the ice with regard to how chopped up it is. 

Note: (Synthetic Ice) Deduct .5 from the Score for Infused synthetic ice surfaces that have a conditioner or glide enhancer applied to the Surface.

Step Four:

Rink Hours: While the previous three W.E.A.R. Scores play a role in the overall sharpness of any skate blade, nothing affects the sharpness more than the time you spend skating on the ice.

Enter a score of 1 to 5 based on the "Rink Hrs. Per Week" Schedule above. You can combine any of the hours in the Schedule above to configure your total hours between skate sharpenings. 

Example: To enter 14 skating hours add Scores 5 (12+ Hrs) plus 1 (1-2 hrs.) for a total score of 6 in the Rink Hrs. Score field above.

What's Considered a good W.E.A.R. Score?

You'll notice as your time on the ice increases, between practices, performances, and games, so does your W.E.A.R. Score.

Once your score exceeds a 4.5 rating, it's probably time to take a good look at your edges and consider getting them sharpened.

If you see that over time you seem to be sharpening your skates more often, you may want to consider upgrading your blade runners.

Like a faucet that needs a washer, there's no need to replace a pair of perfectly broken in skate boots if the blade is the only issue.

How Do I Know When To Sharpen My Skate Blades?

It's a good idea to get in the habit of carefully feeling your skate blade edges for dullness after you dry them before putting them in your bag.

You can also visually see if your edges are uneven if you line up your eye behind the heel and look straight down along the bottom runner of the blade.

By placing a quarter on the bottom of the blade, a trained eye can see if one edge is higher or lower than the other and needs sharpening.

The first thing you'll begin to feel on the ice while skating is that you won't be able to push off or grip the ice as well when the blade starts to dull.

You'll then start to lose your edge while performing crossovers or sharp turns, preventing you from angling closer to the ice.

Staying Sharp

As you can see, there are many things that can dull a skater's blade over time, depending on what their edges are exposed to and the quality of the skate blade.

Record a log of your ice time and the "feel" of your edges so you have a better understanding of when they may need to be sharpened.

A fun mathematical exercise is to track your total ice time hrs. between sharpenings and divide the cost of a single skate blade sharpening by that number.

Here's an example:

• 16hrs. of total ice time between sharpenings
• $12 per sharpening
• Cost = $0.75 cents per hour of ice time

Be sure to choose a skate blade that is appropriate for your skill level and take into consideration whether or not you have access to a skate sharpener when needed.

You will find out that over time, properly maintaining your skate edge will help you become a better skater and advance your overall skills.

Stay sharp, and keep on skating!

 

 

  

Skating on synthetic ice has been a fantastic experience for our customers.

With synthetic ice, you can acquire panels cut and designed to your specifications.

That means you can skate almost anywhere and, more importantly, anytime during the year.

Of course, like peanut butter and jelly, synthetic ice won’t work without ice skates.

So it’s about time we answer a question that we get all the time; how do you buy skates for synthetic ice?

We’ve gone to many lengths to ensure that our synthetic ice feels as close to the real thing.

For the uninitiated, synthetic ice are panels made of polyethylene sheets

These tiles were initially introduced for large-scale ice rinks.

Now, you can get custom-made panels that interlock for your home. 

PolyGlide’s Synthetic Ice, in particular, has gone through changes to make the skating experience feel like natural ice.

Wherever you decide to set up your rink, you’ll want an excellent skating experience.

These tips for buying your skates will help you make the best out of your ice.  

 

 

Tips for Buying Ice Skates

Yes, you’ll need your metal skates for your synthetic ice.

If you’re buying your first skates or upgrading some old ones, you’ll need to think about a few things:

What’s your flavor?

The first thing that you should consider is the skate’s primary use.

If you’re starting in ice skating, this means you have to choose between figure skates or ice hockey skates. 

These skates differ in style, blades, and fit for the wearer according to their purpose. 

 

 

Figure skates

Figure skates are generally very flexible to support the wide range of movements (think spinning, gliding, jumping, stretching, and turning). 

Figure skates are usually made of leather which gives a tight fit yet allows quick movements.

The blades are also exceptionally sharp.

This quality enables the figure skaters to make quick turns and accurate movements.

They also have toe picks that look like tiny teeth.

This feature allows you to have more control of the skate when you jump or spin. 

Ice hockey skates

Ice hockey skates are typically lighter, narrower, and flatter compared to figure skates.

These qualities are necessary so they won’t hurt your game.

Compared to figure skates, hockey skates have a stiffer boot to protect your foot in a high-contact sport like hockey.

The blades of ice hockey skates don’t have toe picks. Instead, they are narrower and rounded at the front and back, making them quite curved.

This curved design gives the player increased speed, agility, and maneuverability. 

 

 

Recreational skates

Skating is a great hobby and a great way to stay fit! So you may need recreational skates instead.

Recreational ice skates are usually cheaper, with a balance between protection and style.

Most are lightweight with extra ventilation.

These skates are simple, reliable, and last a long time if you’re occasionally skating.

Consider your experience level.

Next is your skill and experience level. Ice skates are also designed to suit your skills.

There are entry-level skates, intermediate and advanced skaters. 

So as your level progresses, you’ll realize the need to buy a new one. 

Entry-level skates

This type of skates has synthetic outers and linings, a PVC sole, and a basic blade.

It’s best for occasional skating or if you are starting to learn how to skate.

If you wish to try figure skating, entry-level skates may not be able to support your movements.

Intermediate and Advanced

If you’ve progressed to this level already, you may check out the products of some top manufacturers like Bauer, Risport, Riedell, and K2.

These companies have invested in research and development to ensure that their skates will perform as excellently as their wearer. 

Recreational skates

Recreational skates are designed for fun and occasional ice skating.

They have a simplified lacing pattern to make it quick and easy for the owner to wear and remove.

These skates work for those who have improved their skills, but it’s not built for jumps and spins.  

Know the correct size and fit for you.

Next, think about the size and fit.

Your skates must fit well. If you or your kids hit the ice, you’ll be there for a while.

The last thing you’d want is a pair of skates that are too big, or worse, too small. Poor-fitting skates cause blisters and can make the experience less than desirable. 

Unlike conventional shoes, where you have to worry about the length (size) of the shoe, skates have a couple more dimensions to consider:

1. Your skate size is your starting point. Your shoe size and your skate aren’t the same measurements. Skate sizes are measured about one and a half (1.5) units smaller than regular shoe sizes. So if you wear a size 10, your skate size is 9.5. For kids, it’s one size smaller.
2. Skates also come with skate width as a measurement. The width helps with a proper fit from the instep. Skate widths come from Narrow To Extra-wide, allowing the skates to stay snug during turns and stops.  
3. Skates also fit by volume. This is the overall shape and cuts of the boot. The volume determines the space you’ll have at the heel and specific performance measures native to that brand. Volume comes in High, Medium, and Low, particularly with hockey skates. These measurements allow skates to be versatile. For instance, you can get a Medium volume skate with a width that’s ‘Extra-wide.’ 

The skates’ size and fit are necessary for you to have absolute control of the blades, especially if you are a figure skater who jumps and spins. 

Finding your true size can be difficult, especially if you’re buying online.

Luckily, you can trace your foot on a sheet of paper to get the right length and width according to the brand’s style guide.

 

 

When you do get a pair or get to try them on, loosen the laces or buckles, then push your foot forward, there should be enough space to insert a finger behind your heel.

It is also best to wear the socks you’re planning to use for ice skating when trying on and buying ice skates. 

There are ice skates that are already adjustable for kids - allowing parents to lengthen the boot as the kid grows.

Adjustable models can expand to 3 or 4 sizes, which is best and practical if the child is still growing. 

Consider how often you’ll use the skates.

If you’re trying out ice skating or might go on the rink just a few times, then you should not invest in an expensive skate. Regular, recreational ones will do.

If you are a professional figure skater or hockey player, then you’ll most likely wear the skates for hours every day.

In this case, you need to invest in a durable, high-performance skate.

Research different brands.

If you’re investing in a skate for long-term, extensive use, make sure to do some research first.

Go through the different brands and study the various models that suit your needs and preferences.

Look for reviews from actual users. You can even ask coaches and other athletes in your sport for recommendations. 

Consider renting first.

On the flip side, if you’re trying out ice skating as a new hobby or simply not prepared to spend on skates, think about renting a pair.

Rental skates can help you try out different fits and brands until you reach more advanced levels. Brands like Riedell have a great online rental program. 

Skating Tips on Synthetic Ice

When you get your fresh pair of skates, you’ll be eager to hit your synthetic ice rink. Here are some tips to help you get the best out of the experience. 

Keep your blades nice and sharp. 

Before hitting the ice, have your skate blades sharpened which will do wonders for your performance.

Depending on the intensity of your movements, aim for a specific Radius Of Hollow or ROH.

Ice skate blades have two edges with a curved hollow between them.

The depth of the hollow determines factors like glide and speed. 

A ⅝ ROH shallow sharpening helps you specifically with gliding.

However, if you are still losing an edge frequently, you may try a deeper ½” sharpening to keep the hollow longer.

Having a sharpening machine at home is a recommended investment. 

Invest in a second pair of skates. 

If you switch from synthetic ice to natural ice or vice versa, invest in a second pair of skates dedicated to synthetic ice training.

This will save some time sharpening your skates every time you want (or have) to skate on natural ice.

Having an alternative pair of skates will also lengthen the lifespan of the blades of both. 

Heat your blades.

Next is to heat your skate blades.

Set aside at least 2 to 5 minutes to warm up the steel before stepping on any synthetic ice.

Warmed-up steel will have better interaction with the surface and prevent skidding.

This step is also helpful to activate the embedded lubricant. 

Clean your synthetic ice

Eventually, your synthetic ice will produce shavings.

The new ridges made from your blades improve the performance of the skates, but excess shavings do the opposite.

For the best experience, clean your synthetic ice panels with warm soapy water with a mop or cloth.

Conclusion

Finding the right skates can make skating on your synthetic ice rink a fantastic experience.

Make sure to focus on fit and get a pair of skates that’s perfect for your skating level.

If you can visit a local shop, test multiple fits.

If that’s not possible, measure your foot at home and make sure there’s a return policy in place.

You’ll love skating on synthetic ice, and it will be even better with the perfect pair of skates.

April and Davey Family Vlog

Family vloggers "April and Davey" have been inviting followers to share in their everyday lives documenting their journey along the way on thier popular YouTube channel. Together with their five children (Zade 12, Daisy10, Ambree 7, Ender 5 & Eb 2) the Lehi, Utah natives have been "keeping it real" in sharing their family life experiences and everyday trials and tribulations.

Backyard Ice Rink Project

In December of 2016 the family decided to start their own backyard ice rink
project with some wood framing, tarp and the help of mother nature. Throughout multiple vlogs April and Davey captured the challenges of what it's like to create and maintain a home ice rink including making sure NOT to store the hose outside in the cold weather. The family rink vlog caught the eye of the people at PolyGlide Synthetic Ice who recently reached out to the Orgill family to offer a year-round solution to fullfill their ice skating needs.

Living Room Rink


The family was sent 128 square feet of the PolyGlide Home Ice portable 2ft x 4ft panels which when assembled created a 8ft x 16ft ice rink. Davey Orgill documented the installation which was completed in the family living room in just under an hour prior to the kids returning home from school. Needless to say once the kids returned home from school the look of dismay on their faces was priceless when they gazed their eyes on their new home rink. The afternoon quickly morphed into a family public ice session that included Mom donning her figure skating attire, Ender honing his ice hockey skills and Dad capping-off the day by showing off his "spinderella" break dancing moves.

Check out April and Daveys video link above for a special PolyGlide Ice discount offer. For additional information on Polyglide Ice and how you can "Bring the Rink Home" contact or click here for a quote:

 

Aerobic exercizes are a vital element of cardiovascular health and an ice skating workout can help meet those needs.

Skating across the ice provides an aerobic workout that is excellent for the body and fun to perform.

The best part about it is that the aerobic aspect just goes with the territory, not being something you focus on, so you get the benefits while scarcely being aware of it.

Particularly by actively swinging the arms and using long strokes, skating is an excellent cardio workout.

For the best cardio workout, maintain at a sustained pace.

As in running or cycling, a consistent workload needs to be kept up for the best results.

Whether you bundle up in winter for a session on a frozen lake or seek out the cool enclosure of an indoor skating rink in summer, an ice skating workout is great for both the body and the mind.

With a little equipment, the proper stretching beforehand, and mindfulness about what you are doing, you can enjoy the benefits of skating with little fear of injury.

Gliding across the ice has many health and fitness elements from which you can benefit.

Build Major Muscle Groups

 

The core muscles and lower body benefit more than your other muscle groups while skating on ice.

Core muscles such as the pelvic floor muscles, the gluteus maximus, and back muscles, along with lower body muscles such as hamstrings, calves, quadriceps, and hips all increase in mass, toning and strengthening even during a leisurely session of laps around the ice.

Specific health and fitness benefits are attached to many of these muscles being strengthened.

For instance, the aging, as well as childbearing women, often suffer from urinary stress incontinence, which can be lessened or completely eliminated with exercises like skating that improve the muscles of the pelvic floor.

Another example is that many back issues are attributed to weak muscles of the back and legs; skating can resolve these as well.

Strengthening these groups of muscles does more than prevent and solve an array of common health problems.

It also makes everyday tasks easier by increasing your levels of energy.

The improvement of these muscles also makes it easier to perform such activities as squatting, walking, standing, reaching, bending, and twisting.

Even sitting for prolonged periods is made easier by improving the core and leg muscles.

 

Improve Your Balance

Strengthening your muscles leads to improved balance.

So does the effort of even trying to remain standing upon the ice.

When you learn to engage your muscles in staying standing, you are doing more than toning them; you are also improving your total control over both your endurance and your body.

When actively skating on the ice, you glide about on a pair of thin blades. If you get fancy, you might even be gliding about on just one. This leads to improved ability to balance over time, through consistent practice.

Also interesting is that many adults who begin skating on ice report that the activity aids them in feeling better balanced in their overall lives.

Their claim is that they feel more in control.

They feel better capable at navigating through the challenges of life.

Skating does require a determination and effort to get where you desire by overcoming challenges, so this claim makes sense.

Skating can improve balance, both in mind and body.

 

 

Increase Your Joint Flexibility

Skating can be a real solution if you find your leg joints creaking each time you get out of bed every day.

It has an emphasis on strong knees and swift motions of the feet.

This gives the leg joints a great workout; they should be feeling more flexible with repeated practice of the sport.

The synchronized motion of the legs is vital for joint flexibility.

This low-impact exercise improves joint health, strength, flexibility, endurance, and range of motion.

Joints also benefit from the weight loss side of ice skating.

Apart from increasing the risk of diseases, carrying extra weight is difficult on the cartilage cushioning your joints.

Aging and excess weight both have an impact on wearing down this cartilage.

The impact further causes damage to the bones and the joints that they connect. Seeking your ideal weight while skating has multiple positive effects on your body, and skating is a viable option for those who suffer a history of joint pain.

Jump to Aid Bone Density

Bone density experiences a decrease as people age, and more rapidly so in women.

The prevention of bone loss and increase of bone mass is vital for maintaining a good posture, bone strength and the prevention of diseases such as osteoporosis.

While adding calcium and vitamin D to your diet are one way to address this problem, adding jumps into a skating regimen is a fun way to help while exercising.

Even jumps that are little, with low clearance, help.

Evidence shows that activities which place greater stress on the skeleton are good for increasing bone mass.

Ten minutes of jump practice on a daily basis will slowly increase the mass of those bones that are impacted.

Variety is also important in your routine to keep increasing the mass.

Try watching other skaters, video lessons, or taking a class to pick up new moves and ideas.

Keep in mind, however, that jumping makes skating less low-impact as a sport.

Improve Your Stress Management

Generally, working out is a good way for the relief of stress.

Physical activity causes the release of endorphins in the brain. Skating, specifically, has still greater benefits for stress.

It boosts self-confidence and forces you to hone your focus.

Skating requires many new moves, like going backward, doing crossovers, and spinning.

This improved focus is carried off of the ice with you, as is the boost of self-confidence. You can also meet new people or bring friends with you to the rink for social relaxation.

Skating also places you firmly within the moment.

You cannot be focusing on the list of things you have to see to accomplishing; instead, you let your mind pinpoint the immediate process of balancing and awareness of your surroundings.

Skating can be viewed as a type of meditation.

It is a calming period of time as your muscles and joints work and your mind clears.

An hour moving about the ice can refresh you both mentally and emotionally.

Build Mental Fitness

Skating outdoors has a particularly powerful impact on mental fitness.

Fresh air and sunshine, along with the company of friends, family, or simply other friendly people enjoying the ice, help to unwind.

Skating can even be used to solve problems.

Psychologists say that your subconscious mind continues to problem-solve while you sleep, meditate, or exercise.

During an hour moving around the ice, or after an hour of that activity, with cold air swelling your lungs and the muscles burning in your legs, you will feel as though you have taken a break from solving your problems, but the truth is your subconscious mind has been working away while the conscious part of your mind has a necessary break.

Equipment You Will Need

The first piece of equipment is, of course, a pair of ice skates that fit properly.

Rental skates can be a good choice if you are unsure whether or not the activity will suit you.

This is especially true because most rental skates are high in quality and offer an assortment of sizes for you to try on.

Apart from skates, have good gloves to protect your hands not only from the wind and cold but also from falls. Further, dress in warm clothing that enables you to move freely.

A helmet and pads are possible if they let you feel more confident and comfortable.

Conclusion 

If you like the idea of training at home, portable synthetic ice panels are now available and can be installed virtually anywhere.

You don’t need a lot of space to work on your edges and get comfortable in your skates.

The more ice time you can make available to yourself will only help you achieve your goals that much quicker.