Info & Tips

If you watch the NHL on TV or in person, you know how tactical, competitive, and exhilarating ice hockey can be. 

From time to time, you may have thought to learn to play hockey yourself.

Perhaps you have children who have expressed an interest in playing the sport, or you want to introduce them to a childhood pastime of yours.

Whatever the reason, learning the game of hockey is an exciting challenge and skating experience.

For many present or future ice hockey enthusiasts, there is the problem of finding rink rinks to practice.  

Some rinks take hours to get to and in some areas, rinks may be closed during the off-season.

Yes, you need ice to compete, build your skill level and perhaps join a hockey program.

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 Try Our At Home Synthetic Ice In Your Own Garage, Back Yard, Deck or Basement.

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But do you need it to learn the basic skills of the sport?

Yes and no.

To become a pro or even someone with high competence, you’ll need to spend your fair share of time competing on the ice.

However, if you want to learn the basics, you can do so without a natural ice rink. 

Let’s break down the steps you can take to get ice hockey ready and compete with friends or like-minded players quickly. 

Is it difficult to learn?

Ice hockey is hard to learn and harder to master.

On this ESPN list of difficult sports skills, hockey is only #2 to boxing.

That’s fair.

The guts it takes to step in a square and get your bell rung borders on insanity. 

The fundamental skills, dexterity, and tenacity you build as a hockey player are unmatched. 

No wonder it's #2.

Hockey requires you to stay upright on hard skates while holding an extension of your limb to chase and shoot a small puck.

All while trying not to get bodychecked in the process. 

The game has become safer, but there’s still a high level of skill, tactics, and luck involved.

It can take hundreds, even thousands of hours, to fully become a pro.

However, with consistent effort, the sport becomes easier to understand, and you learn to play hockey in short order.

Are you too young/old to learn ice hockey?

Age is just a number for many things.

For instance, you can learn to play golf (way down at 52 on the list BTW) or bowling at just about any reasonable age.

Kids commonly get introduced to the sport around 5 or 6 years old.

However, as kids are evolving, they need to work on playing safely and efficiently. 

Adults can pick up the sport at any time as long as they are a clean bill of health. 

We won’t recommend 60 and over due to the physicality of the sport and the potential of triggering underlying issues like rheumatoid arthritis, hip replacement, and osteoporosis.

If you or your kids are interested and you are physically healthy, why not go for it?

8 Steps to learn to play hockey (like a pro) without ice

If you have no ice, where should you start?

You can still learn to play by improvising on exercises that do not require ice.

Once you focus on the fundamentals and practices, you can become exceptional at hockey in a short time. 

These are 8 steps you should take to learn to play with the pros without the need to go to the ice every day. 

1. Earmark time to learn and play hockey

Learning ice hockey skills is all about practice and consistency.

If you’re learning without ice, you’re at a slight disadvantage from those learning at the rink. 

They’ll get more experience skating, shooting, and drills on ice and in similar conditions to an actual game. 

It’s essential, however, to get clear on when you’ll be practicing and what you’ll be practicing. 

We recommend at least 4-6 hours a week or about 45 minutes to 1.5-hour sessions a few times each week.

Building the habit is what will make the process and progress enjoyable. 

If you have kids, you’ll want to schedule time for a coach or to do drills at home.

Once they know that hockey happens on the weekends, for instance, they’ll be more interested and excited. 

2. Learn the rules of hockey

Your next step is to understand the basics of the game. 

The goal of ice hockey is to outscore your opponent before time expires (three 20-minute time frames and overtime, if necessary).

There are 6 players on each side; Your goalie, defensemen, wings, and center. 

You need to know several rules and jargon about where the puck can be, where players can be, and other nuances of the game.

You can use YouTube channels to get you up to date with hockey rules. 

Watch these videos for at least 10 sessions to fully understand the rules by heart. 

Here are some suggestions:

THE RULES OF ICE HOCKEY

  

 

BASIC HOCKEY POSITIONING

 

3. Gather your materials

While you’re learning the basics and strategies on YouTube University, it’s time to get the items you’ll need to turn that practice into action.

We’ll break this down into ‘off-ice' and ‘on-ice' equipment:

Off-ice Equipment

• Ice hockey stick (Size will determine by your height in skates and your future position). For now, look for a stick that’s 1-2 inches below or above the chin. Shorter sticks may be better for stick handling.
• Hockey pucks (aka biscuits)
• A pro goal and net. These are inexpensive on Amazon.
• Hockey gloves
• Shooting pad - These are small pads made of High-Density Polyethylene. The pads come infused with a slip agent to give you a feel like the actual ice. 

On-ice Hockey Equipment

• Ice skates – Buying ice skates is an integral part of hockey. The skater must feel confident and comfortable in the boot. Read this guide to choose your skates, as these should be hockey skates, not recreational or figure skates.
• Hockey Helmet
• Pads – You'll need shin guards, Hockey pants, shoulder pads, elbow pads, and eventually neck guards.
• Mouth guard – Prevent bad jibs from collisions and falls
• Clothing - shorts and hockey t-shirt

The off-ice equipment is enough to get started without ice. When your confidence and skills grow, you’ll want to have your on-ice equipment ready to go. 

4. Get comfortable skating (without the stick)

The best hockey players are the best ice skaters.

If you can’t ice skate, you’ll need to spend the beginning of your journey getting up to speed.

It would help to visit an ice rink weekly to learn how to skate. 

There are also some ways you can learn how to ice skate without ice, like slide boards, so mix up on-ice with off-ice practice. 

Your goal is to build balance, strength, and control with your skates. 

If you don’t have access to ice skates or an ice rink, inline skates can help develop the fundamentals of ice skating. 

5. Practice stick handling skills and shooting

Between your skating practices stick-handling is the next important step..

Your hockey stick becomes an extension of your arms.

An important part of learning hockey is using the stick to control the puck, 

Set up cones and other obstacles to help you navigate the right spaces.

The more you practice, the easier it gets. 

Place the shooting pad near the goal pad and jump into handling the puck and shooting. 

Here are some off-ice shooting and stick-handling drills

15 HOCKEY SHOOTING DRILLS (PERFECT FOR AT HOME) 🏒

How Connor McDavid Trains - Stickhandling Drills

6. Work on your strength and endurance

Ice hockey is an intense game that requires intelligence but also strength and endurance.

As part of learning, you’ll want to improve your body and basic skating skills. 

Earmark some time to work on exercises like shuttles, squats, lunges, and burpees. 

Spending time on an exercise bike, treadmill, or jogging improves your cardiovascular capacity, allowing you to skate faster for longer. 

You don’t want to be gassed 10 minutes into a game!

7. Find “pick up” games or join a club

So you’ve spent some time on your shooting pad working on your stick skills.

And you’ve spent time skating with your inline skates.

Now it’s time to take things up a notch.

Look for pickup games or a hockey club near you to test your skills.

Think about taking a hockey class to further advance your skills.

If you or your kid have been learning to skate and practicing your drills, everything will come together.  

These games will provide a lot of information on your strengths and weaknesses and your preferred position. 

You’ll also build community and get a gauge for if ice hockey is something you’d like to pursue long-term.

8. Invest in a home synthetic ice rink

After a few months of practice, if you want to continue on your trajectory, you’ll need a space to practice consistently.

It’s an excellent time to think about creating an at-home ice rink to get in some additional ice time.

There are options around the winter.

However, a synthetic ice rink is the easiest, most cost-effective way to set up a rink at home.

Synthetic ice rinks are tiles or panels made of the same materials as the shooting pad.

The ultra-dense, infused polyethylene material allows you to use your ice skates as you would on natural ice.

These connect like puzzle pieces to cover a particular square foot, depending on how many you get.

Measure a flat surface area, get the panels, and rink walls, install them, and keep practicing!

Invite friends and neighbors for some friendly competition so you or your child can remain sharp. 

Keep learning and investing in both off-ice and on-ice training.

Hiring a coach or joining a club should be the next step.

Conclusion

Ice hockey is a difficult sport to learn for first-time players, but it’s lots of fun.

It's great for physical fitness and builds leadership behaviors for kids and is good for overall mental health.

Through a natural progression, you can learn to play hockey without large ice rinks.

Start with getting the basic skills of skating like many beginner hockey players.

Then build strength and endurance while improving your skills on synthetic ice or shooting pads.

When you’re ready, join pick-up games or start competing.

Kids can also join leagues at their respective levels, fast-tracking their time to becoming pro.

We’ve been a part of ice skating and hockey for years, and we always remember to enjoy the process and have fun.

You should too!

 

 

Hockey is one of the few sports that maximizes the capabilities of the human body.

It requires strength, speed, dexterity, power, and intelligence.

 

To achieve that, you need the best equipment possible.

 

Undoubtedly, hockey skates is the most important tool for a hockey player.

 

Skates must be built for comfort and high performance, so finding the best hockey skates is crucial.

 

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Our Top Picks

Best Beginner Hockey Skates
Tour TR-750 Hockey Skate

Best Beginner Hockey Skates
Botas Draft 281 Hockey Skates

At the same time, hockey skates are also the most expensive piece of equipment you will buy.

The skates your favorite NHL forward wears, like the Bauer Vapor 2x Pro, can retail at $1000.

Customizable skates can cost much more.

If you’re a beginner player, or your kids are moving up in rank, this could be way outside your budget.

A common question asked by our synthetic ice customers is, “ What skates should we buy?”

That’s why we put together this short list of the 10 best hockey skates under $200.

At $200 - and just below (or above) - you can find a low-to-mid-tier skate that can provide an excellent fit, comfort, and protection.

These are also beginner skates, perfect for recreational players or those just getting into hockey.

When it’s time to upgrade, you (or your child) will have a feel for the fit and performance.

So it will be easier to transition to a pro-level skate.

When it comes to hockey skates, there are a few brands that you can trust for their experience and quality:

• Bauer
• CCM
• Graf
• Botas
• True

Some of these brands start well beyond our $200 ceiling, so you won’t see them on this list (we’re looking at you, True).

However, that does not mean they aren’t exceptional skates. 

Our mission is to keep coins in our pockets and excellent skates on our feet.

So, without further ado, consider one of these 10 hockey skates to help you crush it on the ice.

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Here Are Our Picks For The 10 Best Hockey Skates Under $200

These skates are perfect for any ice surface (natural or synthetic) and are often available in all sizes.

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Best Beginner Hockey Skate

Tour Tr-750 Hockey Skate 

 

Starting off the list is the Tour TR-750

The Tour skates are relatively unknown but are growing in popularity.

The Tr-750 are entry-level skates that are available for kids and adults.

The boot has a unique synthetic material with a hard-toe cap for added protection.

The inner lining is soft yet durable, providing the necessary support for hours. 

Key Features (Pros)

• Thick felt tongue to protect the upper foot
• Firm boot with a synthetic outsole that withstands moisture from the ice. 
• Comfortable for recreational skating or casual use

Possible Drawbacks (Cons)

• Synthetic materials can break down faster than other brands. 
• Stainless steel blades that require sharpening right out of the box. This could signify that the blades may not hold their edge over time.
• Sizing may be a challenge. The boot is for unisex adult sizes, but no other sizing chart information. 

Overall, this is a cost-effective entry-level skate that is comfortable and durable. 

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 Botas Draft 281 Hockey Skate

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This Czech-made skate is recommended for intermediate to advanced skaters and is available for kids and adults.

The boot can feel more like a stitched shoe, with two pieces of synthetic plastic that create the boot with a hard plastic toe cap.

Key Features (Pros)

• Botas provides solid ankle support without being too stiff
• A sleek, ergonomic tongue that provides comfort and protection. 
• The added padding around the ankles provides stability without stiffness.
• The boot has a sharp blade made of carbon steel.

Possible Drawbacks (Cons)

• Finding the right size can take time and effort. Make sure to follow sizing instructions. 
• Boot material may be less durable compared to other brands.

What makes Botas so appealing is its price point.

At less than $150 for their skates, you receive a competent entry-level boot while saving your hard-earned money. 

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American Athletic Ice Force Hockey Skate 

American Athletic is one of the best hockey skates at a competitive price.

The skate is great for indoor and outdoor use due to its strong, durable materials.

The light boot has a professional look but can still perform well. 

Key Features (Pros)

• PVC boot which improves speed but still provides durability. 
• A padded microfiber lining helps skaters with comfort while reducing moisture. 
• Unlike most brands, this one provides sizing that’s more true to your shoe size. 

Possible Drawbacks (Cons)

• Skaters with wider feet may struggle with comfort, even though the size guide attempts to correct that issue. 
• Stainless steel blades may need repeated sharpening to hold their edge. 
• The stiff boot can take some time to adjust when on the ice.

AA Ice Force is a highly-rated boot online for less than $80.

Of course, the materials aren’t mind-blowing, but you or your family will get fantastic use out of the skates with the proper care.

 

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Jackson Ultima Softec Sport Recreational Hockey Skate

Founded by world-class skaters, the Jackson brand has been around since the 1960s.

The Softec hockey skate is one of their premier offerings, a patented design that focuses on warmth and comfort without losing durability.

These skates are great for recreational hockey, so you don’t feel restricted by a rugged, rigid boot.

Key Features (Pros)

• Excellent style and colors not seen in hockey skates.
• Waterproof sole to prevent moisture, increasing the lifespan of your skate
• Heat moldable technology designed to keep your feet warm on cold rinks. 

Possible Drawbacks (Cons)

• Some skaters might prefer a stiffer boot. Reduced stability means the boot may take longer to break in.
• The softer material means reduced ankle support. However, there is a velcro strap for additional support.

Jackson provides the right mix of style and comfort.

The thick, warm material makes them ideal for outdoor skating and hockey.

Like most new boots, take some time to break them in and sharpen the blades before skating. 

 

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Botas Attack Men’s Hockey Skates

Another Botas makes this list. The Attack 181 is geared toward beginner and recreational skaters.

These lightweight skates have a hard quarter made of two parts, bringing additional stiffness to protect against pucks and stray sticks.

The plastic toe cap provides support to the front of the foot.

The runner and holder are standard, with the runner needing sharpening immediately to hold its edge. 

Key Features (Pros)

• Side ventilation reduces moisture, allowing you to skate longer. 
• A sleek design, with composite material to protect the foot.

Possible Drawbacks (Cons)

• The boot has comfortable inner padding but does not form to the foot like other models. 

• Blades are only possible to change with help from a professional.

This skate is excellent for testing your skills before upgrading to advanced skates.

You’ll get sufficient speed and durability.

For those with wide feet, the shape may require the boot to be worn with loose lacings. 

 

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TronX Stryker Soft Boot Hockey Skate 

TronX is known for its lacrosse and hockey accessories, but they’ve also ventured into skates with the Stryker hockey skates.

These boots look sleek and sturdy, but they’re soft boots for beginners or recreational skaters.

The soft shell also comes with a large tongue and padded lining, so you feel maximum comfort when you skate.

Key Features (Pros)

• Great entry-level skate at a competitive price. 
• Hard-toe cap for added protection from pucks and sticks.
• Comes with a size guide to help customers find the best fit.
• Blade comes pre-sharpened

Possible Drawbacks (Cons)

• Stainless steel blade may not hold its edge for long. It may need repeated sharpening based on use.
• Soft boots often lack added ankle support most skaters enjoy.

This boot is new to the party. However, the design, fit, and low price point will make it a mainstay. 

 

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Winnwell Amp 300 Hockey Skates 

Canadian-based Winnwell may be the best-kept secret when it comes to hockey equipment.

They provide everything from sticks, helmets, and nets and have recently included hockey skates in their offerings.

The Amp 300 has nylon and PU lining with molded toe cap designed for protection. 

Key Features (Pros)

• The NXT CleanSport technology helps these skates resist mold and moisture, leaving them fresher for longer.
• The comfortable felt tongue provides added protection and stability. 

Possible Drawbacks (Cons)

• Stainless steel runner must be sharpened before use, adding to the overall cost.
• Skate may not hold its edge with heavy use. 

The Amp 300 is available in multiple sizes for seniors and juniors, with the most expensive pair coming in at less than $120 CA ( about $90US).

With a 100% money-back guarantee, you can try these out with confidence. 

 

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CCM Super Tacks 9350 Senior Skates 

Along with Bauer, CCM is arguably the most well-known hockey skating brand.

Adults looking to restart hockey can consider the Super Tacks 9350 skates. CCM has the best hockey skates preferred by professional hockey players.

Even though this boot is less than $150, some of the high-end qualities apply to these tiers. 

Key Features (Pros)

• The 3-D designed quarter focuses on being durable while light, making it one of the faster skates on the market.
• It provides extra stiffness, which is appealing to more advanced skaters.
• The thick ankle foams and large felt tongue focus on comfort and support. 

Possible Drawbacks (Cons)

• The stainless steel runner is unchangeable, so you will spend time and money on sharpening rather than replacing the blade.
• This skate is best for recreational use only. The top of the boot can be uncomfortable in long sessions or excessive use. 

These skates are available for any age and are usable right out of the box.

They also maintain a medium-volume fit, so almost any foot type can use it. 

 

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5th Element Stealth Recreational Hockey Skates 

The 5th Element skates have been around for years and are popular among recreational hockey skaters. You won’t use these to get into a professional game, but they will do the job. They’re great for men and women and fit true to shoe size. This boot is a softer synthetic material, making it easier to break in than others. 

Key Features (Pros)

• The moisture-resistant liner helps with comfort and speed.
• Toe, ankle, and heel supports for more durability
• Usable straight out of the box.

Possible Drawbacks (Cons)

• While it's true to shoe size, the skate does not account for different foot shapes and lengths. Some skaters may struggle with comfort over long skating sessions.
• Stainless steel edge may lose its edge faster depending on the skate’s manufacture timeframe. 

This highly-rated skate brings style and function to recreational skaters. It’s also one of the cheapest on this list. 

 

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Erik Sports Men’s Canadian Hockey Skate 

 

Last on the list is the Canadian R50 skate by Erik Sports.

This skate provides the design and functionality hockey players look for.

The R50 is ideal for beginner to intermediate skaters.

It combines multiple materials for the quarters, including PU and nylon, as well as other synthetic parts.

Key Features (Pros)

• Thick 8mm tongue made of felt material that protects the instep from pucks and sticks.
• Reinforced toe cap and heel for added stability and protection
• Thermoplastic helps keep the feet warm during outdoor skating. 

Possible Drawbacks (Cons)

• Heavier skate can impact speed and agility
• Although there is a contoured toe bed, the boot may not cater to different widths. 
• Targeted to men, no junior or women’s sizes available.

 

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The #1 thing to consider when choosing a hockey skate

If someone told you that size does not matter, they have never worn an ill-fitting hockey skate before.

So your number one priority should not be price, but comfort.

If they don’t fit well, your feet hurt. ...A lot.

Then they swell and hurt even more. 

Finding the right fit can be difficult.

While we all wear the same shoe sizes, our feet take on different shapes.

Hockey skates aim to cater to different feet as balancing on blades for several hours can be uncomfortable.

Each brand has different styles that cater to narrow, normal, or wide feet.

It is recommended that you visit a skate shop first, so you can try on your skate.

If you can’t there are still steps you can take to ensure you have the best skate possible.

Get your skate size

As a rule, skates run big.

Manufactures make skates 1-1.5 sizes larger than your regular pair of sneakers.

In other words, don’t buy the same size as your (or your child’s) shoe as the boot will be too big.

Large skates mean slower skating, falls, and an overall poor experience.

Use the size guides of Bauer, CCM, or your provider of choice to find the right size.

Consider the skate volume

Boot size is the easy part, as that will just determine the length of the skates.

The volume is the total space inside the boot, which is even more important.

Volume takes into consideration the skater’s foot width in relation to its length.

There are several handy videos online to help you trace your size and calculate your volume.

Based on the results, you can find a High, Medium, or Low Volume skate.

Most people fall in the Medium category.

Choose your width

Skates also have additional width measurements which further help performance.

These measurements vary by manufacturer.

For instance, you can get a High volume skate with a more tapered look or a Low volume skate with a wider fit.

Like volume, most skaters choose the Standard fit but you can always adjust as you move onto other skates.

Check your brand of choice for their width measurements.

Your skates should be snug, with your toe just touching the toe cap (with your socks on of course. Make sure to measure your feet with socks).

There should be an inch off space in the back, just enough to place your finger.

Make sure to check your warranty or return policy.

If it’s not feeling quite right, do not hesitate to replace it.  

Skate measurements are fluid.

For instance, Bauer introduced the “1,2,3 Fit system” to simplify what can be a difficult process.

Should I buy hockey skates or recreational skates?

You may be tempted to spend much less on a recreational skate on the shelf at Walmart.

Some can look like hockey skates and are much cheaper.

Recreational skates are great for leisure skating a couple of times per month or just for the winter season.

Hockey skates provide more ankle support and protect the foot from the inevitable bangs and clashes from sticks, pucks, and opponents.

You can skate recreationally with your hockey skates but it’s not recommended you play hockey in your leisure skates.

It’s Time To Skate!

Finding the best hockey skates at a reasonable price can be a challenge.

Luckily, most of the best brands on the market have a tier that can provide excellent performance at a reasonable cost.

They should last at least one year with heavy use on both natural and synthetic ice.

The best ice skates don’t need to break the bank.

Focus on comfort and fit, then performance.

 

Should I learn ice skating as an adult? 

Ice skaters often get bundled into two categories.  

First, you have young children and teens learning the ropes of figure skating and ice hockey. 

Next, you have competitive groups of coaches and professional skaters.

They fight for all of skating glory: Nationals, NHL, Olympics, the list goes on.    

But what about the group in the middle? 

Hundreds of thousands of adults ice skate recreationally and many more are looking to start.  

Why are more adults interested in skating? 

Ice skating for adults has some fantastic benefits, and you should enjoy them whenever you lace up your skates.

One particular benefit is its ability to keep you active and fit.  

If you’re ready to glide towards better health, read on to learn the benefits and ways you can skate with and without ‘ice.’ 

Ice skating benefits 

When you skate for the first time, it can feel a bit unnerving, even for adults. 

At first, you’ll look like a newborn fawn walking on the ice. 

And you will fall—a lot.

Then walking will turn into gliding.

Once you do get the hang of skating, you’ll begin to enjoy these benefits:  

• Ease the stress: Our stress levels are higher than ever. We need different outlets to express ourselves and drop our cortisol levels. Skating takes you to another world thanks to the feel-good endorphins we release on the ice. The more you skate and have fun, the better you feel. You’ll also build up your confidence, which comes from achieving goals and becoming skilled in something you enjoy.

• Explore the different forms of skating: Ice skating is more than moving around the ice on metal blades. There are various disciplines you’ll discover over time. These include speed skating, synchronized skating, dance, and many others. It’s a great form of self-expression. Choose your niche and dive in!

• Build fantastic relationships: Ice skating has been around for over 100 years. Since then, it’s built a deep, passionate community that you now belong to. You’ll meet people from all walks of life and even build special bonds.

• Achieve better balance and flexibility: Ice skating looks easy, but it is one of the more challenging sports to start. It requires you to balance on blades 1-1.5 mm wide and about 20 inches long. When you do get the hang of it, you’ll realize that your overall balance improves, even when you’re not on skates. You can also improve your flexibility as you continue to play around with different moves and forms of skating.

• Low entry barrier: Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, more people have been searching for new sports-related hobbies.

However, some sports like golf, fishing, or rock climbing require significant upfront costs to enjoy or be competitive.

With ice skating, you simply need high-quality skates, skating lessons, and access to an ice rink. 

We recommend you invest in your own skates once you have decided to go all-in.

Visit a skate shop to get the right size for your needs.  

These are fantastic advantages, but the real kicker with ice skating for adults is the exercise and health benefits.  

Is ice skating good exercise for adults? 

Only 19% of American adults participate in exercise or other forms of physical activity.

These low figures are reflected in other statistics like obesity or lifestyle diseases.

A possible reason we don’t exercise is that it could sometimes get boring.

Heading to the gym to do the exact repetition of exercises for years takes more discipline than fun. 

Ice skating is suitable for adults because it does not feel like exercise. 

If you’re ready to glide into better health, read on to learn the benefits and ways you can skate with and without ‘ice.’ 

You get all the health benefits while learning a new skill.  

• Better heart/cardiovascular health: Ice skating can get your heart and lungs beating, even for a short period. Poor cardiovascular health is one of the biggest dangers to American health. Most cases are due to sedentary behaviors (sitting for long hours watching Netflix, for instance). Skating lets you stay active, reduces inflammation, and boosts your heart health.

• Manage your weight: Do you want to boost your calorie burn? Ice skating may be the activity you’ve been looking for. You can burn up to 850 calories per hour of ice skating. Achieving high-calorie burn is one of the best ways to manage your weight.

• Increase your endurance: Skating for an hour can leave you gassed after your first few sessions. Over time, you’ll skate for longer as you’ll build up your stamina and endurance. From age 35, you begin to lose lung capacity, especially if you don’t exercise.

• Get stronger: So, what muscles is ice skating good for? Ice skating is an excellent lower-body exercise. You can work out your glutes, hamstrings, and calves. Staying balanced also engages your back and core. With consistent skating, you will notice a more toned lower body

Ice skating for adults is more than a hobby.

For some, it can be a lifesaving activity.

In addition, the strength and energy you gain from skating pass on to other parts of your life.  

How long does it take an adult to learn how to ice skate? 

Adults of almost any functional age can learn ice skating.

It’s not unheard of for adults in their 50s or 60s to join the skate train! 

It should take the average adult about 4-5 skating sessions with a qualified coach to get the basics of skating, using figure skates or recreational skates first.  

Of course, different factors will speed up or slow down this timeline, including: 

• Your overall fitness levels, agility, and balance
• Private or group coaching
• How much time you missed between sessions.
• How many times you’ve skated between sessions.

You can move on to more advanced moves when you’ve learned the fundamentals of skating – balance, gliding, falling, and so on.  

Becoming an advanced skater can take years of practice, so be patient and don’t forget to have fun. 

In addition, the strength and energy you gain from skating pass on to other parts of your life.  

Can I ice skate at home? 

While ice skating has a low barrier to entry, you still need access to an ice rink to skate consistently.

This can be challenging as some states only have a handful of recreational rinks.

Coaches, hockey teams, and competitive skaters book these rinks, limiting your time on the ice.  

You can wait for more temporary rinks during the holidays, or you can ice skate at home.  

Ice skating at homing is growing rapidly, thanks to synthetic ice.  

Backyard rinks of various sizes are popping up.

People are converting their garages or spare rooms into ice rinks.

Synthetic ice allows you to skate all year without the hassle of scheduling time on a local rink. 

Synthetic ice is a unique, polyethylene surface that mimics natural ice.

These tiles or panels were previously used in commercial spaces but now come in customizable sizes. 

 You can create a large surface for recreational skating, figure skating, or even hockey.

Each tile has sides that connect to give a smooth, functional rink.  

You will barely notice the difference as you glide around with your skates on the tiles (the coefficient of friction is about 10%).

These tiles are infused with a slip agent that allows you to skate seamlessly.  

Synthetic ice is easy to maintain and lasts up to ten years based on use.

For an outdoor rink, you’ll also need rink walls, which can come in handy for the other newbie skaters in your home.

You’ll get an excellent return on your initial investment.  

It’s also perfect for off-ice drills in hockey and figure skating.

If you want to perfect specific skills when you’re not on the ice, a synthetic rink can help.  

Skating at home prepares you for even more fun when it’s time to hit the neighborhood rink.  

Conclusion

As we age, staying active is one of the best things we can do.

Ice skating is a practical yet fun way of achieving it.  

You burn calories, strengthen your body, and improve your cardiovascular health.  

Ice skating for adults can be challenging at first.

Even those who skated as a child and wish to resume as an adult will struggle.  

However, once you get accustomed to the ice, it’s one of the easiest ways to stay healthy.  

Best of all, you’re not limited to ice rinks near you.

You’re not limited to the winter months or even going to another state to skate.

You can keep practicing your skating at any time with an at-home rink.  

Are you ready to get started?

Search for a skating program near you.

There are several online resources that you can use to search for group or individual classes via zip code.

You can also find skating coaches and classes on Instagram or TikTok.

So get your ice skates and head over to your first class! 

At some point, you may be interested in synthetic ice for skating at home.

Our Home Ice Tile Starter Kit will set you up with a 32 sq ft. space to practice your moves.

Then you can expand your rink as you see fit. 

 So lace up your skates and start gliding toward better health!

 

There's no doubt that hockey players are some of the fittest athletes in all of sports.

The great thing about it is that it can be played on all surfaces, not just ice, for those who are looking to have some fun while getting into shape.

We put together some hockey workouts and exercises that are commonly used by hockey players to get into shape and can be used by anyone.

So if you are sick of the same old routine and workout programs and are in need of something new that will help you get away from that office desk or off the computer, then hockey may be just the sport for you!

Do you love watching hockey and would love to play?

Do you want to know that feeling of scoring the winning goal?

So grab a hockey stick and let's get going!

 

What Hockey Training Involves

One of the most important things that you need to do when training like a hockey player is to focus on your conditioning.

Hockey players are some of the most well-conditioned athletes in the world, and they need to be able to skate for long periods of time without getting tired.

In addition to conditioning, another important part of training like a hockey player is strength training.

Hockey players are strong and powerful, and they need to be able to generate a lot of force when they are skating.

If you want to train like a hockey player, you need to make sure that you are doing some form of cardio and strength training every day.

This can be anything from running to swimming to biking and weightlifting.

It's also critical to make sure to eat a healthy diet and get plenty of rest and allow your body to get used to your new routine.

Health Benefits 

Hockey is a great way to stay active and healthy, and will also help improve your overall fitness level.

It also offers a variety of health benefits, including improved cardiovascular health, increased strength and endurance, and better joint health.

Additionally, hockey training can help improve your balance and coordination.

And because hockey is anaerobic exercise, it can also help improve your aerobic capacity.

The constant movement helps to increase your endurance and stamina, making it a great workout for your heart.

In addition to the physical benefits, hockey training can also have some mental benefits as well.

The skills required to be a successful hockey player can help to improve your focus and concentration.

The sport can also be a great way to relieve stress and build self-confidence.

 

7 - Steps to Getting Started

If you're just starting out or looking to improve your hockey skills, you need to start with a training program.

First, make sure you have all the necessary equipment.

You'll need a decent pair of hockey skates and some protective gear.

You should also have a good understanding in the sport of Ice Hockey before you start your own hockey training program.

Once you have all the equipment and understanding of the game, start by planning out your program.

Decide how many days per week you want to train, and what kind of exercises you'll do each day.

Make sure to include a warm-up and cool-down in your program, as well as some basic hockey training drills.

1 - Diet

Hockey players have to be very careful about what they eat.

They need to make sure they're getting enough calories and nutrients to fuel their training, but not so much that they'll gain weight.

A typical hockey player's diet will include lots of lean proteins, complex carbs, and healthy fats.

Foods like chicken, fish, rice, pasta, vegetables, and fruits are all important staples.

Hockey players also need to make sure they're staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day.

As for workout routines, hockey players need to focus on building strength and stamina.

2 - Balance and Posture

Have you ever wondered how hockey players maintain such excellent balance and posture?

While playing hockey may look effortless, the reality is that it takes a great deal of training and practice to execute all the skills to play the game efficiently.

Fortunately, there are some things that everyday people can do to train like a hockey player and improve their own balance and posture.

Balance: Paying attention to your body's natural center of gravity can help you maintain better balance.

When standing, keep your weight evenly distributed between both feet.

Avoid slouching or leaning to one side

Some great exercises for this include Pilates, yoga, and even basic sit-ups and crunches.

Posture: Posture is one of the most important things to focus on when it comes to having good health.

Having poor posture can lead to a number of different health problems, including back pain, neck pain, and headaches.

One of the best ways to improve your posture is by strengthening the muscles in your back and abdomen and being more conscious of your overall posture.

This can be done by doing core exercises.

3 - Strengthen Arms and Legs

Most hockey players train their arms and legs separately.

They will use a variety of exercises to build strength in their arms, such as weightlifting, resistance training, and even yoga or Pilates.

Hockey players need to have strong arms and legs in order to execute the quick starts, stops, pivots and turns required in Ice Hockey.

Some hockey players also use cross-training methods, such as swimming or biking, to help them build endurance and stay in shape during the off-season.

Swimming is especially beneficial because it is a low-impact activity that still provides a good workout.

Biking can also be helpful for building-up your leg muscles while getting in some cardio at the same time.

4 - Core Training

There are many ways to implement a core training program.

Some factors to consider include the intensity of the program, the frequency of sessions, and the duration of the program.

Some people prefer to train their core every day, while others may only train a few times per week.

The intensity of each session will also vary depending on the person's goals.

For example, someone who is looking to improve their overall fitness may do lighter core exercises more frequently, while someone who is trying to build muscle may do more intense exercises less often.

The duration of a core training program will also vary depending on the person's goals.

A person who is looking to improve their overall fitness may do shorter sessions more frequently throughout the week.

5 - Sprints

Hockey players invest a lot of time improving their quickness and overall speed with off-ice training by performing wind sprints to help them become faster skaters.

Off-ice running is a key element in hockey conditioning that helps players get into shape quickly through cardiovascular training.

To help add some speed to your stride here are some quick tips to get you going: 

First, it's important to build up strength in your legs and glutes.

Quick starts in hockey require a lot of leg strength, so make sure to include some exercises to target your quads, hamstrings, and calves in your workout routine.

Squats, lunges, and calf raises are all great options.

Stronger leg muscles will help you generate more power when you push off, allowing you to execute quicker starts.

Next, having quicker reactions will help you execute starts and stops "on the dime" and perform at a higher level.

Include some stretching and mobility work in your warm-ups and cool-downs, and consider doing yoga or pilates on days when you're not skating.

And of course, last but not least.....Practice, Practice, Practice!!

6 - Power and Agility

There are a few ways hockey players can train to be more agile and powerful.

One way, believe it or not, is through stretching exercises.

Stretching helps lengthen the muscles, which can make hockey players more explosive and quicker on the ice.

These exercises help improve core strength and balance, both of which are important for any hockey player.

Finally, hockey players can also try swimming or peloton classes to help them become more agile and powerful.

Swimming is a great workout for the whole body and peloton classes can help improve quad strength and skating stride.

By incorporating these activities into their training regime, hockey players can become more flexible and graceful athletes.

7 - Staying Active

One way to stay active is to add movement to your everyday life and consider this part of your training routine.

This could involve doing some cardio exercises at home or going for a run outdoors.

You could also join a gym and take classes there, or even hire a personal trainer to help you stay on track.

Another way to add movement to your everyday life is to simply be more active in general.

This means taking the stairs instead of the elevator, walking or biking instead of driving, and just generally moving your body more.

Even small changes like this can make a big difference in your overall health and fitness levels.

So, if you’re looking for ways to add movement to your everyday life, consider making these little changes along the way.

 

Tips for staying motivated

There are a few key things that hockey players can do to stay motivated while training.

First, it's important to set realistic goals for yourself and your overall game.

If you're constantly pushing yourself to improve, you'll be more likely to stay motivated.

Secondly, figure out what you love about hockey and focus on that.

Whether it's the feeling of making a great play on the ice or the satisfaction of advancing your game, keep your love for the sport at the forefront of your mind.

Finally, make sure to take breaks and enjoy your free time; hockey should be fun!

If you're feeling burnt out, take a few days off and come back refreshed and ready to play.

Sample Workout Routine

Here's a sample of what your daily routine could look like:

Wake up and eat a nutritious breakfast to fuel your body for the day ahead.

Try oatmeal with fruit or eggs and toast.

Head to the rink (or home ice rink) for a morning practice.

During your workout, focus on perfecting each skill.

Take breaks as needed to catch your breath and stay hydrated.

After practice, refuel with a protein-rich snack like yogurt or a peanut butter sandwich.

Then it's time for some strength training.

Work on core exercises and upper body strength to help with your lifts.

 

Recommended Resources

If you're thinking about training like a hockey player, there are some key resources you'll need to get started.

You'll need to start thinking about what kind of training program you want to create.

There are many different ways to structure a hockey training program, so it's important to do some research and figure out what may work best for you given your schedule.

There are many excellent resources available online and youtube that can help you plan and implement your hockey training program and take your game to the next level!

CONCLUSION

If you’re looking for a fun and challenging workout that can help improve your balance, coordination, and overall health, then train like a hockey player!

Also, you don’t need to live near an ice rink to get you started!

All you need is a little bit of space in your home and some PolyGlide Synthetic Ice and you'll be skating in no time!

We put together some rink packages for the home hockey player that you may want to consider to get you going.

So If you’re looking for an invigorating and challenging workout that can improve your balance, coordination, and overall health, then training like a hockey player may be perfect for you!

Now that we outlined some ways you can get started with or without access to your local ice rink it's time to take the next step!

Before long, you'll be training like a hockey player and in the best shape of your life!
 

In some states, the weather is ideal for outdoor ice rinks.

For instance, Minnesota has more than twice the number of rinks than Massachusetts, Michigan, or New York.

As a result, outdoor ice rinks are on the rise, and you may be thinking of building one for home or commercial use.

Whatever the reason, you’ll need to answer some key questions:

• Where will I build it?
• What will I need to create it?
• Will it be temporary or permanent?
• Will it be refrigerated, natural, or synthetic?

Yes, you read that right.

Synthetic ice rinks are growing in popularity, but a large contingent does not know these rinks exist.

 Going synthetic is often the better choice for building an outdoor rink.

Let’s compare the types of rinks and explain why your first or next ice rink should be synthetic.

Refrigerated vs. Synthetic Ice Rinks

When you think of ice rinks, the image of Marv from Home Alone 2 ice skating in Central Park comes to mind.

Or The Flying V formation on The Mighty Ducks.

The rinks featured in these movies contain refrigerated ice.

They also use artificial ice during some scenes, like our PolyGlide Pro-Glide Panel that was used during this pond scene below (30 sec mark): 

 

Refrigerated rinks require large chillers that run on electricity continuously.

Pipes containing brine water are placed on the surface.

For permanent or long-term rinks, the lines are built into the concrete.

The brine water helps freeze the filtered water almost instantly when the rink is filled.

The water is added in layers, providing an even surface.

The refrigeration system keeps the brine water at a consistent temperature, so the rink remains frozen.

Refrigerated ice was once only available to large commercial or NHL rinks.

Now, you can install refrigerated rinks in your home backyard or any open or indoor space you choose. 

Synthetic ice, on the other hand, is a unique material that mimics the look and feel of natural ice.

It’s made from polyethylene, a plastic panel that’s been around for decades and has continued to evolve throughout the years.

Through research and special manufacturing, these panels are capable of withstanding metal blades.

In the early days most all synthetic ice panels required a glide enhancer agent to make the panel skate-able.

We here at PolyGlide Ice created our infused Pro-Glide panel that provides a slick surface, while others need the agent added to the surface occasionally.

In the old days, these panels were primarily found being used only in commercial spaces like malls, hotels, exhibitions at museums, and amusement parks.

Now, you can get synthetic ice customized to fit any space.

As a result, they are now famous for both indoor and outdoor use in homes across the country.

Here are six reasons why installing an outdoor rink may be the better option and how you can go about doing it.

1. Easy installation and uninstallation

Refrigerated ice rinks - and even rinks that require water, plywood, and Mother Nature - are challenging to install.

You need to have knowledge of refrigeration and place the underlying pipes in the right places, so the rink freezes evenly.

It’s the reason why most rink owners will outsource this task to the rink supplier.

However, if you wanted a do-it-yourself option, look no further than synthetic ice.

First, You must measure your desired space and ensure the ground is level.

Next, get the required square footage of synthetic ice for the area.

With the help of a friend, connect each piece to the other in the space, using a soft mallet to ensure they are secure.

Synthetic ice has dovetail grooves that allow them to lock in place, so they are safe to skate.

Then you’re done! Add your rink walls as needed, and you have a professional-looking outdoor rink.

When it’s time to uninstall, lift up the tiles and place them in storage.

If you have limited storage space, synthetic ice is a better option than storing refrigeration equipment.

 

2. Twelve months of skating. 

What if you could skate 12 months of the year?

Refrigerated outdoor ice rinks have limits on how long they should be used outdoors.

Yes, they will last longer than your wintertime backyard ice rink.

But as the weather heats up, it will require more effort to keep them running, forming a Law of Diminishing Returns dilemma.

Since synthetic ice is not governed by the laws of Nature, you can use them in the summer and wintertimes.

They tend to expand with heat but provide the same skating experience as in the cold.

Now, we get customers asking if they can use their rollerskates on synthetic ice. Genius!

3. A scalable rink

What if you wanted to expand your ice rink?

You have the outdoor space, but what will that take?

For a refrigerated rink, you’ll need to invest more time and effort to expand the area, adding coolant, pipes, and water as needed.

More importantly, you may need a larger refrigeration unit, which adds up to operating costs.

Synthetic ice, however, can scale with ease as it'd extremely versatile.

Want a bigger rink?

Get some more tiles to cover the required square footage.

Are you thinking of downsizing?

Remove some tiles and redesign the rink from a square to a rectangular shape.

There is no limit to the shape and style since the tiles are movable.

4. A 5-10 year runway

How long does your synthetic ice last?

Most synthetic ice tile products last multiple years depending on the thickness of the panel.

Our PolyGlide Ice Pro-Glide infused panel is designed to last many years and would save tens of thousands of dollars more than any refrigerated surface.

This is because synthetic ice products can withstand the power and sharpness of the best ice skate blades on the market.

Once you perform proper maintenance (cleaning shavings and dirt, for instance), your panels will stand the test of time.

You can then flip them over to get many more years of quality skating.

5. Long-term cost savings

 Synthetic ice’s durability and longevity mean that you save on your investment in the long run.

You will probably rent a refrigerated rink and bear that cost each year.

If you own the rink will need to pay maintenance costs, electricity costs, get a Zamboni, replace pipes, and much more.

Comparing the two for ten years, the upfront investment of synthetic ice far outweighs the continuous money pit that can be a refrigerated rink.

6. An environmentally-friendly option

More and more Americans are looking for ways to reduce their carbon footprint.

Even business owners are looking to be more socially responsible.

Add the rising fuel costs, and it will be financially wise for anyone to ‘go green.’

Synthetic ice is a fantastic option that allows you to do your part in keeping things green.

It won’t require constant energy outputs to run.

We also look for ways to use sustainable, recyclable materials and energy-efficient techniques in the manufacturing process.

Keeping your rink for years helps you do your part in your own way.

Build your rink the right way

Building outdoor ice rinks is a great way to earn income, maximize the use of space, and connect a community.

It always warms the heart to see people come together to skate recreationally or compete in hockey.

When deciding on a rink, synthetic ice looks like a long-term solution everyone can enjoy.

And as the rink owner, it can save you time and money.

Best of all, they are easy to install and uninstall, so you still have use of the space for other activities with no damage to the surface.

As synthetic ice pioneers, we provide tiles and panels for any outdoor rink project.

Contact us for expert advice on rink building and finding the best synthetic ice for your needs.