Info & Tips

So you've been thinking about building your ice rink?

After building backyard ice rinks and being involved in the synthetic ice industry for years, we can tell you it's a labor of love.

It's also why we have started and continue to grow PolyGlide Ice.

Synthetic ice brings convenience to you without the expense, hassle, and pressure of creating natural ice rinks.

People are surprised when they see the tiles and panels for the first time.

Can you use actual ice skates to skate?

Can synthetic ice get wet?

Should you keep them indoors in a dry spot so that they last?

Skaters are surprised that synthetic ice can withstand water (including rain), snow, and heat.

However, understanding the mechanics of the product and how to care for it is all you need for hours of hockey, figure skating, or recreational fun.

Understanding synthetic ice

In a short time, synthetic ice has become quite popular with both skaters and hockey players.

In the last few years, the industry has seen tremendous growth when access to the ice rink has been limited.

Now, it's in garages, decks, and backyards across the country.

For the uninitiated, synthetic ice are panels that imitate actual ice.

The plastic ice can mimic the smoothness and hardness of an ice rink.

Synthetic ice panels were standard in large commercial rinks.

Now, panels are available in multiple sizes and shapes.

Each piece can connect like a puzzle to form a larger surface, similar to flooring you'd find in your local gym.

The surface itself requires a special slip agent to make it slippery.

There are two ways to make this happen:

• Infusion: We combine the synthetic ice and slip agent at the start of the manufaturing process. This allows the slip agent to permeate the entire sheet. Infused sheets provide an excellent experience without having to remember to apply a slip agent.
• Topically: The slip agent is applied directly on the surface as it's not infused during production. Instead, the skater will mix the agent with water and spray it on the surface before skating.

While non-infused ice is cheaper, it needs more time to maintain and has a steady supply of slip agents.

In both cases, the conditioner provides the conditions for the blades to grip while reducing friction.

Friction is a concern for synthetic ice as it's higher than natural ice.

However, the advancements in synthetic ice have reduced the coefficient of friction to less than 10%.

As a result, you can place your synthetic ice on any flat, hard surface and skate anywhere and any time of year.

How does moisture affect synthetic ice?

With some plastic materials, excess moisture can cause swelling or degrade it over time.

Not with synthetic ice.

The polyethylene material welcomes liquid to the surface.

The sip surface conditioner is an environmentally friendly compound that consists mainly of water.

So moisture from rain, a garden hose, or any other water source will not damage the tiles. There are some considerations:

• Of course, you don't want your synthetic ice covered in a pool of water. Your skates won't work well, and you increase the chance of rust or damage. Instead, use a mop or soft broom to remove the excess water before skating.
• Rainwater or a dusty day can cause dirt to mix with moisture and settle on the rink. Clean your rink before skating by using a soft mop or brush with warm water to scrub off dirt. For tougher stains, a light power washer can help clean larger rinks.

So Can You Skate on Wet Synthetic Ice?

Even if the water remains on your rink for several days, it will not change the performance of the rink or damage the panels.

A synthetic ice rink is durable and can last up to 10 years with recreational use or 5-7 years with heavy use.

So you should be fine if it's slightly wet when you're skating on it.

The biggest concern will be the longevity of your skates, which we will touch on shortly.

What About Other Conditions?

If you're building a big rink outside, you won't be worried about the rain.

All the elements come into play.

Another great advantage is that you can skate any time of the year.

If you're skating in warmer months, you'll be concerned about the heat affecting your tiles.

Heat can cause your tiles to expand but would not damage the tile or ruin your skate experience.

Most synthetic ice rinks are also UV protected, so you and your rink are safe in the sun.

And for snow?

It can work through freezing temperatures too.

If ice forms on your rink, you can get it off misting with hot water, as you would on a backyard rink made with water.

Depending on how big or small your rink is, you may want to figure out a homemade Zamboni method.

Water and Your Skates

Synthetic ice can get wet, so your skates can get wet too.

Keeping your rink wet can transfer that moisture to your blades.

If you aren't practicing proper blade care, it would seem that the synthetic ice is to blame.

Ice skates and their blades need consistent care to perform well and last long.

Make sure to dry your boot and blade with a microfiber cloth, then place the blades in soakers.

These will ensure your edges don't dull or rust out over time.

If you're concerned about your blade life, you can remove any excess moisture from your synthetic ice rink before skating.

Don't Sweat Over the Water on Your Ice Rink.

Synthetic ice can get wet and remain wet.

You can skate on it without drying it off first, and it may even improve the quality of your skating.

However, if it gets dirty due to the rain, you should clean the dirt first.

The high-quality polyethylene that makes up

PolyGlide's tiles and panels can withstand any weather.

Simply follow the care instructions, infuse your ice as necessary, and you'll have a synthetic ice rink that will last for years.

For more information on all our products or guidance on how to start your rink project, feel free to give us a call.

Let's create a skating experience you won't forget!

 

 

 

Rollerblading and inline skating are enjoying somewhat of a renaissance.

These skates were wildly popular in the 1980s and went away into hiding in the early 2000s.

Now, more kids (and some adults) are dusting off their rollerblades.

They are eager to skate anywhere, anytime, and on anything.

So it’s not unusual for our customers to ask, “can you rollerblade on synthetic ice?"

Rollerblading? On, what?  

Yes, synthetic ice.

This product is popular with hockey players and figure skaters.

These are winter sports, but synthetic ice allows them to skate without the need for frigid temperatures.

When the weather heats up, the ice skates are packed away.

But it isn’t easy to store your ice rink, depending on its size.  

So ice skaters don’t mind turning into rollerbladers. Inline skating allows hockey players to still practice their stick work while on shoes that feel like ice skates.

Figure skaters won’t be able to perform their jumps, but they want to know if they can still have fun and keep in shape in the summer.   

And some skaters love skating so much that they want to test their skills on all surfaces.   

In short, rollerblading on synthetic ice is possible but not recommended for new rollerbladers.

They should try outdoor surfaces like asphalt, as they provide enough grip for the skates.

Experienced skaters can use synthetic ice for rollerblading, similar to how rollerblades work on the smooth surfaces of a skating rink.   

What is synthetic ice?  

Synthetic ice is a unique product made for ice skating with real metal blades.

It’s made of a High-Density or Ultra-High Density Molecular-Weight Polyethylene, a durable but smooth material that’s perfect for ice skating.

Synthetic ice has been around since the 1960s, mainly in large public rinks.   

Today, we can create solid polymer tiles or panels of different sizes.

These interlock like puzzle pieces.

You can outfit your rink in your backyard, deck, or spare room.

The panels are also self-lubricating, meaning you won’t need to reapply a slipping agent for a fantastic experience constantly.   

For the casual and competitive ice skater, synthetic ice has several benefits:  

• It’s easy to set up. You can have a large rink going in less than an hour with some help.  
• It’s more cost-effective over time than creating your own refrigerated rink or natural ice rink.   
• Synthetic ice rinks are durable and have a 10+ year shelf life.  
• You can move your rink and place it almost anywhere.  
• And you can skate all year!  

Synthetic ice rinks have grown in popularity, especially since the pandemic.

Over the years, we have helped many customers finally realize a dream of having an at-home or commercial skating space.   

So it’s for Ice Skating. But Can You Rollerblade on Synthetic Ice?  

Now you can use any ice skate on synthetic ice, hockey skates, figure skates, and recreational skates.

The same goes for wheeled skates too.

This surface is flat and smooth, like the hardwood or concrete floors of your neighborhood roller rink.

In addition, there are roller rinks made with plastic tiles and synthetic flooring!  

You can rollerblade on synthetic ice, but there are some conditions.

For ice skating, friction is the enemy.

Too much can slow down the skater, but some are required for the gliding effect on the ice.

For inline skating and rollerblading, friction is your friend. It’s necessary for the wheels to turn.

When you push off, the wheel begins to turn so you can move.

Bearings in the wheel reduce friction for a bit of speed, but rollerblading would be difficult without it.  

If you use inline skates on synthetic ice, you are facing significantly reduced friction.   

Remember, some synthetic ice panels are self-lubricating.   

 The smooth surface gives ice skaters as little coefficient of friction as possible.

The best synthetic ice has a 10% variance from natural ice!  

With no friction, it can be not easy to generate speed or accelerate unless you are an experienced skater.

You’ll also find that the skate wheels slide more than roll, reducing your ability to turn and stop.   

We recommend that you get accustomed to skating outdoors first, then use your synthetic ice or other smooth surfaces when you’re more experienced with your rollerblades or inline skates.   

Is it Safe to Rollerblade on Synthetic Ice?  

When you are doing any kind of skating, falling is inevitable.

The possibility of injury exists.

Falls can mean a bruised arm, knee, or butt.   

In some cases, the damage is a bit more severe.

An advantage is that synthetic ice can absorb the energy of a fall, making it less painful.   

Inexperienced rollerbladers are more likely to fall on smooth, slippery surfaces like synthetic ice.

Stopping can be particularly difficult, so you’ll experience more falls if your wheels are sliding instead of rolling.   

But overall, it’s safe to rollerblade on synthetic ice like it is on hardwood floors.

We recommend wearing the appropriate protective gear (elbow pads, gloves, etc.) to reduce the chances of injury.   

What (other) Surfaces Can You Rollerblade on?  

Synthetic ice is not the only surface that’s great for rollerblading. If you go to your local skating rink, you won’t see “ice.”

Instead, you’ll see hardwood floors or smooth concrete.

Both surfaces work and will provide speed for experienced skaters.

Rollerblading shines in outdoor arenas, so skate parks, sidewalks, concrete areas, and asphalt are great options.  

How to Set Up Your Synthetic Ice Roller Rink  

Think year-round if you’re thinking about setting up a roller rink with synthetic ice.

Of course, you want to have your rollerblades, inline skates, and a pair of ice skates too.

Ice skating on synthetic ice in the winter months feels like the real thing, so you don’t want to miss out.   

• Start by measuring your surface area and checking for uneven ground. Your synthetic ice rink can get bumps on a rough surface, making for a bumpy, poor experience. When you have a flat surface, skating of all kinds is much better.  Measure the slope of your space with a level. If it is uneven, you can use some plywood board as a foundation first before placing the synthetic ice. Measure your area and get the necessary boards from your local hardware. 
• Place your boards down (if needed), then start connecting to your panels. Each tile or panel has ends to join, so use that to your advantage. Take a mallet to secure the rink safely.  
• Add your rink walls or other accessories. These bring a professional look to the table. This setup should take place in less than 2 hours once you have all the equipment.

Then all that’s left to do is to skate!

First, test out your rollerblades on it, making sure to wear protective gear and have a rail or nearby walls you can use as needed.

As you get accustomed to the slippery rink, you can build more power and endurance, allowing you to become a better skater.   

Have Fun on Any Surface  

So can you rollerblade on synthetic ice?

The goal of strapping up your rollerblades or inline skates is to have fun skating, moving quickly yet effortlessly.

You can use your rollerblades on synthetic ice surfaces, but not without its challenges.  

The slippery surface can bring some balance, speed, and stopping concerns for the inexperienced skater.

However, the surfaces are comfortable and durable and hurt less when falling.

You can even switch out your rollerblades for metal skates when it gets colder.

In the meantime, be sure to check out our synthetic ice panels here at PolyGlide Ice!   

 

 

It’s important to weigh the cost factors when contemplating the purchase of a synthetic ice rink.

Most importantly are the cost savings you may be affording yourself depending on the purpose of your rink or who it’s for.

We put together a list of seven items that you may want to incorporate into your checklist when trying to access the true value of your new rink.

It’s easy to just compare price tags of certain products when shopping but buyers need to be aware of those that come with a cost savings……synthetic ice is one of those products.

1 – Travel

There’s no doubt that the number one reason people consider purchasing a synthetic ice rink is to save on travel.

We all know the typical costs associated with travel including fuel, tolls, bus, train, maintenance and repairs that all add-up with each mile traveled.

We found out recently that the “typical” drive to the rink for most parents was not quite what we had originally expected. T

o try to get an idea of just how much the average hockey player and skater family travels to the rink weekly, monthly and annually, we posed the following question to our facebook followers:

How Far Do You Travel Back-And-Forth to the Rink Every Week, Month and Year on the Average?

Here’s a few Responses that do a Good Job at Summing it up:

• Dana C.: We have three (not so) local rinks; one is 36 minutes to the East, one is 40 minutes West, and the third is 44 minutes West. At least that's what map-quest will tell you. But like Sammy Hagar, I can't drive 55. (but I do now because I got a ticket last week). I've got 2 boys, 5 teams, practices and clinics. Average 5/6 days a week driving to at least one rink. Saturdays can be all three. Since Star Trek transporters aren't available, PolyGlide could be a real help to our fuel economy as well as the boys' game.

• Jennifer C.: Two kids. Two different rinks, sometimes on the same day 40 mins apart. So, drop one off, drop the other off, go back and pick up 1, then get two. Those days, probably 70 miles. The other days, 30 miles roundtrip for practice, 80-120 miles roundtrip for games. Average 5-7 days at the rinks. I *use* to get the low mileage discount on my insurance lol

• Andrea R.: 220 to 420 miles a week depending on which team (my daughter plays on all girls league and the co-ed team). For an 8-month season it's between 880-1680 miles a month, 7,040-13,440 miles a season of travel. During the summer months we do dry land on rollerblades since our town only have ice Oct thru May.

Cost Assessment

So now ask yourself the same question and see if you can estimate how many miles you plan on traveling to the rink between now and next year.

At the time of this writing, the one-year cost estimator for a gallon of gas is $3.36 USD.

So, in estimating our three responses above using 8 months per season and 20 mpg as the average, the breakdown would show that Dana C. would take home the Gold Medal for stops at the gas pump:

• Dana C, 800 gallons $2,984
• Jennifer C., 592 gallons $2,208
• Andrea R., 512 gallons $1,910

Once you’re able to see how much you’ve been spending on travel you can get a better idea on how you can trim it back by creating your own home training rink.

2 – Time

How do you value your time?

Unlike materialistic things, time is something we never get back though we sure know how to throw it away.

It is something we cherish, and it passes WAY too fast.

Though travel may be the most popular reason people consider purchasing a synthetic ice rink, it’s the travel time that can wear us down and is lost forever.

Players and Skaters

For players and skaters, by training at home they can eliminate some of that extra travel and afford themselves more time for other things.

More time for homework, chores, games and just plain fun with that time usually spent on the road traveling to the rink.

Maybe even more time for an early family dinner and getting to bed at a decent hour and a good night’s sleep.

Parents

Walter Gretzky, Father of the “Great One” Wayne Gretzky once said:

Everyone wonders why I made the rink in the backyard.

I used to go to the outdoor rinks when winters were a lot colder years ago.

Everybody had an outdoor rink, the Parks and everybody.

I used to sit in the car while Wayne was skating.

I remember one night I came home to my wife and said,

“This is so stupid, I go to these outdoor rinks and freeze to death night after night…you know what I’m going to do?.…

I’ll make a rink in the backyard he’ll go when he wants as long as he wants….I’ll be in the house where it’s nice and warm.” …It truly, truly was self-preservation but it worked-out pretty good!

For parents, not having to rush home to get your child to practice can allow yourself more time to be productive at work or with your own business which itself can translate into additional revenue.

Having just a few extra hours each week to address your business or personal needs adds up and helps make life a little easier even if it’s just to kick back, relax and stay warm.

Analyze your schedule and see how you can trim back your trips to the rink by having your player or skater train at home.

Attached a value to your time per hour saved and challenge yourself to come up with an annual plan.

You will be astonished when you find out just how much time you have been wasting and how much you can start to save.

3 – Lessons

Let’s face it, everyone wants to be the next “Great One” or “Alina Zagitova” and will take endless lessons and training to try to get there.

The need to build a solid foundation by learning the fundamentals are critical for any player or skater’s development and taking lessons from an accomplished Coach will lead them on the right path. 

Just as important is the child’s need to develop on their own to keep it fun and enjoyable enough to want to get better.

By allowing a child more time to develop and love the sport they follow on their own will only nurture their desire to want to get better.

As mentioned previously, the worlds most accomplished Ice Hockey Player of all time started learning the game on his own backyard rink.

Give your child the time and space to try out new moves or jumps on their own without being on a clock, watched or judged.

When training in their own home environment you will quickly see how dedicated they are to their sport.

The overall need for additional lessons once the skill sets have been taught will become fewer and fewer as the athlete progresses.

Some Coaches may offer home lessons if they know you have your own home rink and may actually charge you less as they don’t have to pay an additional fee to the rink for the ice time.

Any cost savings associated with self-teaching at home will put more money in the pocket of the parent that utilizes home training to their child’s advantage.

4 – Camps & Clinics

 

As with lessons, Camps and Clinics are organized group lessons that can be both a huge help and at the same time a detriment if not implemented properly.

Sad to say, some facilities will run camps and clinics just to fill the open ice to bring in additional revenue for the rink so be sure to make sure it’s an established program with a history.

There is a Social element that comes with attending camps as sometimes a child may want to attend for recreation, team building or because a friend may be going which is understandable.

The price tag for some camps and clinics can be quite costly and would provide a huge savings to anyone owning their own home rink.

For the purpose of player development, it always will be the amount of time they practice on a weekly basis that will beat out any short-term camp or clinic.

Many portable home rink packages can be purchased for the same price as sleep-away summer camp and will provide a year-round “endless summer” of ice for any skating athlete.

5 – Off-Ice Training

Another great thing about owning your own synthetic ice rink is that it can be utilized as a multi-purpose surface unlike natural ice.

If a player or skater wants to just come home and work on their shot or spins without lacing-up it’s an added luxury to have with a synthetic ice surface.

They can create their own personal off-ice training program to address their specific needs.

Off-Ice training has grown tremendously in popularity in recent years with the advancement of synthetic ice surfaces as facilities continue to pop-up throughout the USA and Canada.

Having your own home training center is like having your own “ice gym” that you can utilize anytime you want without relying on group workout schedules or ice time.

By creating your own “Home Ice Gym” you are just one step ahead of the competition when it comes to strength and conditioning.

It does not require a lot of space to get in your edgework and drills.

Think of your new synthetic ice rink as your own private training center less the annual membership fee.

6 – Value

One thing that many customers don’t realize is that synthetic ice is a unique product that retains its value over the lifetime of the surface and can easily be resold as “Used” if maintained properly.

In fact, many rink surfaces are re-sold at more than 50% the original cost allowing customers to recoup a good part of their original investment without losing much value.

When combined with many of the other cost-saving characteristics synthetic ice offers, depending on the overall size of the rink, the surface may well eventually pay for itself.

Be sure to properly maintain and keep your rink in good shape in case one day down the road you decide to cash-in on your investment.

Save the receipts from your original purchase along with warranty information.

7 – Long Lasting

Synthetic ice is a “Green” product in every sense of the word.

As opposed to traditional ice facilities that burn hundreds of thousands of dollars on electricity for refrigeration systems and compressors, synthetic ice burns zero fossil fuels.

You will never have to worry about your electric bill after purchasing a synthetic ice rink.

Because of the durability of the polymer plastic it has quite a long-life expectancy outside of just surface scratches from ice skating.

It is also portable and reusable year after year without the need for liners or leveling.

No special boards, accessories or pins are required for the PolyGlide Synthetic Ice one-piece interlocking system that can be assembled and disassembled in a short period of time.

There’s also a lot less labor involved as compared to traditional rink systems and natural ice rink liner systems that depend on additional accessories, leveling and Mother Nature for ice.

Conclusion

As you can see with synthetic ice there are many ways you can efficiently reap the rewards from your investment.

Consider all the ways you can utilize a home synthetic ice rink to improve as a player and skater in the comfort of your own home without relying on your local rink for ice time.

Look at the big picture and soon you’ll understand there’s no reason why you can’t better your skill sets and save money at the same time.

When you lay out just where you’ve been spending your time and money it starts to make sense that purchasing a synthetic ice rink for the home can be a great overall investment and asset.

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

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

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

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

Benefits of a Slide Board Workout Program

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

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

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

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

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

 

Improved Cardiovascular Health

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

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

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

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

Reduce your risk of developing heart disease

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

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

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

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

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

 

Strength Training

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

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

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

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

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

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

Balance and Coordination

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

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

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

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

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

 

Before Beginning Your Workout

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

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

Stretching

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

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

Warming-Up

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

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

 

Exercise Options

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

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

• Sprints
• Lunges
• Squats

Sprints

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Lunges

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

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

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

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

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

That's one rep.

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

 

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

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

Squats

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

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

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

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

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

 

Summary

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Keep on Skating! - Jim Loughran

 

 

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

 

Lateral Squat

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

Here's how to do them:

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

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

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

Repeat this movement using the other leg.

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

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

 

 

 

Single Leg Squat

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

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

Here's how to do it:

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

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

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

Switch legs and repeat on the other side.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

 

Split Squats

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Lunge

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

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

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

Here's how to do it: 

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

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

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

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

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

Repeat on the other side. 

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

 

 

Goblet Squat Side Lunge

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Repeat this exercise on the other side.

Remember to keep your core engaged throughout the entire movement.

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

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

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

 

Conclusion

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

You won’t be disappointed!