A good training regime is an essential element of success on the ice, but modern life can make it tough to fit in. As recent events have taught us, getting to the rink for your ice training is sometimes easier said than done. In these circumstances, you need an alternative plan of action: welcome to ice training at home.

Ice training at home offers you freedom, flexibility, and versatility. You can train when you want, for how long you want, as often as you want. 

There are, of course, some costs and expenses which come with the advantages. Most experts, however, would agree that the pros far outweigh the cons.

Interested? Read on to discover how training at home can transform your regime, and how KwikRink Synthetic Ice can help your dreams come true.

Why Train At Home?

Ice training at home comes with several advantages, and these include the following:

Unlimited Training Time

Whether you are a figure skater, hockey player, or ice dancer, getting the hours in is the only way to improve your practice. Communal rinks are, by their very nature, restrictive when it comes to access. (Especially with social distancing recommendations in place in many places!)

Most rinks have strict opening and closing hours. Even if you can book extra time, you will still have a limit on how long you can practice. 

In addition, a public rink will often require you to train while others are using the ice at the same time. A crowded rink can seriously cut down the time you have to spend perfecting your technique because you’ll have to make sure to avoid other skaters.

An ice rink at home, however, frees you from these restrictions. You will be able to head out whenever you work best — be that early morning or in the middle of the night. 

As a bonus, you can also train for as long as you need to. There is no need to fit your life around your training program. Instead, you can hit the ice at any time that is convenient for you.

The time spent traveling to and from the ice rink should also not be underestimated. If you live 30 minutes from the rink and train five times a week, the hours add up quickly. A home rink offers you an extra five hours in your week — almost a whole working day!

The freedom can be invaluable for practicing and perfecting moves, working with teammates, or going over techniques with a coach. Most importantly, your own rink puts you in charge of your training schedule. You will be able to fit in a quick workout at any time that suits you, and this means that the sky’s the limit!

No Restrictions on Training

As well as allowing you more freedom with your time, your own ice space offers greater freedom with your moves. A crowded public rink can make it dangerous to practice certain acts, figures, and techniques.

You can also find yourself fighting for space alongside other skaters and  working at a reduced output as a result. The mental concentration of watching out for other skaters can also diminish your focus on your sport.

Having the ice to yourself allows you to train the way you need to in safety and comfort. Whether you are going over a technique time and again or practicing speed and direction, you have the space to stay safe. 

Regular, consistent practice is crucial to improving at your chosen sport, and your own space is a key aspect of this.

Cut the Costs

It may seem counterintuitive, but having your own rink at home can save you cash in the long run. As an athlete and committed skater, the chances are high that you will be putting in plenty of hours on the rink. Even if you secure a deal or discount — as many regular users are able to — the costs will still add up.

This ongoing expense may, over time, limit your training options. If you are watching the pennies, you may choose to cut out a visit to the rink ahead of another essential purchase. Even if you can afford to hit the ice regularly, this is nevertheless an expense that can take its toll.

While the initial cost of putting in your own rink may seem steep, it is essential to consider the benefits in the long-term. Once installed, the rink is yours to use whenever, however, and for whatever you want — there is no need to pay each time. Regular visitors are likely to find that they recoup their initial investment quickly, and once achieved, you can train for free (maintenance is easy!).

Enjoy Improved Results

Most home rinks will be made from synthetic ice, and this can actually have a positive impact on your ice training. As a rule, synthetic ice creates up to 10% more friction with your skate blades, causing your body to work harder. Over time, this means that your muscles will be enjoying more of a workout every time you train on synthetic ice. In other words, a synthetic rink helps to build strength and stability.

As a result, a synthetic rink at home can also act as a perfect complement to other training. You can work out confident that you are actively building greater strength by working the same moves. Over time, the results will show up when you need them the most.

What Should I Know About A Home Rink for Ice Training?

Installing your own home rink may sound complicated, but you can achieve it with no hassle. There are two primary choices: permanent fixtures, which stay in place, or rinks which can be taken down and stored when not in use. Your decision will depend on your available space, but there are plenty of options for all budgets.

As we have discussed, synthetic ice is the most popular choice for home rinks. Not only does this offer improved workout results, but it is also more convenient and easy to handle. With regular care, cleaning, and maintenance, a home rink can be an investment to last for years to come.

Come To KwikRink!

Here at KwikRink Synthetic Ice, we are dedicated to helping you achieve the best results on the ice. We have developed a sterling reputation for excellence in the industry, and we can help you pick out the perfect synthetic rink. Get in touch today, and start boosting your training for the better.