This is intriguing: http://www.icersize.com/

It's a great idea - I've taught on-ice exercise classes and loved them!

My thoughts:

1) Logistically, how could the skaters use this video? I'd think they'd have to use a projecter to watch while on the ice. A teacher-led class would probably be better since it would provide feedback and correction to the students.

2) Upping the video level to people who can already skate would be a better target market. Beginners can get frustrated very easily with just the skating skills and learning to skate off-ice isn't feasible.

3) They sent their marketing email through the PSA to members. A video like this could be considered competition for business, lol. Probably not the most receptive audience.

4) I think I like the manual best: http://www.icersize.com/Announcements.html Lots of good info and advice there, but they mix-and-match between beginners and more advanced skaters. It could be organized a little better because I think a beginner would be confused.

NB: The website/company hired the PSA to send out a mass mailing to PSA members.

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Isk8NYC--you mention a manual, but I didn't actually see one for sale on the website, just an excerpt, and an excerpt about buying skates doesn't tell me anything about what may be covered about actual skating skills, exercises, etc.

also, does anyone know what exactly it means to have the PSA endorse a product? In recent months I've received several emails about endorsed products. Is the PSA saying they approve on the content, or is it merely a means of sending out an advertisement, if it is the later, I don't approve of it. IF they are just sending out a mailing they should say so, such as "you might be interested in this" rather than an "endorsement."

Personally, I am always interested in ways to improve my coaching, particularly how to teach specific skills (I'm a fairly new coach). I could really use some guidance on what products are actually worth paying for, but I don't really think this is what I'm getting with a PSA endorsement.

A PSA endorsement is actually a very big thing. You send in an application and your product, and a committee at the PSA reviews your work and decides if it is a worthwhile product. Then you receive a contract with the PSA regarding the endorsement if they accept you.

I was hesitant to submit my Sk8Strong products for endorsement, because I do not know any of the executive board or master coaches involved with the PSA, and I had heard that it is difficult to receive an endorsement (which it should be). So I was very honored to receive the endorsement. An organization which is the governing body of professional skating coaches would not approve of anything that comes their way unless they felt it would improve the quality of coaching and skating.

I am very happy to be associated with the organization, and it has made my business more reputable and serves as a highly regarded testimonial to Sk8Strong programs.

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