ULTRASLIDE/Varisport, Inc. is an Environmentally Friendly Company

The ULTRASLIDE® Slideboard has achieved a 20 year history of helping athletes and fitness enthusiasts achieve game-changing results in their training, conditioning, and rehabilitation programs.  But did you know the ULTRASLIDE is also ULTRA-sustainable?  We incorporate sustainability principles into every aspect of the business, from product development to energy use to packaging and delivery.  Let’s take a look at our sustainability principles in practice.

We Make ULTRASLIDE Slideboards With Salvaged, Recycled or Certified Materials

Salvaging a resource means giving it a new purpose after its original lifecycle ends.    We utilize salvaged ash trees in the Chicago area that are lost due to infestations, storms or disease and give them new life as wood bumpers on the ULTRASLIDE.  Did you know that the non-slip rubber pads under the slideboard might have kept you from slipping off the road at one time?  They are made from 100% recycled car and truck tires.

We use Forest Stewardship Council certified plywood to make the baseboard on the flagship ULTRASLIDE slideboards so that old or rare species of trees are saved and maintain their ecological value. The glue on the laminate backing is water-based and contains no chemicals.  Even the instruction packets accompanying the ULTRASLIDE are printed on 100% recycled paper. 

Many of these components are  produced within 50 miles of our facility in Northbrook, IL.  We know that using local materials and suppliers means less transportation and the need to use non-renewable energy sources.

Our Carbon Footprint is Small and Getting Smaller

Businesses cannot operate any longer without considering their effect on global climate change.  We are certainly no exception and take this responsibility very seriously.  Avoiding conventional energy sources such as coal and oil keeps our carbon footprint low. For that reason, we decided to invest in electricity from renewable sources by receiving that energy directly or purchasing offsets.

 

In addition, we use the UPS Carbon Neutral option (at our expense) for every ground shipment, which accounts for 98% of the boards shipped.  Inherently, the ULTRASLIDE doesn’t require any electricity to use because it’s human powered.  We are always looking for ways to reduce our carbon footprint even further, with the ultimate goal of becoming a carbon neutral company.

Every ULTRASLIDE Ships in 100% Recycled Packaging

Post-consumer containers and packaging make up more than 30% of the average American’s trash bin, most of which is not recycled.  We are doing our part to change that.  The ULTRASLIDE ships in custom board and surface boxes made from 100% recycled corrugated cardboard. We entirely eliminated the use of Styrofoam and Ethafoam three years ago.   All packaging is sealed with water-based paper tape and all boxes and tape are both 100% recyclable.  This ensures that our packaging materials never need go into the waste stream or a landfill. That’s our “cradle to cradle” packaging philosophy.

We Consider the Environment in All Aspects of Our Business

Our company’s overall environmental consciousness is of greater importance than any single action.  As an environmentally-friendly company, it is ingrained in our culture. We think about the repercussions of everything we do.  Our landfill waste typically does not exceed one trash bag per week because we know where that waste is going – and we reuse or recycle things that others throw in the trash.  We have a recycling dumpster – not a trash dumpster.  Our employees often telecommute to save on fuel and maintain efficiency.  We print only when absolutely necessary, or do so on double-sided recycled paper whenever possible. We keep the lights out unless we need them.  We market our product digitally and utilize print and promotional materials only in rare instances.  You will never see an ULTRASLIDE four-color brochure at a trade show.

Visit www.ultraslide.com to learn about new ways we are staying committed to environmental sustainability and incorporating  these principles into the ULTRASLIDE and Varisport culture.

ULTRASLIDE for Cheerleading Training

Football season is well underway and you can be sure that many of those athletes, from quarterbacks to linemen, use the ULTRASLIDE® slideboards for pre-season, in-season, and post-season workouts. However, it's important not to forget the other athletes that are often on the football field - the cheerleaders. Cheerleading has come a long way from its beginnings with many cheerleaders competing year round. Today's cheerleading often entails more than being enthusiastic and getting the crowd on their feet. Depending on the level of competition, these athletes are performing complicated gymnastic and stunt exercises that require them to be in peak condition.

Zach Vargo of Vargo Trained, LLC works with these types of athletes and has incorporated various ULTRASLIDE exercises into his program. Sometimes these athletes are in such good shape that they need special modifications to certain exercises to challenge them even more. He recently worked with a competitive cheerleader with a very strong core so he got creative with an abdominal and oblique exercise to push her training further.


Zach added a Bosu ball to a swing exercise to relieve stress on her wrists and really target the shoulders. "The addition of the ball didn't only relieve the stress, but it also brought another dimension to the exercise by increasing shoulder stability. In addition to working abs and obliques with the swings, that exercise also requires lower back strength to stay in the plank position and tricep strength to remain in the pushup position" he says. During this exercise, the Bosu ball wants to rotate with the swing motion so the athlete must keep the core tight and remain stable with the shoulders. This trains the shoulders in a way that many exercises cannot, which is extremely beneficial for a cheerleader performing stunts.

Modified Swing Exercise on the ULTRASLIDE

Here are Zach's instructions for his modified swing exercise on the ULTRASLIDE Slideboard:

1. Wearing the ULTRASLIDE slippers, get into the plank position placing your feet in the upper right corner of the ULTRASLIDE slideboard. 
2. Place the Bosu ball in front of the slideboard underneath your shoulders. Be sure to give yourself enough room lengthwise extending out from the board. Turn the Bosu over and hold on to the outside of the base.
3. Keep your feet together and swing in one full movement from one edge of the board to the other.
4. Maintaining good form and engaging your core, swing your body as fast as you can in each direction, minimizing the transition/pause time when changing directions.  
5. Repeat the swings for the prescribed reps. If you're new to this movement start with a low number such as 2 or 3 on each side until you gain more overall strength and stability. 

NOTE from Zach: Be sure to keep a flat back, as any sagging will cause lower back pain as with any plank position exercise.

Watch this to see it all put together.

Why is this effective for cheerleader training?

The basic lateral sliding movement is of great benefit to cheerleaders because that is primarily how they move. This swing exercise is specifically designed for cheerleaders as it can help them become more powerful in their rotations during stunts.

The purposes of the ULTRASLIDE are practically endless, no matter your sport or end goal. Regardless of the movement, exercising with the ULTRASLIDE is always a full body workout. To see what else Zach and his team are up to, visit them on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.

Fuel for Speed: ULTRASLIDE Slideboard for Skiing & Ice-Based Training

With the onset of fall weather and only 137 days until the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia, anticipation is mounting for some of the most popular competitions including skiing. The ULTRASLIDE Slideboard lends itself inherently well to off-ice training for athletes who compete in ice-based sports given the occasional limitations on access to ice. Skiing is no exception. 

Marc Digesti,
Founder of PerformancEDU Training Facility 

Marc Digesti, former U.S. Disabled Ski Team Strength Coach and Director of Performance of PerformancEDU Training Facility utilizes the ULTRASLIDE Slideboard for multiple diversified training programs in his in Tahoe, NV facility. Recently Marc shared his perspective on why the ULTRASLIDE is so effective for his skiers, elite athletes and more.

U: What is your experience with skiing? 

M: I grew up in the Tahoe area ski racing until high school. After playing baseball in college and graduating with a degree in Exercise Physiology, I was hired as the Strength Coach for the U.S. Disabled Ski Team. In this role, I traveled, designed and implemented training methods for our athletes including testing protocols.

U: What are the most important training objectives for skiers in general? 

M: The most important training objective is to get ski athletes powerful while not limiting their mobility and stability movement patterns. They need to be solid and strong but flexible to anticipate the changes in direction and terrain.

U: What are the most challenging training aspects for skiers?

M: The most challenging aspects of training skiers is their rigorous in-season travel schedule. We have to create a very objective periodization for their off-season dry land training. More importantly we have to create a program for their in-season maintenance. The ULTRASLIDE has been a perfect fit for meeting these needs given that it provides 24-7 access to a training mechanism and is versatile in function to support a variety of training needs. This one tool can address the needs of many.

U: Having incorporated the ULTRASLIDE Slideboard into your training and conditioning, do you find that it supports conditioning in one central area or multiple area(s)?

M: The ULTRASLIDE is a training tool we use for many areas of our training. It's not just great for our metabolic systems with interval work and lateral sliding; we incorporate it into all of our upper and lower body mobility/stability movements and torso stability patterns (for the core).

U: What differences in performance did you notice after you began using the ULTRASLIDE in a more targeted way?

M: Based upon periodizing programs with and without loads on the upper body (using weight vests and med balls), our skiers were able to hold their turns with more power and stability.

U: Why do you think the ULTRASLIDE is most effective for skiers?

M: The ULTRASLIDE is the best training tool that mimics the lateral demands placed on the body while skiing. The slideboard bumpers are sturdy and allow the athlete to achieve speed and access the same force they leverage in competition. The bumpers really force the athlete to load their inside hip during the push-off which directly translates to loading the inside hip while initiating the turn in the true competitive environment.

U: What is your go-to exercise or routine when utilizing the ULTRASLIDE? 

M: At PerformancEDU, one of our go to movements with the ULTRASLIDE are reverse loaded lunges. You get the best of both worlds for great single leg strength and upper body stability.

Running is an Art

Art Ives,
Founder of the The Way of Running

Running has become one of the fastest growing forms of exercise in the United States, only requiring a little conditioning, motivation and an open distance in which to run. Making the decision to run competitively is a commitment and increases the need to condition on and off "the track" to sustain a long-term running career and prevent the occurrence of injuries. 

Art Ives is an accomplished runner turned trainer and advisor who applies a holistic approach to his work with clients. Having  incorporated the ULTRASLIDE slideboard into his training programs, he recently shared how it has made a difference.

How did you find the ULTRASLIDE?

AI - I started doing some personal research for a cross-training tool to complement tmy personal training routine as well as for clients. I came across the ULTRASLIDE slideboard and based on its effectiveness, quality and customer support, it was the perfect choice.

What are the most important training objectives for runners?

AI - There are many! The primary training objectives for runners are:

• Movement and postural awareness,core engagement, 
• ability to relax with prolonged physical exertion, 
• patience and consistency, 
• balanced and systematic progression, 
• solid nutritional support, 
• personal organization, 
• taking their work seriously and themselves lightly. and
• peaking and tapering in a classic sense to avoid injury, burnout or mediocre/flat performance.

What are the most challenging aspects of running for exercise, or training?

AI - Like the objectives, there are many challenges. The obstacles I watch out for are:

• the body's sensitivity to work andrecovery cycles, 
• understanding how fast is fast enough and how long is long enough, and
• disregard to conventional techniques or quick adoption of overly clever trends that cyclically come and go.

Objectivity with process and results, perseverance, overcoming self limiting notions, employing realistic goal setting and proper gauging of actual fitness are just a few ways to overcome these challenges.

Having incorporated the ULTRASLIDE into your training and conditioning, do you find that it supports conditioning in one central or multiple area(s)?

AI - The ULTRASLIDE is highly effective and lends itself positively in the areas of:

1. core engagement
2. coherency around the center of gravity
3. awareness of hip placement and lateral movement in the frontal plane
4. coordinated rhythmic flow and use of grounding/stabilizing forces
5. conditioning of synergists and peripheral muscle groups for both strength and local muscular endurance
6. plasticity of tissues and 
7. creative movement.

Most of all it's FUN! I have always wanted a slideboard since studying sports agility in the 80's.

Learn more about Art on The Way or Running website.

Five for Training...in Hockey

Guest Blogger Mark Meads Explains How the ULTRASLIDE® Enables Competitive Edge

As the owner of Competitive Edge Personal Training, we give athletes the tools and instruction they need to take their game to the next level. One of the highest regarded pieces of fitness equipment that we use in our athletes' training programs is the ULTRASLIDE 8 foot slide board. And although I specialize in hockey training, all of our athletes benefit from the usage of the ULTRASLIDE, not just our hockey players! 

The ULTRASLIDE brings a lateral sense of movement to athletes that no other piece of equipment can bring, and that's just breaching the surface of what the slide board can do for you. Our athletes have not only excelled in horizontal movement, but also in linear movement such as sprinting. This is because the muscles that are used in side to side movement are overshadowed by the repeatedly used muscles in forward movement. The ULTRASLIDE conditions those muscles and brings them to the surface where they can be fine tuned.

Two of the movements that I love to perform on the ULTRASLIDE slide board are Split Lunges, and Knee to Chest movements. With the Split Lunge, the client starts with one foot in front of the bumper of the slide board, and the back foot directly behind on the baseboard. They slide their foot backwards, dropping their hips straight down, causing the front knee to bend at a 90 degree angle. Performing this exercise on the slide board adds a more challenging element as the lower back and core are engaged to maintain balance on the slide surface.

The Knee to Chest movement is performed with both feet on the baseboard, and both hands off the board in front of the body on the bumper. While in push up position, the client will bring both knees straight in to their chest and then back to starting position. This is performed with a tight core, as quickly as possible while working on the hip flexor muscles. 

As a hockey player, using the ULTRASLIDE slide board has greatly improved the length and the power that I am able to produce through my stride. Our other athletes, such as basketball players, have become quicker in their shuffling and more powerful in their vertical leap. I greatly advise and recommend adding the slide board into the workout program of anyone looking to train for any sport, or just looking to get in better shape and lead a healthier lifestyle. 

Mark is the owner of the Competitive Edge Personal Training Center in Middleton, MA. Mark is a competitive hockey player for Bentley University and leverages unique training resources in his personal training programs to help clients achieve the advantage they're looking for.

ULTRASLIDE for Speed Skating

As cliche as it may seem, there is definite truth to being able to accomplish anything you set your mind to - and Bruce Conner epitomizes that statement. After qualifying at age 49 and 53, Bruce is preparing for the 2014 Winter Olympic trials (at age 57) as the oldest adult to ever try out for the international competition.

With age, training needs are a grand consideration for such a lofty goal. For this lifelong dream, Bruce chose the ULTRASLIDE Slideboard as his primary training tool. Bruce recently shared his inspiring story about his personal Road to Sochi 2014.

What is your history with speed skating?

My experience with speed skating covers many years.  I started speed skating at age 12 and competed until age 19.  I started locally, finally retiring form the sport as a national team member just before the 1976 Olympic games.  However, I stayed active over the years and returned as a 40-year-old athlete just for the fun of it.  I skated once a week and raced once a month and gradually began reaching speeds that I attained when I was  a teenager.  At age 48, I hired a coach and started to train seriously, which led to my qualifications during the Olympic trials at age 49, 53 and now age 57. I also hold numerous world records and world championships in my age group. I continue to skate faster now than ever.  

Describe the primary training objectives for speed skaters.

There are two overall objectives: one is building the [internal] motor, the other is to learn and apply proper skating technique for speed and efficiency.  The slideboard most closely approximates the push for momentum we experience on the ice. It also helps to duplicate proper skating technique for application on the ice.  Staying in the skating position on the slideboard helps to build the endurance for proper technique.  The slideboard speaks to both objectives leading to muscle strength, endurance, and this technique development.  Using a slideboard with a mirror helps me to be aware of proper body position.  The repetitive nature of sliding also strengthens the neuro-muscular bonds to cement good technique.  

What is the most challenging part of speed skating?

Since speed skating is a power sport, it requires good technique even when you are tired.  For this reason, physical conditioning is paramount. Speed skating is not a natural activity.  It is purely learned. Without proper technique and the ability to maintain it, your speed suffers and works against you during the competition.  The slideboard provides the best alternative for off ice speed skating training.

We only have access to long track ice for about 6 months of the year.  The slideboard helps with off ice training anytime and practically anywhere.  I use the ULTRASLIDE Slideboard in conjunction with my on-ice training by using it to warmup before getting on the ice.  This helps me to get my skating neurons firing properly so when I get on the ice I am productive right away.  

Do you find the ULTRASLIDE to be multi-faceted in training?

Yes, the slideboard helps with both the technical aspects of skating as well as the physical training and conditioning.  I perform two types of workouts on the slideboard. One is designed to reach time benchmarks in the skating position. The other is for interval training, all the while practicing good technique. The ULTRASLIDE is truly the best way to duplicate skating off the ice that I know. It's highly durable and is easy to store in the home and transport when needed, placing no limits on training. I have been using the slideboard for 9 years now and I keep getting faster.  It works! I have the results to prove it.

Follow Bruce's journey in preparation for the 2014 Olympic trials on his website or his blog, Faster as a Master.

ULTRASLIDE Slideboard for Post Partum Exercise

For the same reasons that runners must take careful steps to return to running after an injury - a new mom has to take extra precaution after childbirth when returning to any exercise - particularly running. This is vital to ensure the pelvic and abdominal muscles return to their fully stable condition. It might seem like a huge disappointment at first but taking these precautions will actually ensure that you are operating at 100% for your new baby and will help to get you back on the road to running faster than ever.

In addition to getting adequate rest, most physicians will advocate for some very light activity to help you feel like yourself again. But no worries - your hands aren't tied. Mild, low intensity exercise with your doctor's approval can be done. Superstar mom and professional runner Lauren Fleshman has made the ULTRASLIDE Slideboard a part of her post-partum routine to build and regain her pelvic stability. 

                                 

Looks like slow and steady does actually help you to win the race - or at least get you moving faster. Check out this and other ULTRASLIDE products here.

Professional Fighter Gil Guardado Explains How the ULTRASLIDE Slideboard Enhances Mixed Martial Arts Training

UFC Fight Week has generated widespread attention and speaks to the international reach of mixed martial arts as a diversified sport. Trainers, professional fighters and MMA athletes know that making the right decisions about your training is integral to prepare you for the unexpected during competitions. The ULTRASLIDE Slideboard has been a part of many MMA training programs in recent years. 

Professional MMA fighter and Xtreme Couture Strength & Conditioning Coach Gil Guardado recently shared how the ULTRASLIDE has become an invaluable tool in his personal and client training.

What is your experience with slideboards?

Gil combines his technical training knowledge with his
personal fighting experience to train MMA athletes.

I have been using slideboards since the end of 2011. I was training with Jake Bonacci for my last amateur title fight and he incorporated the slideboard into our training program for conditioning. It was a completely different dynamic. We never did lateral conditioning but it made so much sense. In a sport like MMA you need a full range of movements - not just linear and the ULTRASLIDE was perfect for that.

What are the most important training objectives for martial artists?

The first is gaining competitive edge. Everyone is trying to be stronger, faster and better thatn their competition. In my opinion, fighters are behind the curve when it comes to strength and conditioning. Many of them are trying unproven methods to make their training better. I like going with what works - and the ULTRASLIDE is not only proven but it's also something new to a lot of people. When I use it with my clients, most of them are getting a brand new, unique training experience.

What are the most challenging aspects of martial arts?

There are several but learning how to accept the punches and preparing for the mental challenges are most difficult. It's a grind. We train six days a week, twice a day. It takes a toll on your body. The sport itself is based on contact so something like a slideboard is a nice break because it's low impact and a smoother experience that ultimately improves your speed and movement. 

What differences in performance did you notice after you began using the ULTRASLIDE in a more targeted way?

I noticed immediate differences in my footwork. The slideboard teaches you how to generate power in the lateral movement. My speed also improved. I haven't found anything else that does that so quickly.

Why do you think the ULTRASLIDE is effective for martial artists?

MMA is based on finite space movement – there are so many sports that move forward to back. When you close in during MMA, it's only 20 to 30 feet across. There isn't a lot of movement. You're cutting to the side looking for an angle to land a strike or a takedown. MMA is definitely a laterally dominated sport and the ULTRASLIDE mimics that movement perfectly.

Mountain climbers on the ULTRALIDE slideboard have multiple
benefits including enhanced explosive power and speed.

What are your go-to exercises or routines when utilizing the ULTRASLIDE? 

There are many! We definitely get our time our of it. I start with the lateral slide when clients are new to using a slideboard. I want them to start with the basics and we build from there. If someone is nervous about getting on the slideboard, we position it in conjunction with the TRX suspension system so they have stabilization to build comfort. We take a graduated approach starting with two hands holding on to the straps, the only one hand holding on and then freestanding as they begin to generate speed and power.

Once they're comfortable, I incorporate my favorite three ULTRASLIDE movements – lateral sliding focusing on intervals and speed; mountain climbers for speed, and lunge variations to challenge balance, core strength and stability. When they want a challenge, I can do simple things like adding weight. But most find the ULTRASLIDE is a challenge within itself! When I'm not training I also use it personally - I think it's really a fantastic tool. 

The lateral slide on the ULTRASLIDE is a
hallmark movement - tried and true.

Learn more about the ULTRASLIDE slideboard and its application to a variety of training contexts here.

It's ALL Science

The dynamics behind how the ULTRASLIDE Slideboard are made and why it lends itself so well to fitness and athletic training is all based on science. By challenging the body to move in alternate ways (i.e., moving laterally versus the daily front to back stride), you can increase flexibility and better anticipate and respond to sports-driven movement.




In this video, Jordan Troester, Coach at Sparta Performance Science explains how slideboards can help athletes achieve distinct lateral movement and rotational power for a variety of sports including baseball, softball, volleyball and even water polo.

What's the difference in ULTRASLIDE slideboards for athletic training? View and compare ULTRASLIDE products here.

Bridging the Gap

Many think of the ULTRASLIDE Slideboard primarily as a lower body workout, which is a somewhat of a misconception. While  you exert a moderate amount of lower body strength to move across the slideboard, it is actually your core and a combination of muscle groups that are your greatest sources of power.

If you are new to the ULTRASLIDE or need additional guidance on how to better engage your upper body to achieve the greatest full body benefit from the slideboard workout, Coach Jordan Troester of SPARTA Performance Science provides instruction in this video:

SPARTA Performance Science is a unique athletic training facility in the California Bay Area. Leveraging technology and objective-based training models, SPARTA trains some of the most elite athletes to advance their performance, learn new techniques or recover from injuries and maintain a fulfilling athletic career. Learn more about SPARTA here.

View ULTRASLIDE products anytime at www.ultraslide.com.

The Fast Track to Success

"The ULTRASLIDE® Slideboard has been a crucial addition to my rehab program...it has already sped up my progression and recovery and will continue to play an important role in my training and conditioning."

                                                                                - Chris "Thommo" Thompson

Chris "Thommo" Thompson, 2012 Olympian and Silver
Medalist in the European Championships 10,000M
training on an ULTRASLIDE 8 Slideboard.

U: What are the most important training objectives for runners?

CT: I think the most important training objectives for runners fall in two categories: running and hills sessions.

The most effective running sessions include threshold progression, running-specific conditioning and VO2 Max (maximal oxygen consumption).

Hills sessions include strength and elastic strength training and running efficiency. The objectives from each category are built on the needs to increase endurance and develop muscle strength, which is where the ULTRASLIDE is helpful in both regards.

What are the most challenging aspects of running for exercise, conditioning or training?

CT: There are many challenges before, during and after training or competition. I think there are four primary challenges:

1. Identifying recovery strategies to repair the body from the increased amounts of training associated with being an elite athlete.
2. Meeting all training objectives to become a well-rounded athlete. 
3. Correctly executing training and maintaining a positive mental state. 
4. Utilizing injury management and prevention techniques.

Why do you think the ULTRASLIDE Slideboard is effective for runners?

CT: For runners who concentrate solely on glute strength, the ULTRASLIDE can be a great way to build complementary abductor strength. This is primarily because glutes and abductors work in harmony to achieve total efficiency. The ULTRASLIDE is also a great tool to coordinate the body and build a base for hip activation and muscular harmony prior to lifting weights in the gym. It helps the hips to be ready and fully activated before performing heavy exercises to avoid imbalances through poor form. Building this foundation enables better execution of a range of exercises all the way up to anaerobic running and thus not only helps with injury prevention but also assists the athlete with achieving great running efficiency. 

Having incorporated the ULTRASLIDE Slideboard into your training and conditioning, do you find that it supports conditioning in one central or multiple area(s)?

CT: My primary reason for initially using the ULTRASLIDE was to specifically strengthen and activate my abductor muscles. They had become weak after my hernia operation and I developed pubis dysfunction. My hip range was reduced and general movement - specifically running - had become difficult to manage and execute. After using the ULTRASLIDE I was able to redevelop stability in my hips which directly enhanced my ability to perform and achieve all of the areas of training required.

What differences in performance did you notice after you began using the ULTRASLIDE Slideboard in a more targeted way?

CT: Once I began using the ULTRASLIDE more regularly, I could isolate my abductor muscles to better strengthen them and also stretch my tendons in a careful and controlled manner. Very quickly I noticed my body accepted this way of training whereas previous attempts to do the same in other forms of exercise just left me irritated and sore without progression.

What is your go-to exercise or routine when utilizing the ULTRASLIDE Slideboard for running training?

CT: My teammates and I use the ULTRASLIDE Slideboard in a variety of ways:

• Cardio Warmup - We slide from side to side continuously for 10 minutes prior to beginning a strength and conditioning workout. 
• Abdominal Workout - After a workout, the team slides laterally on the ULTRASLIDE to work abdominal muscles in lieu of standard core strengthening exercises (i.e., sit-ups or crunches).
• Rehabilitation - Injured athletes use the ULTRASLIDE daily to improve hip stability and strength.

Get information on upcoming competitions and the successes 

of Chris (@THommo10K) and the OTC Team by 

visiting the OTC Elite website or following them on Twitter @OregonTCElite.

ULTRASLIDE® EXPERT INSIGHTS: Frank Velasquez, Strength & Conditioning Specialist

The ULTRASLIDE Slideboard lends itself incredibly well to a variety of sports because of its versatility and the collection of benefits it can provide. The ULTRASLIDE is a natural fit for baseball most evidently because of the sliding motion it mimics. However, in further examining the elements of baseball that players strive for, the ULTRASLIDE actually meets several training needs. We asked professional trainer and strength coach Frank Velasquez of REV Sports Rehab & Athletic Development to share his perspective on how the ULTRASLIDE contributes to an effective baseball training and conditioning program.

U: How has the ULTRASLIDE aided conditioning for your baseball athlete clientele?

FV: Baseball is a sport that matches split-second decision-making with the ability for the body to quickly respond to achieve an advantage. Such a unique method of performance requires a non-traditional approach. The ULTRASLIDE meets that unique need by conditioning the body to perform several functions simultaneously, enabling flexible movement on multiple dimensions.

As a strength coach in professional baseball, my goal is to keep the players strong and in muscular balance to enhance their durability. They play every day so their training has to be designed to help them go the distance. Conditioning has to be comprehensive and each component complements the other. One element isn't more important than the other; these objectives are equally important.

U: What is the most challenging aspect of baseball? How does the ULTRASLIDE help with these aspects?

FV: The most challenging aspect of baseball training is the volume of skill repetitions in a season. Think about the swings, throws, runs, etc. - all the demands of the game. Add the schedule, travel and the grind of it all and the need to keep the body strong and durable for as long as possible becomes even more important. The ULTRASLIDE is an unconventional resource that helps condition players' bodies. Because the ULTRASLIDE is low impact, it reduces the mental anxiety about and the likelihood of sustaining an injury.

U: How does the ULTRASLIDE fit into your specific training programs?

FV: The ULTRASLIDE is a very important training and conditioning tool at our REV facility. We use it for anaerobic conditioning and appreciate that it is very forgiving on the joints. It also enables great glute/leg/groin strength, core strength, scap strength and improves hip flexibility. I like the ULTRASLIDE for training baseball players because of its versatility and ability to train so many areas with joint safety in mind. The exercises you can do are only limited to one's imagination.

U: What are some of the improvements you and your athletes have noticed since using the ULTRASLIDE?

FV: There are a variety of improvements we've noticed. Some of the primary benefits include:

• better posture

• improved core and leg strength

• enhanced stabilization (hip, core and scap muscles)

• faster movement and agility

• noted anaerobic fitness and 

• more balanced wellness (i.e., nutrition, hydration and rest)

U: What sets the ULTRASLIDE apart from other training equipment?

FV: In addition to its sport-focused benefits, the ULTRASLIDE is a quality product made with quality material. Its durable, portable and highly effective. I highly recommend this slideboard for training baseball players at all levels as well as athletes in other sports.

Frank is the former strength and conditioning coach for professional Major League Baseball Team, the Pittsburgh Pirates. 

Click here to learn more about the ULTRASLIDE and its use for baseball training. 

View ULTRASLIDE slideboards anytime here.

Another Success at CSCCa

Varisport, Inc., was a proud exhibitor at te 2012 Collegiate Strength and Conditioning Coaches Assocation (CSCCa) Annual National Conference in Kansas City, Missouri.

More than 1,000 strength and conditioning coaches from colleges and universities across North America convened to network and experience the most innovative advances in strength and conditioning - including the ULTRASLIDE Slideboard.


A few brave visitors even joined in for a demonstration and learned the true power of the product - it's challenging but fun!

Click here to see the ULTRASLIDE in action at last year's CSCCa Conference.

ULTRASLIDE IN 3D

Photo Courtesy of Sparta Science - Menlo Park, CA

Welcome to ULTRASLIDE® in 3D - the place where ULTRASLIDE slideboard fans and experts convene to share their personal experiences with the ULTRASLIDE, learn how the ULTRASLIDE supports their training and fitness goals and offer creative suggestions on how to enhance workouts and ultimately their health, fitness and lifestyle.

Stop by often and share your ULTRASLIDE story with us!