5 Ways to Off-Season Train on a Tumbling Mat
Apr 14, 2015 10:45:00 AM
Sometimes the off-season is a great time to connect with your team and try out some new and different exercises and conditioning techniques. Most of our blog content focuses on bleacher maintenance and stadium seating, but today we're taking a break from the norm and sharing some tumbling mat exercises that your team—whether softball, volleyball, lacrosse or cheerleading—might enjoy.
Build core strength, upper body strength, and flexibility with these popular mat workouts:
1. Bicycle crunches- This challenging Ab workout can be done at any time. The comfort of a tumbling mat helps keep the spine and tailbone comfortable so the focus can be on the burn instead of the pain.
2. Hollow Hold- This intense core work is sometimes difficult for those who feel it too much in their back our tailbone. A mat can provide the opportunity to benefit from this challenging pose. Raising the arms over head will be a sure way to get your team sweating!
3.Forearm plank- This is a great option for those with sensitive wrists as opposed to the standard plank. It works well on a mat because there is cushion between the arm bones and the hard flooring. Forearm plank isolates shoulders and upper back.
4. Dolphin Pose- Similar to forearm plank, but with your hips in the air (Think of an upside down "V"). This may be a yoga inspired workout, but don't assume it's easy! This will isolate your shoulders for strength, builds flexibility in the hamstrings, and develop core muscles--A triple threat! Bonus: Alternate between forearm plank and dolphin for an upper body fire-up!
5.Hamstring Stretch- Lay on your back and use a towel to draw one leg in at a time. This pose helps keep the spine long and straight while still getting a deep stretch.
Versatile, and easy to store, a tumbling mat is a great asset for your team. We hope you enjoyed us switching things up this week, and good luck to your team next season!
Topics: Gym Accessories
NCAA March Madness in Kentucky
Mar 11, 2015 4:40:00 PM
It doesn't matter who you are cheering for; there is no denying that University of Kentucky (UK) is stirring the pot of madness this March. Though, not the first team to challenge the 75-76 Hoosiers, their 31-0 record has caught the attention of NCAA fans everywhere. When asked about his title competitors, University of Louisville (UofL) Coach Rick Pitino replied; "We've played great competition this year, and different competition. And I will say that, it doesn't surprise me that Kentucky is still undefeated...Obviously you have to have offensive talent to win. You have to have unselfish players." Of course the qualities Coach Pitino listed are known triats shared with UofL.
If anything, UK has established themselves as a challenge; who can break their winning streak? Pitino voiced his strong desire to win, but is that desire strong enough for the Cards to beat the Cats? The recent victory over Virginia certainly has a lot of people believing so. Not to mention the theory that UK's best chance at winning the championship is to end their winning streak, gain humility, and come in with focus for the final game.
However you create your bracket; whether by dreams or data, the state of Kentucky has much to bank on.
Topics: college sports, Louisville Cardinals, NCAA tournament, Kentucky Basketball, basketball season, March Madness
Toadvine Enterprises to Attend the IIAAA Conference in March
Mar 6, 2015 1:23:00 PM
The sports you attend and enjoy with your family are always put together by hard working, and often unrecognized individuals. Athletic Administrators ensure the safety of multiple teams, assist in finding the best quality equipment, and provide continuing development for their program. March 21-24 will mark the 47th Annual State Conference for the Indiana Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association(IIAAA) in Indianapolis. This conference gives Athletic Administrators an opportunity to learn more about leadership tactics and quality products. Good leadership requires constant learning and growth, and this year Toadvine is excited to be a part of it.
With over 300 athletic directors attending throughout the state of Indiana, the conference offers an opportunity to learn more about topics such as legal issues, dealing with challenging personalities, strategies, principles and methods; but with a personal touch. The mission of the IIAAA is to "Provide a multitude of quality opportunities for Indiana student-athletes. Toward that aim, the IIAAA will promote leadership and education among athletic directors while serving as catalysts in networking with affiliated agencies."
We have enjoyed attending this event over the past few years, and hope you will stop by booth 93 and say hello to Vince Pellegrino, who has the opportunity to represent us this year.
An opportunity to understand the people we work with is one of our top priorities; we want to get to know you better, and we hope you join us at the conference!
Topics: Athletic Directors, Indiana athletics
The Advantages of Small, Portable Bleachers
Feb 26, 2015 1:57:00 PM
Many schools and organizations face issues when trying to accommodate a variety of activities and events that all happen under one roof. With limited space available for basketball games, school plays, and other after school happenings, space and proper seating can sometimes be a problem.
Toadvine has your solution. Portable bleachers can provide many benefits and tremendous flexibility when your facility is limited on space and storage. Portable bleachers from Dant Clayton offer numerous custom seating layout options with practical storage solutions. Some of the other advantages of portable bleachers include:
- Easy to move and store
- Portable platforms
- Custom seating layout for varying events
- Option to add locking floor pintels for extra safety and security
- Freestanding option
- Design flexibility for facilities with no wall loading capabilities
- Rubber foot padding for gym floor protection
- Lightweight
When you need to maximize floor space in your multipurpose facility, we are here to help. For more information on how Toadvine can transform your space with portable bleacher seating, fill out our quick quote form and tell us a little bit about your needs. One of our representatives will get in contact with you soon.
Topics: Portable Bleachers
Toadvine Enterprises will See You at the Kentucky School Board Association's Annual Conference
Feb 19, 2015 6:34:00 AM
Mentoring and educating children takes strong leadership and courage to guide them toward success.
On February 27 - March 1, the 79th Kentucky School Board Association's (KSBA) annual conference will kick off with a focus on those areas. The 2015 KSBA Annual Conference "Kentucky Public Schools: The Courage to Lead" is coming to the Galt House in Louisville and will provide an opportunity for those in the education field to network with colleagues from across the state and participate in informative workshops and sessions that focus on service in the education field.
The mission of the KSBA is to enhance leadership in maximizing student achievement through superior support and services in order to build more successful students and stronger communities. Through educational and informative sessions with topics ranging from promoting school readiness to dealing with difficult people in the workplace, these sessions are designed to educate those striving to help support the educational goals of children.
Toadvine is proud to be an attendee and exhibitor for this conference. We invite you to visit our booth to find out more about how we can help supply all of your school's athletic needs.
Topics: Athletic Equipment, bleacher design, KSBA
Should Bleacher Maintenance Happen Just Once a Year?
Feb 11, 2015 11:05:00 AM
In 2012, there were an estimated 26,700 bleacher-related injuries, with 5,620 of these involving children under 15 years old. Five of these children died as a result of these falls. All of these incidents resulted from a person falling from or through bleachers onto the surface below. Federal legislation to tighten safety guidelines has not been universally supported, meanwhile, bleacher-related injuries continue to mount.
In order to guard against the dangers of faulty bleachers, an annual yearly inspection is required. The Consumer Product and Safety Commission (CPSC) guidelines recommend conducting regular inspections no less than four times a year with documentation included that provides a date and signature of the supervisor performing the inspection.
According to the CPSC, the objective of regular inspections is to "identify any structural damage or degradation that could compromise safety." Keeping spectators safe by having regular bleacher maintenance and inspection performed is a first step in preventing accidents and liability issues. Toadvine has an experienced and knowledgeable team of inspectors who know code expectations, and guidelines for inspecting bleachers. Prevent accidents and injuries by having our experienced team of inspectors take care of your bleacher inspections and maintenance year-round.
To ensure that your seating is safe, Toadvine will perform routine maintenance on the following areas:
- Make sure stairs, ramps, and aisles are dry, clean, and free of debris.
- All stairs should be equipped with handrails and tread to prevent falls.
- Loose flooring should be fixed to prevent tripping hazards.
- Seats should be free from splintering wood and loose screws and hardware.
- Safety rails should be installed on the back of bleachers to prevent falls.
If your bleachers are overdue for routine maintenance, contact our maintenance department we'll set up a time to come to your facility. Toadvine Enterprises is here to help your schools and organizations provide a safe environment for fans, spectators and players.
Topics: Bleacher maintenance, grandstand maintenance, bleacher safety
Toadvine is Hiring! Join Our Team!
Jan 23, 2015 12:39:00 PM
If you are a driven sports fanatic with a passion to meet and exceed goals, Toadvine would like to have you on our team. We are currently seeking an Inside Sales Representative to be responsible for selling facility products and services to target customers through telephone and internet communication.
This Inside Sales Representative will be responsible for generating revenue through sales lead creation and initiation of prospects in an established territory. This role requires a goal oriented, self-driven person that can perform a variety of duties and juggle multiple responsibilities including:
- Cold Calling Industry Consumers to generate new leads.
- Identify decision makers within target markets.
- Collaborate with Sales Manager to determine sales and marketing approach for respective territory.
- Maintain and expand company database for leads and products.
- Assist in Social media marketing
- Attending trade shows and industry conferences in respective territory.
- Handle inbound, unsolicited calls and convert them into sales.
- Work with Outside sales to deliver products with accuracy and speed to customer.
- Utilize CRM to track all information related to opportunities and effectively manage data.
- Provide customer service to clients with technical questions via phone or email.
- Assist in Social Media marketing campaigns with Sales Manager for designated territory.
If you possess the following qualifications, and a knack for tackling and converting leads to sales, head over here to apply for this position.
- Bachelors Degree in a business discipline
- Proficiency in Microsoft Outlook, Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
- Strong problem identification and objection resolution skills.
- Exceptional verbal (Via Telephone) and written (Via E-mail) communication skills.
- Able to build and maintain lasting relationships with customers.
- Self-motivated, with high energy and an engaging level of enthusiasm.
- Ability to work individually and part of a team.
- Strong time management skills – Able to manage multiple priorities effectively
Click here to apply online
At Toadvine, we solve all of your athletic equipment needs. The first time. Every time. Come join our team and be a part of the solution.
Topics: toadvine is hiring, inside sales position at toadvine, join our team at toadvine
Does Your Bleacher System Measure Up?
Dec 12, 2014 1:56:00 PM
When designing and building your grandstand bleacher project, there are many decisions that go into creating the master plan. We have created a visual comparison of Dant Clayton, the brand Toadvine uses for all bleacher projects, and Brand X, a generic brand of bleacher seating. Here are just a few of the design and performance differences we came across in our comparison.
Interlocking Deck vs. Welded Deck
When choosing the most secure way to construct your bleacher system, would you choose an interlocking deck or a welded deck? Interlocking deck systems frequently pose difficulties with structural separation and seat connection. Welded decking systems provide a structural double lock seat support connection and less potential for debris and trash to accumulate in open spaces and create a visually distressed looking seating system.
Nut Runner vs. Double Lock Deck Pieces
It might not seem like a big deal initially to decide how your seating will be secured underneath, but our comparison shows the distinct difference between the two types of locking systems and the difficulties that can emerge when short cuts are taken and corners are cut on ensuring the safety of your bleachers. Our visual examples show you the distinct advantages of a tight structural connection and how they can effect decking stability.
Open Channels vs. No Open Channels
Having a few open channels in your decking and bleacher seating may seem routine, but our visual examples will show how open channels affect not only the overall stability of your system, but can also completely transform the look of your system when trash is not allowed to accumulate inside those open channels.
For a closer look at how these features can affect your bleacher seating, click here to download our free offer and find out how Toadvine and Dant Clayton can help resolve any difficulties in your bleacher seating before they arise. At Toadvine, our focus is on building and maintaining quality products. Click here if you would like a quote on quality products for your next project.
Topics: Dant Clayton vs Brand X
Let Toadvine Strengthen Your Plyometics Program
Nov 21, 2014 10:18:00 AM
Achieving maximum strength, coordination, speed and flexibility are at the core of an engaging Plyometrics workout. Converting your strength reserves to an effective energy supply can assist you in power training and place you a step ahead of the pack.
If you are in the business of training athletes or hoping to start up a Plyometrics or Flexible Strength business of your own, expending time and energy equipment shopping and price comparing is probably not at the top of your list. To keep your focus in the gym, let Toadvine take care of all of your Plyometrics and Flexible Strength equipment needs. We can help you locate a variety of training equipment that will allow your facility to accommodate even the most intense athletes including:
- Jump Testers
- Plyo Boxes
- Training Materials
- Hurdles
- Jump Soles
- Plyo Blocks
- Jump Harnesses
For a quick quote on your equipment needs, click here and a member of our sales team will get back with you shortly. Toadvine is your one-stop supplier of athletic equipment and supplies and our desire is to strengthen your programs with top quality equipment.
Topics: starting a plyometrics business, how to begin plyometrics, plyometrics equipment
Is Your School Liable for Bleacher Accidents
Nov 17, 2014 10:19:00 AM
Bleachers are the most affordable form of mass seating and are used by schools around the country. However, this type of seating can come with a larger price tag if not maintained properly. With schools getting older and budgets sometimes getting smaller, bleachers in gymnasiums and stadiums are oftentimes ignored and do not go through necessary safety and maintenance checks. While the seating in your school remains the same, safety requirements continue to change.
The Problem Exists
Over 15,000 children under the age of 15 are injured each year by bleacher seating. This has prompted many state lawmakers to publish guidelines on retrofitting and updated existing bleachers to help lessen this number and prevent children from injury. These guidelines include a required maintenance inspection every year to ensure that your indoor or outdoor seating is safe and up to current regulations.
Is Your School Liable?
The truth is that if a school has not had its bleachers inspected by a certified service technician or has not done the required maintenance, then that school is likely to be found liable for any injury. The problems that cause these injuries are not always easy to see. Some of the issues that create a liability for schools include:
- Gaps in the floor or sides
- Poorly secured guardrails or handrails
- Lack of required guardrails or handrails
- Lack of required safety signage
- Poorly secured bleachers
- Failure to obtain maintenance inspection
- Slippery areas either dry or wet
- Debris or overhanging trees
If an accident were to occur on your indoor or outdoor bleacher seating, your school could be found liable for negligence. If a public school has events, such as sporting or music events that require school seating to be used, then the premises of the public event could be found liable. In a case where a school is privately owned, the owner of the property could be liable of an accident.
What Can Your School Do
In order to protect your school from liability issues and, more importantly, ensure the safety of your students, you have to make sure your bleachers are regularly maintained. When was your last inspection? Are you due for another one?
Toadvine Enterprises offers a maintenance and inspection program that takes the hassle of maintaining bleachers off of schools. Toadvine also offers yearly contracts to ensure that you never miss a required inspection. Learn more about our Vine & Branch maintenance and inspection program here.
Topics: bleacher design, Bleacher maintenance, bleacher safety
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