How To Keep In Shape Off The Ice

The rinks are full of hockey players loaded with naturalBefore leaving the topic of exercises, it might be good
talent who know little and care less about being in topto remind you that a medical examination is necessary
physical condition for their sport. They don't realize thatbefore you take to the ice, if you have not had one
you just cannot be a top hockey player unless youwithin the year. This is a wise precaution to take
intelligently condition your body to the increasingbefore placing vigorous stresses on your body.
demands you make on it.Eight to ten hours of sleep are absolutely necessary
About a month before the ice is ready, you shouldthroughout the hockey season. This cannot be
start on a daily exercise program that will improvestressed too heavily. If you do not get this much rest,
your strength and stamina. Whatever exercises youfatigue will surely hit you - probably around play-off
choose, do them daily and make them progressivelytime, too.
harder.Maybe you think you should hide injuries from your
You improve your strength by working your muscles,coach because you are afraid you will be considered
even after they hurt. You build your stamina by doinga sissy or will not be dressed for the next game.
work that makes you breathless - running, forActually, you are not being tough, just stupid, to try to
example. Working with weights is valuable in producingkeep going when you are hampered by a bad knee or
the grip, wrist, and arm strength used so often ina Charley horse. And the team is hurt, too, because
hockey.you cannot be effective when playing with a handicap
Your legs, ankles, and feet should get some speciallike that.
attention. Any exercise that will stretch and put strainMinor cuts and scrapes, especially on the elbows, hips,
on your ankles will help to get them ready for theor knee caps, should be cleansed and treated at once.
stresses of skating. Walking on the outside, or on theYou cannot do much about bruises, except let them
inside, of your feet is an example of this kind ofheal by rest.
exercise. Jogging and striding are excellent for buildingA twisted knee is a much more serious matter,
both leg strength and stamina. Start with shorthowever, which should be examined and treated by a
distances and slow speeds, gradually building up both.doctor. Do not fool around with this type of injury; it
If you devote just 20 minutes a day to a well-designedcan bother you the rest of your life, if not treated early
training scheme, you will be in good physical condition inand properly.
a month's time.To prevent such mishaps, get off the ice at the first
The thing to remember about the endurance needed inopportunity when you get tired. You will not always
hockey is that you must go at top speed for veryhave a play stoppage to help you do this, so arrange
short periods of time. Then you rest for a longer periodwith your coach a system of "changing on the fly." If
than you worked. During a game, forward lines areyou tire while the play is going, look or call to your
usually on the ice for about 60 to 90 seconds. Theybench first. As soon as the puck is harmlessly shot into
may rest for two minutes or so before returning.the other team's end, race for the boards and let your
Test your endurance in practice from time to time.next linemate replace you.
Can you go up and down the ice at top skating speedWhen you are in really good shape as a result of
for 20 seconds? 30? 60? Build gradually to this peak,carrying out these exercises, and have looked after
using regular rest times between bursts. This is ayourself in the ways described, you will be of much
well-known technique of track conditioning - a form ofmore value to your team. The results will speak for
interval training.themselves. Good luck!