I can count on it every year. At least two to three times a week someone will ask me how to stay strong during the hockey season. There are two questions I ask them:- Have you been on a consistent program?
- Or are you just starting out?
If you have been lifting, you need to maintain your strength. What good is it to work like an animal all summer just to let your strength fade away?
During the hockey season, we would not be working at the same volume as in the summer, but we will still lift heavy. Many lifts will be in the range of 3-5 reps, and Accessory work will range from 8-15 reps in order to maintain muscle mass.
If you are just starting a hockey training program and haven’t been training consistently (WHY NOT? FRICKEN IDIOT), I would suggest starting out slowly, possibly a body weight routine of push ups, pull ups, and bridges, and start introducing some bigger lifts as you progress.
I can’t stress enough how important it is to maintain your strength level, it’s what keeps you healthy throughout the hockey season. This information is good for any other in-season athlete as well, not just hockey, whether it be soccer, basketball, baseball, even golf, so pay attention. I’ll say it one more time; DON’T LOSE ALL THE STRENGTH THAT YOU WORKED SO HARD TO GAIN OVER THE SUMMER.
