Running

[EBondo 233]

Okay, I think I'm going to start running every day now, to try and build up my legs/stamina. I have a question though. A lot of people run in the morning. Is there really a difference between running at say, 8 am, than at 10 am? If so, what is it? Thanks for the help

[kovalchuk71 212]

Running isnt good for hockey.

[All Torhs Team 0]

Running isnt good for hockey.

Honestly, Ive never heard that one.

Ever

All the hockey camps, coaches tell us to do it.

Do you think like swimming would be better to gain endurance then?

[troy 12]

Running isnt good for hockey.

Yep, I've heard the same thing. I was told running, well at least distances, almost breaks down the muscles you need for hockey.

You'd be better off doing sprints, especially incline sprints. Just look at the difference between the body of a long-distance runner and sprinter. Which do you think would be more suitable for hockey?

[EBondo 233]

Running not good for hockey? I can't say I've heard that one either.

[troy 12]

There are much better, and more hockey specific ways, to improve cardio conditioning and leg strength. Not to mention the wear running places on your joints. After jogging a short distance after tearing my MCL my knee gets sore, so I definitely wouldn't recommend it especially with the problems I've read on here about your knees.

Maybe look into an elliptical machine for low-impact cardio/strenghthening exercises.

[Jim A 4]

the question isn't the genre (ie running) its about working out at the proper time to prep your body..

we had a long discussion with Karno's coach the other day from CTS about this..how they had him running more in the AM to do his long runs, in order to prep for the E50,etc..I tend to work out sometimes now later in the evening so my body gets used to it even when I'm dragging after a long day at work,...now..running at midnight after another 17 hour day in STL doesn't even seem out of whack..

[toroytorero 0]

I devote a day to cardio/sprints I stopped doing long distance running.. I can't say it was "bad" for me but sprinting has made a difference. I don't really feel faster yet.. but what I have noticed right away is I have more endurance.

also paying attention to whats happening on the ice and being able to anticipate instead of reacting has made a difference as well.. still honing that too.

[LkptTiger 1]

Long-distance running with prompt your body to shed muscle-mass in order to become more efficient. True story.

[Dangles 0]

Running long distances helped my cardio tons. Make sure to start small though - only 5 minutes first day..then increase to 8..10..15 minutes and so on.

[Smitty34 0]

My hockey coach recomends running. I've never heard that it's not good to run, but you guys make some good points.

[hamstercaster 2]

Lets answer the question here. There is no better time of day to run really if you like at time only. It is however usually easier to run in the morning for a couple of reasons. Number one it's the time of the day where you usually have the most energy as you have just woke up from a good night sleep and all. Number two, it is usually cooler in the morning so it should be a bit easier to get through your workout.. unless you live in some parts of Canada like me and have long cold winters lol.. then morning are usually way too cold lol... but I digress.

The bottom line is for you to choose a time for your workout where you still have enough energy to do your entire workout. I run on the threadmill at home. Sometimes I do it at 5 AM other times at 5PM. It all depends on my energy level and my spare time. As for jogging not being good for hockey, I have my doubts. Sure you shouldn't concentrate on that only but running will sure improve your stamina and cardio and honestly there aren't many exercises that for cardio besides biking, elliptic, running, rowing and stairmaster type of exercises.

What I suggest is doing intervals when you go for your morning jog. Start slowly to warm then after 4-5 minutes of light jogging stop and stretch your legs real good than get back into jogging but at a bit faster pace. After a few minutes you should work some sprints in your workout, then walk, then sprint, then jog, then sprint, then walk etc.... Intervals reek the most benefits cardio wise and will help you immensily with hockey. I've had my threadmill for about a month now and my stamina and cardio have improve tons ever since I started doing intervals. I run, jog, walk for a total of about 25 to 30 minutes pretty much everyday and I'm seeing a huge difference. You have to try to mimick a hockey game as much as possible and intervals are good for that as on the ice you do go hard alot but also skate lightly at times or are sitting on the bench waiting for your next shift. Try that and you should see some improvement in your overall Cardio/stamina.

[Quintin 16]

Running isn't good for hockey? But doesn't getting into shape help for hockey?

Back to your question, just anytime mate. Most people I know run in the morning to wake them up for work/school or just hate feeling tired.

[LkptTiger 1]

Running isn't good for hockey? But doesn't getting into shape help for hockey?

Windsprints, not marathons.

Just look at the difference between the average NFL running back and any elite distance runner. Granted, the running back is going to have spent much more time in the gym than the runner, but I am sure you get the idea - the running back is built, whereas the runner is scrawny by comparison. As I said, in my previous post, if you run long distances, your body will burn your hard-earned muscle off.

The answer, my friend, is the wind-sprint. Full-out 100-yard dashes. Find ways to make it tough - run up-hill, up stairs, run in sand, wear a weighted jacket (if you can't find them, you can always ask my coach - God, I hate those things). Run forwards, backwards and sideways...you get the idea.

[mack 44]

Yes, it's good in general but not for hockey. I run marathons and I'm a rail so I'll slide over as exhibit A.

[hamstercaster 2]

There's actually another exercise you could do. This one was suggested to me by an ex CFL player I play hockey with from time to time. You run hills. Try to find a spot with a steep hill, wether be it grass or just plain road hill and run up the hill. You will not only work your cardio, stamina and get stronger legs, it also works your upper body. The steeper the hill, the better the workout. As he pointed out, don't be embarrassed if you can't do much more than a couple of runs in the beginning as it is quite demanding. It will work your legs out on your way down too as you kinda lean back slowing your pace down so not to run down the hill and tumble at the bottom lol. But like many said, don't be affraid to go out for half hour runs and incorporate some sprints in there. You gotta both as sprints themselves will not work on your stamina all that much. You should also hit the weight room as stronger legs will mean stronger skating.. duh lol and a stronger upper body will also help you on take off.

[Storm 0]

When I was at school our coach gave us results from studies on what time of day was best for cardio and the results were inconclusive. There seems to be a better time of day but it varied from individual to individual.

I guess it's good news cause the best time of day is when you feel like it.

[MJDhcky9 0]

I heard that running first thing in the morning is the best way to burn fat. Is this true.

[GBX2006 0]

my endurance has gone way up since I started running. I don't run very far, but I put my treadmil on its full incline. Mt thighs have gotten huge from it.

[hamstercaster 2]

I heard that running first thing in the morning is the best way to burn fat. Is this true.

There's no such thing as a better time to burn fat from exercise. You burn the exact same amount of fat no matter what time of day it is. It's like people who say not to eat before going to bed because you're gonna get fat. That's uther crap too, it's a myth. Your body does not work like that. Burning fat or gaining fat actually is a quite simple equation. To burn fat you gotta burn more calories than your daily calories intake. To gain fat you gotta eat more calories than you actually burn. It's as simple as that. 3500 calories a week in excess will make you gain more or less 1 pound while 3500 calories less in a week will make you lose 1 pound.