Heel lifts for poor flexibility

[flyers10 57]

I've got tight hips and ankles. Makes it hard to get in a low squat. I could be one of those guys you see using 5lb plates under their heels while squatting since I'm not flexible enough. Given that at my age I don't think I will become a lot more flexible would getting heel lifts put on help me to achieve deeper knee bend and improve my skating? If so what should I start with; 1mm, 2mm, 3mm?

[fiimb 1]

I've got tight hips and ankles. Makes it hard to get in a low squat. I could be one of those guys you see using 5lb plates under their heels while squatting since I'm not flexible enough. Given that at my age I don't think I will become a lot more flexible would getting heel lifts put on help me to achieve deeper knee bend and improve my skating? If so what should I start with; 1mm, 2mm, 3mm?

speaking from a long term active living point of view, you could get back to how you were when you were 40 (assuming you're over 40) if you get into a routine of moderate flexibility and strengthening exercises. a 40 year old could feel 30, etc.

[flyers10 57]

It will depend on two factors, skate pitch and holder height at the back, second is shoe size, the larger the shoe seize the less impact a heel lift has on the overall stance.

Cheers

It is LS2 holder and a size 8.

speaking from a long term active living point of view, you could get back to how you were when you were 40 (assuming you're over 40) if you get into a routine of moderate flexibility and strengthening exercises. a 40 year old could feel 30, etc.

I'm working on exercises to improve but I was never very flexible even as a kid.

[playthehawkee 0]

You can more or less 'train' your body to become flexible at any age. It doesn't really happen overnight. Some people are born bendy, some aren't LOL

[biff44 0]

You can more or less 'train' your body to become flexible at any age. It doesn't really happen overnight. Some people are born bendy, some aren't LOL

sounds funny, but a lot of hockey players take yoga to overcome these flexibility issues. You can not get a good skating stride if you are inflexible, so it is worth working on it.

What I would do is go to a pro weight trainer that has some hockey experience, and ask him for a workout plan. He will have you do an hour's worth of exercises and tests while he watches, then will explain what is wrong and give you a written plan on how to fix it. A good use for that $200 in the cookie jar.

[beerleaguecaptain 1004]

I am also pretty stiff - not "bendy" as one of us wrote.

I find that long hours on the couch drinking beers and watching games has helped. I no longer feel stiff when drinking.