Pre-Game/Season Workout

[moteef17 7]

Curious if there are any recommended workouts to consider in the 5-6 days leading up to my first beer league game this coming Saturday?

I'm in the gym 3-4 days a week doing Cross Fit (just started a few months ago.....and it's a real ass-kicker). But, I haven't been on the ice since May.

Currently, I'm doing mostly 'body in motion', Air Squats, Burpees, pull ups, push ups, mountain climbers. I'm not a fitness guru, just getting through the daily workout as best I can.

I'm wondering if I stick to my routine, or if adding a few specific exercises this week could help up with my initial skate?

thanks

[Quintin 16]

Pretty hard to gauge without knowing your level of hockey or strength & conditioning levels but hell, here goes:

If it's a beer league game, I wouldn't worry too much about your fitness. Don't sweat the off-ice stuff just yet - you're not playing at a competitive level. Just go out there and have some fun.

If you want some S&C advice though...
Do you train at a CrossFit gym? Body maintenance work via mobility, tissue quality etc. in the days leading up to the game may help. If your CF gym has a good coach, they should be able to help you out there. If not, foam rolling & SMR on tight/sore spots > dynamic/PNF stretching where you lack range of motion.

However, a time-frame of 5 days with resistance/conditioning training will make no difference; possibly even having a detrimental effect on your overall fitness . Put it simply, if you're busting your ass in the days leading up, you're probably going to be a lot more fried than if you did 1 or 2 training sessions.

Your exercise selection is pretty good already. I'd recommend doing a bit more strength work, ie. back squats, so that bodyweight movements become easier. I don't know how your technique is but I'm going to take a shot in the dark and say it's not the best. If you want a good gauge of technique, watch how Olympic weightlifters squat. That's the squat you should advocate for; not the suited powerlifting monstrosity of a squat.

[moteef17 7]

I'm not a gym rat, and really have been getting back into shape over the last few months. I'm not in a cross-fit gym, but I'm following that style workout. I'm also not to looking for bulk, so when weights are involved, I go very light. I'm a husky-fellow, so I guess there is always the initial 'shock' to the system when you get out for the first game. But, to your point - it's beer league, pretty laid back, but with bursts of energy depending which guys are on the ice (most of whom I know well....)

Appreciate the input.....

[Chadd 916]

I wouldn't go right from a workout at the gym to a game. Other than that, anything you do on the other days will benefit you and your game, especially over the long run.

[chippa13 1844]

I'd consider putting some cardio work into your weekly routine. The first couple of sessions should be at least a couple of days before you're skating so you don't have tired legs but if you keep at it then you will help out your lungs and third period stamina.

[Stewie 721]

light cardio before the game. I dont think your going to want to add any ass kicking workouts this close to the skate, so what id recommend is hitting the exercise bike and elliptical. No matter what you do, that first skate is going to kick your ass physically, you are going to workout muscles you cant always get in regular workouts. Get the lungs in shape foremost, but expect a lot of soreness, and take advantage of your recovery window. If you can hit the gym afterwords, a nice ride on the exercise bike will help you out for next time.

[MN old and slow 92]

Miller light beer with chicken strips before the game.

Grain Belt Nordeast and a cheese burger after the game.

big bowl of ice cream for the night cap.

Beer league hockey is not about the hockey!