The NHL is the ultimate peak of hockey where the players compete with the highest speed, endurance, and raw power. NHL stars like Connor McDavid and Auston Matthews don’t just rely on raw talent; they train relentlessly to dominate the ice. According to ISSA, NHL-level hockey players require aerobic endurance and anaerobic power for short bursts and sustained energy. But what does it take to train like an NHL player? Here, we will look at the best fitness routine for NHL hockey players to build strength and stamina.
Take The Right Supplements
It’s important that every hockey player, especially if competing for the NHL, take the proper nutrients from whole foods and supplements, especially from trusted sources such as https://deuspower.info/. Whole foods must form the foundation of your diet, while supplements must be present to fill in gaps in a high-intensity athlete’s diet.
For example, you can add whey protein to help repair muscle, while creatine boosts power during sprints and slapshot drills. It’s best to consult a nutritionist to know your specific requirements and customize your plan accordingly since not all supplements work equally for everyone.
Strength Training: Build Power For Checks And Shots
All hockey players need good full-body strength to push around and survive. This means that with your limits, you need to focus more on compound limits, similar to the on-ice movements. Some good exercises include deadlifts to build lower-body explosiveness for quick starts. Aim for three sets of 6-8 reps on heavy weight.
Next, you can do single-arm dumbbell rows to build your back and core for puck battles. Lateral lunges are also great to improve your power for sharp pivots. It’s best to do strength training at least three times a week to see an improvement in your shot speed and checking power.
Interval Conditioning: Train Like You Play
Since each NHL hockey shift lasts 45-60 seconds, the conditioning should be similar to that intensity. Bike sprints for a 30-second all-out on 90 seconds at a leisurely pace, and repeating it eight times can give a good cardio session. You can also do shuttle runs with 180-degree turns for 10 reps. This can help build the anaerobic endurance you need to outlast your opponents in overtime.
Core Stability: The Secret To Balance And Speed
Like a strong overall body, you need a strong core to stabilize your body during high-speed turns and absorb impact. You can try all of the presses that mimic stickhandling under pressure. Medicine ball slams can enhance rotational power for wrist shots. Aim to do 3-4 sets of 12-15 reps for maximum gains.
Train Smart, Dominate Hard
The perfect body for hockey isn’t built in one night. You need to be patient and trust the process with the right nutrition, strength training, and core exercises to condition your body. You should also track your progress with metrics such as sprint times or shot power to know how well you are doing.