Lower Body Workout For Hockey Players
If you're a hockey player, you know that lower body strength is crucial to your performance on the ice. Having a strong lower body will allow you to skate faster, change direction more quickly, and out-muscle opponents in board battles. In this article, we'll take a look at some of the best lower body exercises for hockey players.
Squats
Squats are a staple in any lower body workout routine, and for good reason. They target the quads, hamstrings, and glutes, which are all important muscle groups for hockey players. To perform a squat, stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and your toes pointed slightly outward. Hold a barbell across your upper back, making sure it's resting on your traps and not your neck. Keeping your chest up and your back straight, lower your body down until your thighs are parallel to the ground. Push through your heels to stand back up.
Deadlifts
Deadlifts are another great exercise for building lower body strength. They primarily target the hamstrings and glutes, but also work your lower back and core. To perform a deadlift, stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and the barbell on the ground in front of you. Bend down and grab the bar with an overhand grip, hands slightly wider than shoulder-width apart. Keeping your chest up and your back straight, lift the bar off the ground by pushing through your heels. Stand up straight, then lower the bar back down to the ground.
Lunges
Lunges are a unilateral exercise, meaning that they work each leg individually. This helps to prevent muscle imbalances, which can lead to injuries. Lunges primarily target the quads, but also work the hamstrings and glutes. To perform a lunge, take a big step forward with one leg and lower your body down until your back knee is almost touching the ground. Push through your front heel to stand back up, then repeat with the other leg.
Box Jumps
Box jumps are a plyometric exercise that help to improve explosiveness and power in the lower body. They primarily target the quads, but also work the hamstrings and glutes. To perform a box jump, stand in front of a sturdy box or step. Jump up onto the box, then step back down and repeat.
Single-Leg Romanian Deadlifts
Single-leg Romanian deadlifts are a more advanced exercise that require balance and stability. They primarily target the hamstrings and glutes, but also work the lower back and core. To perform a single-leg Romanian deadlift, stand on one leg with a dumbbell in the opposite hand. Keeping your back straight and your core engaged, hinge at your hips and lower the dumbbell towards the ground. Keep your other leg straight and your foot pointed, and lower your body down until your torso is parallel to the ground. Stand back up and repeat on the other leg.
Conclusion
Lower body strength is crucial for hockey players, and incorporating these exercises into your workout routine can help to improve your on-ice performance. Remember to start with lighter weights and perfect your form before increasing the weight, and always listen to your body to avoid injury.
