Common Hockey Injuries and How to Prevent Them
In a high velocity, contact sport such as ice hockey, injuries are bound to occur. NHL players can reach speeds of over 20 mph on the ice and a puck can be shot at over 100 mph. With players ranging in size, the amount of force created in a check or simply skating or...
Building a Stronger and More Stable Hockey Player
We often see social media posts of athletes lifting massive weights in an attempt to get bigger muscles. Many young hockey players see these posts and want to do the same – get huge muscles because they think it will make them better hockey players. Well...
Improving Leg Strength in Figure Skaters
The sport of figure skating demands strength, power, balance and stability from the lower body during competition, not to mention the endurance of a four and a half minute long or free skate program. A skaters legs need to be strong enough to perform edgework and...
Choosing a Strength Training Program
There are many different theories on strength training. Most have their place, but one key is knowing why you are really lifting weights. Yes, to get stronger seems to be the commonsense answer, but in what way? Is your goal to lift the most weight, gain bodyweight,...
Keep Fit During the Pandemic
The pandemic has affected youth sports and the activity levels in California like nothing we have ever seen before. State regulations allow for “training” with restrictions, although many teams continue to practice and play games out of state. While some are trying to...
Training in Rotation
In most sports, you will notice some form of rotational component. This applies to activities of everyday life, as well. Whether it’s jumping in figure skating, pitching a baseball, shooting a hockey puck, or kicking a soccer ball, you are rotating to some degree....
Effective Goal Setting
Goal setting: a method of accomplishing a certain standard of ability on a targeted task within a specific amount of time. It is important that your goals are SMART. Why? Ineffective goal setting creates a pattern of haphazard, wasteful attempts toward a task that...
Precision Nutrition: Paleo Pros/Cons
Examining the Pros and Cons of the Paleo Diet From the Experts at Precision Nutrition Unless you’ve been living in an actual cave, you’ve probably heard all about the Paleo – or “caveman” – diet. Maybe you’ve even tried it. A little meat here, some fresh veggies...
Treating Lace Bite in Skaters
Lace bite can be a debilitating condition affecting both hockey players and figure skaters. The condition is an irritation in the front of the ankle that can affect the skin and tendons. The cause of lace bite is pressure placed on the anterior ankle from either the...
Eating Whole Foods
You have probably heard the recommendation to eat “mostly whole foods” for your health. But what does it mean to "eat mostly whole foods"? What are whole foods? And why are they better for your health? What are whole foods? Minimally-processed whole foods include:...
The Potato Debate
Sweet potatoes vs. potatoes: A nutritional debate fueled by misinformation, baseless ‘superfood’ obsessions, and carbohydrate phobias. Here’s how these tubers compare — and why both deserve a place in your diet. A few years back, some nutrition enthusiasts decided to...
Mentally Preparing for Return To Play
COVID-19 has led to a worldwide disruption of the sporting industry and has altered many athletes’ demeanors, attitudes, control, and confidence. Has COVID-19 put you in a mental rut? Are you nervous to get back onto the field/court or feel as though this disease has...