Hockey is good exercise

      In-line skating has continued to grow in popularity among those who enjoy outdoor activities and fitness. Now, roller hockey, using in-line skates, is also catching up in popularity with participants.
      Men, women and children are participating in this fast-paced sport that is not only recreational but a great workout.
      I recently began playing roller hockey on a novice team and am now thoroughly addicted to the sport. Roller hockey, just like ice hockey, involves many quick stops and starts.
      The ability of a player to accelerate quickly from a stopped position is key to this game. Of course, handling the puck and shooting ability are important, but for initial success, just a strong skating foundation is crucial.
      The best players are found where the action is, near the puck, and they are also the ones rushing towards the goal.
      Not only am I beginning this sport, but my wife has also gotten in on the action. Many teams are finding that more and more females are looking to play this aggressive and challenging game.
      My wife has found that her ability to skate and her high fitness level are helping her to adapt to this new sport. She has played several sports including softball and tennis, but this is the first which really challenges her to go head on with other players.
      Another nice feature to roller hockey is that at the beginning level there is a minimal amount of aggressive contact. As you advance, the intensity and contact of the games increases.
      Incorporating a fitness program into your skating practice will help you improve your level of play for this sport. As discussed, this sport involves quick accelerations and there is nothing better to train for this than to run sprints.
      Start with short sprint intervals and incorporate equal times of work and recovery. For example, start with a couple 50-yard sprints, progress to 75-yard sprints and finally a couple 100-yard sprints. After running each sprint, slowly walk back to the starting line.
      With sprints, you continue to run after hitting your finish line and then you slowly decelerate; do not "hit a wall" when crossing the finish line.
      Along with running sprints, try performing sprints with your skates. Again, start with shorter distances and work up to longer ones which would be equivalent to skating the length of the rink.
      Other skating techniques to practice might include; stops, backward skating, front to back transitions and maneuverability. A player's ability to avoid others and control the puck is imperative when trying to improve and move up in level.
      When practicing your skating, test your agility by skating around cones and obstacles. Also, practice this while handling a puck.
      One of the reasons both my wife and I enjoy roller hockey is that it really does provide a great workout. Half the battle of this game is learning to skate while wearing your equipment.
      While you might usually feel light on your skates, the pads and bulky equipment will definitely slow you down. Roller hockey is a great form of cross training for those who get stuck doing the same exercise routine over and over.
      The only disadvantage, as with any sport, is that there is a chance of injury. You can reduce your risk by practicing, playing smart and exercising regularly. People that are fit tend to reduce their injuries and if injured, recover faster.
      If you haven't had the chance to try this new sport, now is a great time to get going. There are many novice leagues around the city that are looking for players who are motivated to learn and progress.
      Incorporating this game into your fitness routine might add that extra pick-me-up you are looking for to get moving.
     
     Mike Springer and his wife, Kim, are certified by ACE, NASM and ACSM as personal trainers. They can be reached at 233-9442, by fax at 233-9446 or by e-mail at springtrain@prodigy.net.