Is a body-weight strength training program really going to make female hockey players stronger?

It’s true that the training programs used by the best women’s hockey players in the world involve lifting weights. In fact, they usually weight train three (or more) days per week!

The term ‘weight lifting’ usually sets off alarm bells for many parents of young female hockey players.

However, there are some concerned parents and motivated players that believe that weight training is the only way to build true strength this off-season.

You and your daughter may be eager to start weight training.

But the reality is that…

Most girls hockey players aren’t physically ready to train with weights!

Can your daughter do proper push-ups? Can she do full chin-ups? Can she do perfect single leg squats?

These are fundamental body-weight strength training exercises that every player (and athlete) should be able to perform before they even think about picking up a set of dumbbells.

Most young players rush into weight training before they master body-weight strength training. And that is a huge mistake.

Building a foundation of body-weight strength and stability is critical to maximizing the effects of any weight training program.

So ask yourself whether that foundation is truly in place before looking to hit the gym and push around those big weights.

I can’t tell you when it’s the ‘right’ time for girls hockey players to start weight training. But lifting weights without establishing a baseline of body-weight strength first is definitely ‘wrong’.

For a step-by-step off-ice summer training program that will make you faster, stronger and fitter, check out the Total Female Hockey Elite Training System.

Work Hard. Dream BIG.

Your friend and coach,

Kim