This week I am out working at Sami Jo Small’s Hockey Camp in Halifax which means that my usual workout routine has been disrupted. I am definitely a creature of habit, but it is nice to have a change every once in a while.

I haven’t set foot in a big commercial gym or community center in a few years, so it was definitely eye-opening to see that absolutely nothing has changed.

The members are still using the same archaic workout machines that have been injuring people since the 80’s and performing the same out-dated exercises that do more harm than good.

Everyone I have seen in the gym this week has been sitting on some sort of machine or using some sort of equipment for their entire workout.

Wrong, wrong, wrong.

People often ask me what kind of equipment I would get if I was to design a hockey-specific workout facility.

If I had it my way, this is what it would look like:

Uncluttered and simple.

All you need to get a great hockey-specific workout is your body-weight and some space.

This week, I have taught 16 training sessions with 120 girls’ hockey players on soccer fields and on running tracks, with no equipment other than a few pylons and tennis balls.

Players shouldn’t be in training in cramped gyms stuffed full of machines, weights and adults - especially not in the summer.

Find an open space and start training.

Until next time,

Kim