Q) “I’m a hockey player, how many times per week should I work on leg strength this summer?”

A) Leg strength is very important for hockey players. It’s what gives you speed up the ice and strength for battles along the boards. Still, the most common mistake with leg strength is over-training. Instead, try to limit your leg strength sessions to two per week. For the first, focus on pure strength with classic compound exercises like the deadlifts, squats, calf-raises, and hamstring curls at or near your max weight. For the second work-out, focus on hockey specific strength with balance exercises, sled pushes, and various dynamic lunges.

Working on leg strength only twice per week will also leave your legs with enough energy left to cycle or run for cardiovascular conditioning – another key component of off-season training.

Shaun Karp is a certified personal trainer in Vancouver, B.C. For more info call his office at 604-420-7800 or visit KarpFitness.com. You can also find Karp Fitness on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Google+.

For more information and leg training tips, see our hockey training home page: HERE