Expert: Ken Alan - 9/24/2004

Question
I am trying to improve my 'wind' for the upcoming old timer hockey season.My feet(arches) cannot take anything high impact.I dont really want to purchase any expensive exercise equipment.What can I do?  

Answer
Hi,

Glad you want to prepare for the upcoming hockey activities.  Your body will be appreciative, too.

Best way to prepare is in-line skating (roller skating), because it mimicks ice-skating, assuming your playing on the ice.   Investment: price of in-line skates.  
Don't want to buy skates?  Begin a walking program.  

Start off easy if you havent been doing much of anything, like 10 - 20 minute walk depending on your endurance. Do it every other day.  Each week, add 2 minutes to the walk until you are up to 30 - 40 minutes.  After that, don't walk any longer than 30 - 40 minutes, but each week start to increase the pace at intervals during the walk.  For example, at the 10 minute mark, speed up the pace for 1 minute, then walk slower for 3 minutes.  Continue doing that for the rest of your walk, alternating 1 minute faster pace with 3 minutes slower (recovery) pace.  

When ready (maybe 2 or 3 weeks of this), change the interval.  At the 10 minute mark, speed up the pace for 2 minutes, then go slower for 3 minutes.  Continue this new pattern for the duration of your walk.

This type of exercise is excellent for improving your endurance and stamina.

Remember to:
- go easy for the first few minutes of your skating or walking to warm-up
- you need a good pair of walking shoes for walking
- drink water before and after
- go easy for a few minutes as you finish to cool-down
- stretch your legs after you finish.

Hope this helps.  Let me know what you do and if it helps once you start playing hockey.