Expert: Martial - 10/6/2009

Question
Hi!
My husband did not play organised hockey as a kid but he can skate OK and hit a puck,etc.
He has started playing once a week with a group of guys in his office.
He did a little jogging to get his 'wind' but he is still at least 30 pounds overweight so I am a bit worried.
His heart is OK as he has regular checkups.
He wants to start practicing to get better but I think he should concentrate on losing some weight.
Would he play better if he lost some of his excess weight?
He thinks he just needs to 'work on his shot'. Maybe he does but I bet losing the belly would help too?
Thanks!


Answer
Hi Vanessa!

Great question!!  Thank you!

All the best doctors are advising senior (hockey) players - you can't play hockey to "get in shape" -- you must get in shape to PLAY HOCKEY!!!  

** At least if you are going to be competitive and not put yourself at risk!  

SO the SAFE answer is YES - encourage him to lose the weight!  HE WILL FEEL A TON BETTER FOR IT anyway - not only on the ice but OFF THE ICE as well!!

I know it's not easy but it would really serve us best.

Now - that said - we must be careful as to how we determine this "overweight" factor ...  I am 6' and a broad build.   The charts say I should be 180 - but that would be next to impossible for me at this stage of my life.  At 205 that would put me 25 pounds overweight.   But factoring in skeletal size - my ideal playing weight is 190-195...  I don't have a "belly" so I would not be considered at high risk for that and any of it's consequences.   However I am 50, male, and have what's considered a high stress job, and have some family history of heart disease -- so I AM at a higer risk for certain heart conditions.   So while i may not HAVE to watch calories, a DIET high in Fibre, fish protein, fruits and vegetables, low in "bad carbs" (bread, potatoes, pasta, cereals) and "bad protein" (red meat, alcohol) is considered almost a MUST for me now and pretty much is premiere on my daily to do list to keep my risk factors down...

Along with some regular exercises (daily walks and a couple nights of hockey) we should be good for a few more decades!!

It's great you are taking this interest in your hubby!  He is lucky to have you!  Keep encouraging him!  One day for sure - and you may never really know which one(s), you/he and your family will "appreciate" it...

Thanks for the question!

With best regards!

Martial