Ryan Harmer, who is also local minor hockey coach, recently opened up niche gym on Parkinson Road
By
Mark Schadenberg
Skating
is not an easy form of exercise for training as a hockey player, in my opinion,
because players are taught the importance of short shifts, so a game becomes a
series of sprints or a burst of energy for about one minute.
Can
you build up stamina and cardio-fitness by skating? Sure.
Can
you build up leg strength and balance? Sure.
Can
you do this extra training during your team’s practice because ice time is
unlimited? Not really.
Cross
training is also important, such as bike riding, soccer, jogging, and core strength
exercises.
I
don’t own a kinesiology degree from Brock University, but I do know that if a
hockey player wants to increase their overall fitness level visiting the new ‘skating
treadmill’ gym opened by Ryan Harmer in Woodstock would be a move forward (pun intended) in a hockey player's athletic ability or at least improved skill while learning about efficient
strides, pacing, and of course hand-eye coordination as skilled players deftly
shoot and pass while in motion.
Harmer,
who also coaches within the Woodstock Minor Hockey Association, realizes there
is a particular niche to fill in the training of athletes.
Here’s
exactly what Ryan Harmer sent me via email about training at his facility at 1057
Parkinson Road in Woodstock, covering topics from one-on-one instruction to
translating the treadmill drills to on-ice performance:
********************
1. Appointments can be 1:1 ratio for
a half hour, or up to 4:1 for an hour
2. Individual appointments as well
as team appointments
3. Focus is on a powerful hockey
stride - achieved by muscle memory
4. Also have shooting while on the
treadmill, this focuses on being able to take an effective shot while in motion
5. Stick-handling also while on the
machine, as well as off the machine. Fast hands training is offered while kids
are waiting or after they have skated
6. Drills are set up to help
strengthen the athletes as well as to increase their efficiency on ice
7. With offering up this type of
training, the goal is to make skating, stick-handling an instinct. This will
help with the overall abilities of the athletes. When they don't have to think
about these two fundamentals, then they can focus more on the fast pace
reactions that are required to play the game at a high level.
8. Suitable for ages 5 and up
********************
FAMILY
DAY – OPEN HOUSE
Harm’s
Treadmill Training will be hosting an Open House on Family Day – Monday, Feb
15, beginning at 10 a.m. It’s an opportunity to either watch hockey players in
training or also to try the treadmill equipment for $25 for a 30-minute
session.
Since
the doors only opened in December, the Family Day Open House is a chance for
anyone to check out the system and available equipment.
Eventually
a skater’s training regime could include regular sessions at the facility, and
members can actually book their time online from the website www.harmstreadmilltraining.com
More
information about the cost structure is noted on the website also. A team’s coach
or a group of parents can book time together.
For
more details call (519) 533-5000. According to the website, the facility is opened
Monday to Thursday at nights, and on Saturdays, but also by specific
appointment.
LINKS:
EMAIL:
Mark Schadenberg, Sales
Representative
Senior Real Estate Specialist
(SRES designation)
Royal LePage Triland Realty Brokerage
757 Dundas St, Woodstock
(519) 537-1553, cell or text
Email: mschadenberg@rogers.com
Twitter: markroyallepage
Facebook: Mark Schadenberg, Royal LePage Triland
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