Harm's Treadmill Training improves all aspects of the skating stride

New Woodstock facility with a focus on hockey has an open house set for Family Day
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:

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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 

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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:

www.harmstreadmilltraining.com

EMAIL:

htsquared78@gmail.com

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Mark Schadenberg, Sales Representative

Senior Real Estate Specialist (SRES designation)

Royal LePage Triland Realty Brokerage

757 Dundas St, Woodstock

www.royallepagetriland.com

(519) 537-1553, cell or text

Email: mschadenberg@rogers.com

Twitter: markroyallepage

Facebook: Mark Schadenberg, Royal LePage Triland