Hockey Conditioning Tips: How to Act as a Spot for Another Person when Lifting Weights

If you want to become a better ice hockey player then you should constantly train both on and off of the ice. One way that you can train when you are not on the ice is by lifting weights. When you life weights, you should always work out with someone you trust so that you can help spot one another. Spotting allows you both to maintain the correct form when doing exercises and also helps prevent injuries by supporting heavy weights when the need arises. There are several exercises that you can do that will help you increase your strength, and in turn, improve your hockey game. Some of these exercises include the bench press, the squat, and the chest butterfly. It is important that you know proper spotting techniques so that you can help your work out partner when needed.

When you are spotting some one that is doing a bench press, you should stand behind the person and the bar that they are lifting. When the lifter lifts the weights off of the rack, you should have your hands either hovering above or below the bar so that you can catch it if they need help. You should make sure that you are not interfering with their work out, but only intervening when he or she needs help.

Another exercise that is good for hockey players is the squat. This helps increase the strength of the legs, which can help with power when skating. When spotting, you should stand behind the person and make sure they are able to maintain their balance. The two most common forms of support are under the arms or on the waist, whichever is more comfortable for the person working out.

Yet another good exercise for hockey players is the chest butterfly. This helps improve arm and core strength, which is essential for a good hockey player. When spotting someone doing this exercise, you should help them by spotting under the arms near the elbows. Let them do the work, but if they need help you should jump in and make sure that they do not hurt themselves.

Sources:

Science of Hockey
Ice Hockey Helmet