This is the first installment of our ‘Hockey Strong’ series which will be continued for the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic. November’s feature is from Dave Klenk, member of Team USA.
The Coronavirus situation has affected us all deeply – our families, friends, neighbors and communities, but we must not let the virus limit our potential. We can’t go back to the way things were; we must move forward – forward to define the future. In times of great uncertainty and fear, it’s important for us not to focus on the things we can’t change. We can’t change what has happened, but we can change the future and ourselves. We should focus on the positive elements in our daily lives, and on things that are within our control like our actions and feelings. The Blind Hockey Community is no stranger to overcoming challenges, so let us continue to show our compassion, resilience, inspiration, and camaraderie which will ensure we prevail in the face of adversity.
Know that you are not alone – Let’s get Hockey Strong together! Take a moment to think about the good things in your life, including your accomplishments and things that make you feel happy (like blind hockey). Exercise and release those feel good endorphins. Ice rinks and gyms may be closed, but there is plenty you can do at home by starting new fitness programs or putting a little extra effort into your workout, which can be a great way to relieve stress and anxiety.
I challenge you to find a little extra time each day for a little more exercise. Whether it is a few wall sits, waiting for the microwave to ding, 25 body weight squats while brushing your teeth, or 25 pushups during a TV commercial break – there is time for HOCKEY STRONG!
As a member of Team USA, I feel a distinct honor to wear the Red, White and Blue. So despite COVID-19 keeping me off the ice, I am working out daily so that when I return to the rink I can wear our colors proudly and represent Team USA! Let’s be Hockey Strong together. It is not always easy to stay motivated – but it becomes a lot easier to exercise and work on our hockey skills when we do it together. Find a friend on your team, a sibling or parent, or even a member of Team USA to help each other stay engaged, inspired and motivated to be the best you that you can be! Get an Accountabil-a-buddy.
Below are a few body weight workouts everyone can do, which require no equipment, along with a link to videos of a few of my favorite core workouts:
- Burpees: Do as many plank burpees as you can in one minute, three minutes or even try seven minutes.
- Wall sits: Sit with your back against the wall, with your thighs parallel to the floor at 90 degrees. Wall sit for 90 seconds, followed by a 60 second rest – repeat for 10 to 12 sets (you can adjust the length of time per set to be shorter or longer).
- Pushups: Do 15 pushups, followed by a one minute rest and repeat until failure. Take this challenge a little further by increasing the number of pushups to 25, followed by a one minute rest and then repeat to failure.
- Core workout videos
- I am not afraid to fail – I am afraid not to try!
- Life is about potential, not limitations.
- I do not let other people’s perceptions limit me.
Categories: Hockey Strong, Player in the News, USA Blind Hockey Brief