Kevin Neeld — Hockey Training, Sports Performance, & Sports Science

So You Want to Get Stronger?

Want to get stronger?

I often get questions that start out something like:

“What’s the best way to…?”

The truth is, there is not right answer to this question. The best way to achieve any training goal depends very much on your training history, current training level, and injury history, among other things.

One programming approach to drastically improving strength is high-frequency training. The nervous system adapts to the demands we place on ourselves, such that specific movement patterns are strengthened the more we perform them.

Following this logic, the more we lift specific movements the stronger we’ll get, right? Sort of.

The answer is yes, IF we intelligently alter the intensity and speed of the exercises to allow for recovery. The body is in a continuous state of remodeling, meaning it is constantly breaking down and rebuilding. This goes for bone, muscles, connective tissue (e.g. ligaments and tendons), etc.

High frequency training, or training specific movement patterns 3+ times/week can be a very effective strategy in improving strength quickly. Stay tuned. In the next couple days I’m going to post the program I’ve been using for the last three weeks.

Keep training smart.

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Kevin Neeld

Kevin Neeld Knows Hockey

Kevin has rapidly established himself as a leader in the field of physical preparation and sports science for ice hockey. He is currently the Head Performance Coach for the Boston Bruins, where he oversees all aspects of designing and implementing the team’s performance training program, as well as monitoring the players’ performance, workload and recovery. Prior to Boston, Kevin spent 2 years as an Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach for the San Jose Sharks after serving as the Director of Performance at Endeavor Sports Performance in Pitman, NJ. He also spent 5 years as a Strength and Conditioning Coach with USA Hockey’s Women’s Olympic Hockey Team, and has been an invited speaker at conferences hosted by the NHL, NSCA, and USA Hockey.