Fast Fitness Hardcore

 

Doug Christiansen, Edinburgh Capitals Player/Coach

“I can’t run yet, I can’t skate but I need to get stronger”

I’m used to giving the orders but I’ve been on the receiving end as I continue my rehabilitation from knee surgery.

 

Former soldier Luke McMullen is putting me through hell at studioEH1. I’m using Power Plate – a machine that vibrates and puts you off balance, engaging small muscle fibres that you don’t normally use.

 

I’m trying to strengthen muscles especially around my knee. My hamstrings, quads and backside have fallen apart following the injury and a lot of things I would do normally during the course of a season, I can’t do.

 

The machine is excellent for rehabilitation and is also a way of getting my upper body and core stronger. What I am trying to do is to gain strength and fitness in an unorthodox way. I can’t run yet, I can’t skate but I need to get stronger without putting my body in a tough position.

 

I found studioEH1 through the Space Clinic (link to Space), who look after the Team. They thought I would be better off with a specialist like Luke, who served in the army for six years in places like Bosnia and Iraq. He is a serious guy, who is also a recreational ice hockey player. It’s nice to have someone who is really serious about conditioning and performance and understands the game of hockey.

 

The treatment is definitely on the cutting edge. I do not rest for 30 minutes and go from one exercise using one muscle group immediately to another.

 

At the end of it I’m exhausted. It’s tough and miserable. I did 140 press ups the other day and Luke loves to make me do that kind of stuff. I can’t lift my arms now but it’s working. I need a guy like Luke to push me. When you’re working on your own you do two or three exercises and grab a drink, talk to somebody then you do a couple more then it’s time for the sauna – this is no joke for 30 minutes solid.

 

studioEH1 also have a professional golfer and two people from the Gladiators TV show that they are training and they are trying to branch out into professional sport.

 

As far as Luke goes, I can’t stand him when I’m doing his workouts but we have a good laugh when all the training is done.