When Addy Eurich first walked through the doors of The Lair in April of 2022, she was driven by a singular goal:
“To get in better shape for hockey”
She has certainly seen success in that area as she is currently playing Collegiate hockey with the ACAC for the Lakeland Rustlers in Lloydminster and the South Alberta Hockey Academy before that.
We recall a couple of summers ago, Addy went to go join her team, the AAA Wildcats in Swift Current, and was nervous that she wouldn’t keep up to her team, but she surprised herself, “I hadn’t done much skating in the summer and I was worried about not keeping up to everyone with only doing CrossFit 4 times a week but when I got there and was in the same, if not better physical condition than others who had been skating and training!
This year, she feels in the best shape of her life.
We aren’t surprised however, Addy works hard and she takes her training serious. She could even be found staying AFTER class to perform her “beep test” until she was satisfied with the result.
“I didn’t really know what to expect!” Addy admits when asked what she expected of group fitness. “I wasn’t sure if it (CrossFit) would be just weight lifting, or a ton of running, or rowing a bunch. I really was just excited to check it out!”
From the outset, Addy’s enthusiasm and natural ability was obvious. She embraced the variety of workouts and the challenges they presented, which initially had been unknown to her. It wasn’t long before the results began to speak for themselves!
“I’ve noticed increase in strength and definition of my arms, as well as, the level of ‘in shape’ I am in!
Heading back into Hockey season, she is feeling in great shape and ready to hit the ice, despite living at the lake all summer teaching swimming lessons and driving to the Lair when she could.
“Plus, It didn’t feel like I had killed myself all summer, yet, I felt in the best shape I had been in forever.“
Another significant change Addy experienced was in her range of motion, which is something many don’t consider when weight training. It is one of the most effective ways to improve range of motion, specifically strength through range of motion!
“I could barely get down into a full squat,” she recalls. “With all my hockey, I had no depth in my squat.”
She also achieved some of the great milestones our new members find most rewarding – push ups and pull ups!
“I could barely do one push-up and couldn’t even lift myself up.
Being able to do multiple push-ups, kipping pull-ups, and regular chin-ups was exciting to me.“
Addy knows that as an athlete, the key is strength. If she wants to be fast, she has to be strong and also knows how that strength will spill over into other areas of her life as well. “I want to continue to get stronger and stronger,” she says. “Learning to get better at lifting techniques to get to the heavier weights!“
If Addy could give advice to her past self or to anyone considering their fitness journey, it would be simple, but may resonate with other athletes looking to improve their overall performance:
“It’s okay to not always have the best time, score, or weight. It’s the fact that you showed up, which is more than most, so be proud you moved your body!“
“I am so lucky I had a place like this to train at! It is something I have come to enjoy just as much as hockey. It has helped my game enormously and I’ll miss it while I’m off at school!“
The value of group fitness, similar to other team sports, can be a game changer! It not only enhances physical capabilities, it helps to achieve and set new goals, and aid overall in areas you may not anticipate. From range of motion, to speed, to endurance, to strength: conditioning outside of your sport is a great way to elevate your skills!
At The Lair, we celebrate each client’s unique path and accomplishments. Addy’s journey is a testament to the power of functional fitness, group support, and dedication, and we couldn’t be more proud of her achievements.
Have an athlete in your life that could benefit from strength training? Send them this blog!
Book a Free Intro HERE to chat with a coach about our programs and how we can help you achieve your goals, just like Addy did!