2006-12-01 20:30:44 · 14 answers · asked by tyrone b 6 in Sports ➔ Hockey
cool down. natural body acids build up in the muscles when players work really hard over a period of time. if you don't cool down by slowly biking them away (explained simply) you'll cramp up in a matter of minutes.
these guys play 30 second to 3 minute shifts over and over again in high intensity. those muscles burn!
2006-12-01 20:34:01 · answer #1 · answered by B.B Top 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Fitness. If you look carefully, most of those who spend time on the bikes are the players who didn't get much ice time.
The coaches want to ensure the same level of game-fitness in all their players. Working on fitness in the fall will pay off later in the spring; it's also not stressful on the body like running or full-contact practices.
The trend started after the 1993-1994 season. The Vancouver Canucks bought a hyperbaric chamber, a machine which pumps pure oxygen into the body and help injuries heal faster. Guess which team faced the New York Rangers in the finals?
Being healthy and fit had a lot to do with the Canuck's long playoff run despite being barely over .500 in the regular season.
Additional:
To "Lets Go Rangers!": It was disappointing to see my Canucks lose in 1994, but at least they were there and they were part of (arguably) one of the five best Stanley Cup Finals series in history.
The Rangers did have the better team n '94, so I wasn't too upset. And hey, the Canucks have been to more SC Finals (two) than most teams over the past 25 years, including the Rangers.
.
2006-12-02 16:37:30 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just to add to the cramped up answers, it also releases lactic acid in the legs because of the multiple "sprint" shifts. These lactic acid are responsible for the burning sensation you feel after a workout.
Trust me, it works. I do an hour of cardio with the last twenty minutes on the bikes. If I don't do that, I probably wouldn't be able to walk for a day or two.
2006-12-02 06:48:05 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
They say to stop cramping but i wonder if Maurice Richard and Gordie Howe hopped on a bike after each game?
2006-12-02 08:58:01 · answer #4 · answered by Richard Serenity 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
My brother has been playing minor league hockey for 4 years....not once has he ridden a bike after a game.
2006-12-02 04:33:24 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Yes, this method helps them to 'cool down' and prevent cramping, however, the sort of severe crippling cramping mentioned above is just not going to happen, this helps to build endurance, what better way to condition yourself than to follow up rigorous excercise, with more excercise!
2006-12-02 15:33:17 · answer #6 · answered by Ben W 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Reduce the lactic acid build up whih causes cramping
2006-12-05 20:43:08 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I remember Vancouver using that in 94. Yes, staying healthy helps alot.
2006-12-02 17:43:53 · answer #8 · answered by Lets Go Rangers! 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
bbtop and the others that mentioned the same are all right i use to bike after every game also.
GO HABS GO!!!!!!!!!!!!!1
2006-12-03 03:05:59 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
who does? i dont no anybody who bikes after a game i certainly dont
2006-12-02 16:30:36 · answer #10 · answered by novaicedogs9 4 · 0⤊ 3⤋