Goaltender Body Build?

Question

I'm a goaltender in a military school and was wondering if I shouldn't build up the muscle in my chest and arms for fear of slowing my body down. The more mass you have...the longer it takes to get going. I'm not out of shape, and my body fat % is normal, the extra excercise would simply be to get buldging muscles. Personal opinions?

Answer 1

Jeff is right that flexibility is very important for a goaltender. However despite what a lot of people think, you CAN have muscle mass and flexibility as long as you work on it. Strength actually adds to your quickness to a degree but you don't want to be too bulky to the point where it impedes range of motion.

To get and maintain a good balance its good to work on all aspects of fitness including strength, muscular endurance, aerobic capacity and flexibility (with a slight emphasis on flexibility)

Answer 2

It shouldn't slow you down. But if you are still woried about this you can buy wrist bands that weigh 2.5 pounds, 5 pounds or 10 pounds to wear when your in net. That will build yyour muscles and when you take them off, you will be alot faster. You can buy this wrist bands at most sport stores.

Answer 3

I would think flexibility is more important to a target than muscle mass or bulk.

Answer 4

Some of the goalies I have seen are lanky guys....not all bulky and muscular. They look like they have very low body fat and lean....like they're marathon runners....