Report 1: ICE       Report 2: Stretching       Taf's Bio       New Playing Roles       Being One of Many       MidSeason Burnout       Parental Motivation       Be Humble       Adversity       Negativity       Concussions       Young Athletes: Part I       Weight Gain       Tip of the Week       Strength Interview       Strength Interview 2       Leading Into Summer       Warm-Up       Train with Intent       Training for Hockey       8-Week Program       Groin Strains in Hcky       Speed-Agility Program       Training for Quickness       Off-Season Cardio       Combination Lifts       Strength Training       20 & Down       Flexibility       Off-Season Rest       Muscle Soreness       Injury       Injury Rehab       Overview       Hydration       Meal Planning       Food Groups       Meal Plan       Meal Timing       Alcohol       Score More Goals       Stop at the Net!       The Slap Shot       Stretching for Goalies       PIG       Rebound       Survivor Rebound       Bet for Skate       Breaking It In       Stick With What...
	One of the most frequently asked questions that we receive through our "Ask the Vet" section has to do with gaining weight. How do you go about it? Is it important? Why can't I gain weight? These are just a sample of the types of questions that we receive regarding the topic of gaining weight. We've all been there, especially during our teenage years. No matter what we do we can't seem to gain the weight that the hockey world seems to say that we need. It's for these reasons that we felt that it was time to address the topic of weight gain on PlayYourGame.com. Let's start by saying that in a perfect world we would all be as big as Eric Lindros, as fast as Pavel Bure, and as gifted as Alexi Kovalev. However, reality says that for 99.99% of us we aren't, and will never be. The point is work with what you have and always strive to be the best YOU can be! That's all a player can ask of themselves, and it's a point that we as players need to realize early on in our careers. Weight Gain - Is bigger better? Sometimes, but not always! Is gaining lots of weight always possible and as important as we players think? The truth of the matter is No! For the most part, gaining weight is a strong combination of diet and training. However, there are natural factors that also play a part in a player's progress. The teenage hockey player needs to realize that you are still young, and although you may have seen a major growth spurt, there are probably another few years for you to fill out as a player. It is during these formative years that you should notice a change in muscle definition and bulk if you are eating and training properly. Another factor that we as players often overlook is the role of genetics in our quest for weight gain. The truth is that genetics can play a key role in your quest for weight gain. In some cases, players that hit the gym religiously for years aren't able to gain weight like even some casual exercisers. Take a look at your family to see how your genetic makeup fits into the equation. If people in your family are of a good size, then it will probably be just a matter of a few more growth years before you start to really see some of the fruits of your labour. If it's the other way around, don't worry. The good news is that often times more weight isn't the best determinant for success, but rather a well balanced workout which in turn creates STRENGTH. With everything said and done, we have put together a number of articles that address nutrition and various meal plans. We suggest that all of our users give these articles a read, and consider making some adjustments to your current diet if it's lacking in any areas. You can find these articles in our "Game Ready" section: http://www.playyourgame.com/ready.html We would also like to encourage our readers to read through all of the articles written by Pete Twist, Craig Ballantyne, Kevin Miehm, and Mike Gough as they address specific training techniques and programs for hockey players. You can find Pete Twist's articles at: http://www.playyourgame.com/twistbio.html For the articles by Ballantyne, Miehm, and Gough you can find them in our "Game Ready" section under the heading Off Ice. The team at PlayYourGame.com would like to encourage all of our users not worry as much as you have been about your weight or lack there of. Focus on building your overall strength so that there is no question that when it comes to battling in front of the net or in the corners, you'll be able to hold your own. If you do that and you combine modest and natural weight gain, you'll be off to the races!
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