Malik Jones is passionate about the physicality of sled hockey, expressing, "I love hitting. Many people underestimate the contact aspect of our sport compared to stand-up hockey, but it's equally intense--if not more so--because we often collide with the lower boards that remain stationary."
As a key player on the gold medal-winning 2022 US Paralympic Sled Hockey Team, Jones is eagerly anticipating this year's Games, hoping for a more immersive Olympic experience. His first event was held under strict Covid-19 protocols, and he looks forward to enjoying a lively atmosphere while celebrating with family and friends who have supported him throughout his journey.
The 22-year-old athlete from Colorado has a dedicated training regimen that includes a split workout routine focusing on pulling, pushing, and core strength, alongside cardiovascular exercises. He emphasizes the importance of pull days, noting, "The motion we use to skate is essentially a pull," with his favorite exercise being the T-bar row.
For those looking to enhance their fitness, Jones recommends the SkiErg machine, stating, "It replicates the sled skating motion perfectly. It's a great way to build endurance on the ice." He also suggests trying the challenging but effective 4x4 Norwegian method for high-intensity interval training, which involves four minutes at 85 to 95 percent of peak heart rate followed by three minutes of active recovery, repeated for four rounds.