Dylan Larkin, the Detroit Red Wings center, recently gained fame not just for his Olympic gold medal but also for spotlighting a unique phenomenon among hockey players known as "hockey butt." In a playful advertisement, Larkin humorously declared, "My name is Dylan Larkin, and I have hockey butt," bringing attention to this defining characteristic of athletes in the sport.
The term "hockey butt" has been around for over a decade, with retired NHL player Mike Knuble affirming its significance, stating, "There's not a guy in here without a hockey ass." This physical trait is attributed to the intense training and skating demands of the sport, which require powerful glute engagement.
Interestingly, hockey players maintain a low athletic stance throughout the game, which builds strong lower body muscles. According to fitness expert Daniel Giordano, the skating motion emphasizes the glutes more than the hamstrings, leading to the prominent appearance of the hockey butt.
For those looking to achieve similar results without stepping onto the ice, there are effective exercises to help build your own hockey butt. Here are five recommended moves:
The 5 Exercises to Build Your Hockey Butt
1. Slider Lateral Lunge
Why: This exercise enhances hip mobility and targets smaller glute muscles, simulating the skating stride. It also improves balance.
How to Do It: Stand on a slippery surface with one foot on a towel. Slide that foot to the side while bending the standing leg. Keep your core engaged.
2. Bulgarian Split Squat
Why: This move mimics the one-legged stance of skating and builds strength in the quadriceps and glutes.
How to Do It: Place one foot on a bench behind you and lower your hips while keeping the front knee at 90 degrees. Push through the front foot to stand back up.
3. Deadlift
Why: Deadlifts strengthen the glutes and other muscles essential for hockey performance.
How to Do It: Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, hinge at the waist to grasp weights, and lift while keeping your core engaged.
4. Lateral Squat
Why: This exercise simulates a hockey stance and improves hip mobility, reducing injury risk.
How to Do It: Start in a wide stance, lower your hips to one side, then return to the center and repeat on the other side.
5. Russian Box Plyometrics/Skater Jumps
Why: These explosive movements enhance muscle power and agility, crucial for hockey players.
How to Do It: Stand on one leg, leap to the other side, and land softly, preparing for the next jump.
While these exercises can significantly enhance your glutes, consistency is vital. Incorporating these moves into your routine will not only help shape your physique but also improve overall athletic performance.