Training

Question
Guy
A bunch of the guys at work are planning on playing hockey once a week as part of a company sponsered fitness  program.
Its a noon hour ice rental with helmet and gloves as the only equipment, 'shinny' more or less.
There is another group doing soccer at an indoor facility.
As a manager I would like to get involved, in fact I am one of the few 'ex jocks' to have played both sports.
The only thing is at 53 I am a bit out of shape, and am a bit worried about the impact. I had to quit jogging as my knees and feet were getting sore.
Which one of these would be less impact?
I am more drawn to the hockey group, I have even drawn up a 'training program' I would like your opinion on.
*cardio on the stepper
*skip rope for footwork/agility
*squats

I dont know how to train for soccer other than kicking a ball around, but as mentioned I dont know if my knees could handle the running, but once I got my wind I think I could handle the skating.
Thanks!  

Answer
If you want to improve your cardio for hockey - while helping your hips, thighs and core and with the least amount of impact on your joints...  a stationary bike is actually the best thing to do!  

You can take spin classes at the local Y or just do a minimum 5-20-5 cycle on the bike no less than 3 times a week!  (5 warm up, 20 good workout using 60-90 second intervals, and then 5 cool down...)  (You can increase the 20 section as you feel better!)...

That would be my first choice.

Skipping can be a good workout too - if you are agile enough for it - though it can be a bit impactful on the knees if you don't do it right.  The stepper is OK as well - again there is the limiting range of motion that it kinda forces you into...  moving the joints (especially the hips) is important for hockey.

Squats are good for power and acceleration...  which is important for hockey in general -but at 53 it may not be your priority if you are limited to workout time.   Your core, your lungs/heart and your hips would be my focus... (I'm 51 and what little time I presently have for fitness goes to those first and in that order!)...

Remember the myth is Playing hockey will make you fit...
The truth is you must get fit to play hockey...

So choose your workouts carefully - get in as good a shape as you can before you push to hard on the ice...  otherwise you might be prone to injuries and then you can't do much at all!!

hope this helps!

Feel free to follow up with any more questions!

good luck with the puck!

Martial