The 2012-13 Manchester Monarchs have spent all summer training in separate complexes usually in or near their hometowns.  Last week, the players made their way into Manchester and they are preparing for an exciting season with lengthy practices and difficult off ice workouts.  With the ever growing importance of fitness and strength in hockey, the Monarchs players know they have to maintain, if not continue to improve, their strength and fitness in addition to developing their skills in practices and games.

“It is paramount (to maintain the strength and fitness built up in the off-season),” said Monarchs left wing Richard Clune.  “If you let your fitness level slide and let your flexibility and strength drop then you will see a decrease in your performance (on the ice).”

Conditioning for a professional athlete takes a lot of hard work, dedication and a complete fitness center.  For many of the players’ needs, they will workout before or after practices at the Verizon Wireless Arena in the team gym.  The Monarchs players also go to the Executive Health and Sports Center in Manchester, New Hampshire to get an additional workout in after they leave the rink for the day or if they are lucky enough to have an off day from practices or games.

“We have our primary facility here at the Verizon Wireless Arena but on days off and even in the evenings, some of the guys will do extra work and head right over to the Executive,” said Athletic Trainer/Strength and Conditioning Coach Michael Muir.  “It is a great facility and it offers everything that we utilize here at their facility.  It is great to have one in house and out of house also.”

The Executive is considered the premier facility in southern New Hampshire and the Monarchs have enjoyed a partnership with them since joining the American Hockey League in 2001. 

“It is everything that would be supplemental,” stated Muir.  “It is a good way to blow off steam too with the different activities they offer over at the Executive.  It is a great relationship we have had with them ever since the Monarchs began and a relationship we will gladly continue with.”

The Executive is a 108,000 square foot, family oriented facility with over 30 years of experience.  They offer a wide variety of amenities including but not limited to racquetball, basketball, tennis, swimming and other fitness programs or services.

“I like the environment,” said Clune who has been a frequent visitor at the Executive for the last few seasons.  “There are always nice people at (the Executive).  A lot of laughter and there are a bunch of qualified trainers.  It is a very accommodating facility and they have great facilities.  The gym, the pool, cardio rooms and steam rooms and all that.  (The Executive) has pretty much everything you need to put in a good work out and a good day of treatments.  I get a good vibe there and I have never had any problems.  The people there are also very supportive of our team it makes it easy to work out there.”

The Executive is conveniently located in Manchester near Manchester-Boston Regional Airport and has something for everyone.  Join the Monarchs for a healthy workout at The Executive this season.