**Strength Through Sled Hockey: Training Insights from Malik Jones**
Sled hockey may not attract as much attention as its stand-up counterpart, but Malik Jones, a member of the 2022 US Paralympic Sled Hockey Team that won gold in Beijing, fiercely advocates for its intensity. “I love hitting,” he shares. “Many people underestimate the physicality of our sport, but we’re just as engaged—if not more—since we collide with stationary lower boards.”
As Jones prepares for this year’s Games, he is eager to experience a more relaxed Olympic atmosphere. His debut was overshadowed by strict COVID-19 protocols, and he looks forward to sharing the moment with his family and friends. “Being able to celebrate with the people who brought you to this moment makes it all worthwhile.”
At just 22 years old, Jones has honed his training regimen to excel in sled hockey. His split workout routine targets pulling, pushing, core strength, and cardiovascular fitness. The pull days are vital for his skating technique, and one of his go-to exercises is the T-bar row.
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March 2022, Beijing.
For those wanting to improve their fitness with a similar mindset, Jones recommends the SkiErg, a machine mimicking the motion of sled skating. “It’s excellent for building endurance,” he adds. To match his intensity, consider trying the challenging 4×4 Norwegian method—a high-intensity workout that consists of 4 minutes at 85–95% of your maximum heart rate followed by 3 minutes of active recovery, repeated for a total of four rounds.
Photographs: Justin Steele, Getty Images
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Makeup:
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Set Design: Jared Lawton
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This article originally appears in the Winter 2026 issue of Men’s Health.
Conclusion: A Path to Fitness
Malik Jones’s journey shows that with dedication and a well-structured training plan, you can achieve impressive results in any sport, including sled hockey. Whether you’re interested in competitive athletics or personal fitness, consider integrating moves like the SkiErg and exploring high-intensity interval workouts to boost your endurance and strength. Remember, the key to success is consistency and enjoyment in your training regimen. So, find what energizes you and keep pushing your limits!
