Ice Hockey
Fast contact sport on skates.
How to start
Learn to skate first with a learn-to-skate course, then join a beginner hockey programme.
How to progress
Skate regularly then move into team practice.
What the evidence says
Evidence: limited
We found no trials of this particular sport. The general physical activity evidence applies.
Take care: Contact, falls and fast pucks bring injury risks. Wear full protective gear.
Sources
12-week starter plan
Learn to skate first.
Tick each week as you finish it; your ticks are saved on this device only. Repeat a week if it felt hard. Weeks 4, 8 and 12 hold steady so you can settle. This is a general plan, not medical advice.
Add reminders to your calendar
Pick your days and time. You will download a calendar file that adds 12 weeks of reminders to Google, Apple or Outlook calendar.
Calories and weekly minutes
Enter your details for a rough estimate. Based on about 8 METs (Typical effort for this activity (estimated)). Real figures vary by 20% or more between people.
Tips and common mistakes
Tips
- Wear a helmet and full pads.
- Learn to fall safely.
- Take lessons.
Common mistakes
- Skipping protection.
- Playing before skating well.
- Skipping warm-up.
Kit and cost
High Approximate UK prices.
- Skates, helmet and pads (about £150 to £400)
- Ice time fees
- Club fees
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to skate first?
Yes.
Is it expensive?
Equipment and ice time cost more than most sports.
Can adults start?
Yes, many rinks run adult beginner programmes.
Good for: Heart & fitness Power & speed
Compare with similar options
| Ice Hockey | Gaelic Games | Rugby Union | Basketball | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Typical session | 60 min × 2/wk | 70 min × 2/wk | 80 min × 2/wk | 60 min × 2/wk |
| Effort | ●●●●● | ●●●●● | ●●●●● | ●●●●○ |
| Cost | High cost | Low cost | Low cost | Low cost |
| Equipment | Specialist kit | Some equipment | Some equipment | Basic kit |
| Impact | High impact | High impact | High impact | High impact |
| Fitness needed | Moderate fitness | Good fitness | Good fitness | Moderate fitness |
| Evidence | limited | limited | limited | limited |