Since 2008
My Story
It’s not always how hard you train but how smart you train…
Where my story began
My story starts in Edmonton, as I am an Alberta native by birth. I moved to Kelowna, British Columbia at a young age where I played hockey for the local teams from the moment I could skate. Growing up, I always heard the same thing from my coaches “you need to improve your foot speed and strength”.
At 17, while playing Junior B hockey, I was hoping to climb the ranks the following season. In order to do this, a Junior “A” scout recommended that I work out 3 hours a day in the gym. I thought this seemed like a daunting task and didn’t see the importance of this type of commitment at the time.
Without putting in the off-ice effort necessary I returned to play another year of Junior B. Watching others succeed and surpass me as a result of their gains from off-ice training, motivated me to finally start training in the off-season.
“For a lack of a better expression, it was too little too late”
Looking back on my story, I needed to start my off-ice training at a younger age with the help of a strength and conditioning coach in order to give myself the best chance on the ice.
After Juniors, I was fortunate enough to play at the NCAA level where I earned a degree in Exercise Science. Training became not only a passion but a fundamental way of life.
Over the last 10+ years, I have worked with young athletes one-on-one, in camps (Edge of Excellence, SD23 Hockey Canada Skills Academy, and Sicamous Hockey School) and even remotely, to help them achieve their personal fitness and hockey goals. In 2008 I became a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) through the National Strength Conditioning Association (NSCA).
Today, my goal is to combine my professional playing experience with my educational knowledge to help young hockey players reach their full potential. Using my story to help other athletes change the outcome of theirs.
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My Philosophy
I strongly believe that if you want to get the most benefit out of anything you do in life you need to incorporate structure. My approach to training is no different. When working with my athletes, my number one priority is injury prevention followed by improved performance, speed and strength development. If I can keep my athletes healthy then they can continue to train. It doesn’t matter how strong an athlete can become if they end up getting injured in the process.
As a hockey player myself, I know firsthand what type of demands are put on the body and how it needs to move during the sport. Hockey requires the athlete to move forwards,
When working with my athletes I place a lot of emphasis on form and technique. The better the athlete’s form and technique, the faster they will increase their strength, speed, and power while minimizing the risk of injury. Each training session has a set goal with specific objectives put in place to help obtain that desired goal.
Down to the details
My approach to training follows research backed and scientifically proven principles. These principles focus on ground-based exercises, explosive movements, periodization, and multiple joint movements. This type of training helps increase flexibility, prevent injury, and results in
The unique combination of strength, power, speed, agility, and endurance hockey players must have in order to succeed in their sport differs from any other sport. When training the cardiovascular system, more emphasis needs to be placed on the anaerobic system while still maintaining a high level of aerobic capacity. This balance between the two systems allows better recovery between each shift in hockey and
I strive to create a fun and competitive training environment, challenge all my athletes to hold themselves to a higher standard, and require a certain level of professionalism from my athletes. All this in the efforts of getting them to understand the importance of discipline, hard work, effort, and sacrifice. My goal is not only to help prepare my athletes for their upcoming season but also prepare them for life outside of hockey.
HEAR WHAT SOME OF THE TEAM IS SAYING
Find additional testimonials here.
“This was my first summer training with Travis. I also had the pleasure of having Travis train my team throughout the season. Travis works muscle groups that lots of trainers leave untouched, he has introduced me to many new movements and exercises that have helped make me stronger and more powerful but also more efficient. He prepares workouts specific to you and what you need. He helps you so you can perform at your best and he’s fun to be around”
“Travis has been a tremendous help to my career, he really knows his stuff. His attention to detail and force of concentration has not only helped me when training but helped me with on-ice performance as well. Travis and I have become good friends now, but when it comes time to put work into better oneself, you won’t find a more passionate person to push you.”
“Martell Elite Fitness has helped me become an all-around better athlete. He has helped me become a better player on the ice with greater speed due to his explosive style of training. Would highly recommend for any athlete looking for a great trainer on and off the ice.”