Supplement Judge Unbiased Supplement Reviews – Do they really work??
Supplement Judge caught up with Max Birbraer, JBC sponsored athlete and pro ice hockey player, currently playing for Cardiff Devils. At 6’2″ and nearly 200lbs, Birbraer is a force to be reckoned with. Here’s what he had to say for himself and his fitness routine…
Could you tell us a bit about yourself and your background?
My name is my Max Birbraer, I’m 32 years of age. I was born in Kazakhstan and lived in Israel, Canada, the USA, Germany and now in Wales!
How long have you been training for?
I have been playing competitive ice hockey since 6 years old and professionally for 13 years.
Who got you motivated to start ?
I grew up in an industrial town where hockey was the biggest sport. My grand father was a huge supporter of a local team so it was almost a matter of time he introduced me to the game at age 6. I never stopped since!
Do you have any major goals for the future? (I.e. events, fitness goals, world records, personal goals, etc).
I am very lucky to still be playing professional hockey. I have achieved most goals I set for my self … I become professional, got drafted by one of the top teams in the top league in the world, won a championship and play-offs in other leagues, and twice won gold internationally representing Israel at the World Championships. As for current goals, I aim to perform my best every night I step on the ice with the team I play for – which is Cardiff Devils at the moment.
What is your typical training schedule like?
During the season we train all week with one day off. It also include two-three games and two off-ice sessions.
Could you outline your basic daily diet?
Most mornings I eat a light breakfast – a protein, oats, and almond milk shake. Chicken and broccoli with half a baked potato for lunch. Dinner is pretty much whatever I want. I snack on protein shakes, bananas, and nuts in between those meals as well.
Do you use supplements? If so, what do you recommend?
I use a wide range of supps being a professional player. Cardiff Devils hockey club have been fortunate to be supported by JBC nutrition in the past couple of years. Two top products are their whey protein and a recovery shake – I depend on these for after games. They defiantly gave me an edge the following day and made me ready to jump straight to the next match.
What, do date, is the sporting achievement you’d say you are most proud of?
Probably the fact that i was the first ever Israeli to be drafted by NHL. Winning a championship is obviously everyone’s goal as well and I have been fortunate to do that.
Do you have post/pre-workout meals? What’s your favourite?
I don’t have pre-training meal but I do have a pre-game meal routine – which is spaghetti bolognese!
How do you deal with cravings for junk food, sweets and salty foods?
All I do is I make sure I eat healthily during the day … and come supper time …
Do you have any ‘cheat meals’?
No, you’re only cheating yourself! Just kidding … but how can you resist a good curry?!
What is your biggest motivation to get you training when you’re feeling a little ‘off’?
As I’m getting older (in sports world) I found that a day off would do me world of good and would set me up for much no productive few days ahead. But if I had no choice, my competitive streak would take over and if you don’t have any coffee, loud music should do it!
Have you ever had any serious injuries from training or otherwise? If so, how did they affect your training?
Most of my injuries happen during matches so gym becomes a rehab zone!
Any advice for beginners or anyone looking to get into sport?
My advice would be is to try a variety of sports – not only yourself but your kids as well. You never know which sport you’re talented in until you try a few so it will give you a better chance of truly finding yourself.
And finally … is there anything else you’d like to add?
Don’t put too much pressure on yourself! It will help you to make training more enjoyable and fun.
