Most of you know by now that our two co-founders, Brandon Cullen and Kirk DeWaele, spent their pre-MADabolic lifetime on the ice. We’ve always valued their professional hockey background and the critical role it plays in the athletically-inspired programming that all you MADones can’t seem to get enough of, but did you know that every single interval name is a direct nod to the hockey world that once consumed them? After a few too many “who the fuck is Miss McGill”s, we figured you all might like to know the inspiration behind each interval you’ve come to love (or hate).
Barn Burner
The term “Barn Burner” describes an event – typically a sporting contest – that is very exciting or intense. In hockey, this typically meant you were in for a long night. With 10 static efforts at each given movement, this interval definitely lives up to its name.
Bag Skate
Often used as a conditioning tool in the off season or – more commonly – as a punishment following a subpar effort or loss in the prior night’s game, a “bag skate” is like a suicide sprint on the ice rink…no pucks or equipment, just you and your teammates skating your balls (or bags) off.
Broad Street Bully
Ripped from the headlines, this interval was named after one of the most polarizing hockey teams in the early 70s. The Philadelphia Flyers were labeled “The Broad Street Bullies” because of their physical toughness and relentless tenacity. This team challenged for multiple Stanley Cup championships by beating the will out of their opponents with their nonstop, back-to-back 0:45 efforts. No matter what you threw at them, they just kept coming.
Coast to Coast
When a player has the unique ability to control the pace of an attack, he often takes the puck from one end (or coast) of the rink to the other and scores. Fitting, since within a single movement this interval will take you all the way from your 70% to the climactic 90% finish.
Double Shift
A term used to describe a group of highly conditioned players able to withstand and perform back-to-back efforts as needed. Double Shift, the interval, asks the same out of its participating athlete.
Dump & Chase
This term describes a style of offense in the game of hockey that is fast-paced and energetic. It requires both athleticism and endurance, and demands a degree of buy-in from the entire team in order to be effective.
E.C.H.L.
A hockey slang born in the minors. Easy Come, Hard Leave is a phrase named after the East Coast Hockey League (or ECHL). Moral of the story: it wasn’t too hard to get there but it sure as hell was hard to get out of. We thought it was very appropriate when naming the interval that keeps you for 6 efforts before allowing you to rotate.
Forecheck. Backcheck. Paycheck!
Your new motto for life! This game place represents the intersection of hard work and group effort: if the team forechecks well and backchecks well, everyone gets paid well!
Minor League Plugs
This is what our founders collectively like to call themselves – they were on the brink of the big leagues, but largely “stuck” in the minors for the duration of their careers. While they may playfully assume the role of a minor league plug in a past life, we feel they’re playing in the majors of boutique fitness.
Muck & Grind
Is a term mostly used to describe a style of play or even a type of player. All and all, it refers to a physical presence or approach that gets the job done in the absence of finesse. The title and grit belongs to a set of individuals who are not afraid to do the dirty work.
Playing Guilty
One of the best terms to come out of the hockey world. “Playing Guilty” refers to a delicate balance between one’s physical ability and mental effort. Usually, this term is used when certain players on a team may have encountered a rough evening of partying too hard the night before a game. Playing guilty is a state of mind whereby you will offer up your body and near kill yourself for the W so that your previous night’s shenanigans won’t be held against you in the event of a loss or poor performance.
The Bruise Brothers
The Bruise Bros! Arguably the toughest 1-2 punch combo in the history of the National Hockey League. Bob Probert (‘pro’-‘BURT’) and Joey Kocur (‘ko’-‘SUR’) were absolute killers. Having just one of these gentlemen on a team would have been scary enough, but to have both on the same roster night after night, year after year was simply cruel. And if (by a slim chance) you happen to get the better of one of them, it just meant their partner in crime was coming after you next period.
TOFTT
“Take One For The Team” is a phrase often applied to a player who decides to do something for the better of the team. Wether it’s blocking a 100mph slap shot, or being the wingman for a teammate at the bar. It doesn’t happen very often, but every once in a while, a situation or interval presents itself and you simply must take ownership of it.
Tea w/ Miss McGill
“The only thing better than a glass of beer is tea with Miss McGill”! A quote borrowed from the 1986 cult classic movie “Youngblood”, starring Rob Lowe and Patrick Swayze . In short, this nostalgic giggle simply needed to be the name of one of our intervals. Go ahead and google the reference for a good laugh…
The All Ugly Team
“Ya got your First All-Star Team, ya got your Second All Star Team, and ya got your All Ugly Team.” You’re likely to overhear this chirp between opposing players. Just like within our interval system, there are some crowd pleasers, some harder ones, and some down right ugly ones.
The Wily Vet
He knows the ropes and has been around forever (just like this interval). The Wily Vet forged his career on his ability to manage his output coupled with his veteran expertise to peak as needed. At this point in his career, he is no longer flashy but is always close by and ready to perform when it matters most.
Toe to Toe
Slugging it out at close range. In other words, a face punching contest. This phrase is used to describe a short but intense combative effort between two players who are not exactly happy with one another.
Yard Sale
Everything must go! Arguably the most challenging interval in our program. The term “Yard Sale” refers to the look and actions of an individual who (not always by choice) is physically uncomfortable. They may be lying on the floor, rolling around or simply struggling for a lick of comfort. You may even notice their shoe off in one corner and their hat off in another. Everything hurts, nothing is okay, and they are wondering if they will ever feel right again.
