Golf Fitness
As an instructor, I am asked to fix golf swings on a daily basis. Everyone seems to be looking for that quick fix. When I teach, my goal is not only to fix what is wrong with the swing, but also to expose physical inflexibility and lack of muscle strength in the student. I have created a golf stretching manual designed to address this challenge. This manual is called, From the Ground Up. When followed properly, golfers will experience a thirty minute stretching routine designed to increase flexibility within their golf swing. Convincing students to get fit for golf is one of my ultimate goals.
When I teach golf instruction, I have one thing in mind… to help the student hit better golf shots! Typically, I make one set up change and one swing change, per lesson. I keep it simple. When I teach golf fitness, I focus on three areas: flexibility, strength training and muscle endurance.
Fact: Playing golf is a physically challenging, athletic skill requiring strength, flexibility, neuromuscular coordination and to a certain degree, cardiovascular endurance. PGA Tour players exercise in order to have a strong competitive advantage. They have a professional fitness trailer, equipped with all of the machines they need. They work with professional trainers in order to fully understand what they are conditioning. Potbellies are quickly becoming a thing of the past on tour.
Why you should be fit for golf: Golfers need to be physically fit in order to play the game to their highest potential. Being physically fit and proud of it makes the player confident and we all know that golf is a game of confidence.
Flexibility allows the golfer to get into the proper positions necessary to hit good golf shots.
Flexibility allows the golfer to get into the proper positions necessary to hit good golf shots.
Strength helps the golfer hit the ball farther and helps the golfer to swing with good tempo.
Cardiovascular endurance helps the golfer go a full round without fatiguing or losing concentration.
Women: When I teach women, I find a need to increase overall strength. In the weight room, I teach upper body strengthening techniques on the nautilus machines. I use light weight and plenty of repetitions in order to increase muscle tone.
Men: When I teach men, I find a need to increase flexibility. This is when my golf stretching manual comes in handy. I teach what muscles to stretch, how to stretch them and I encourage stretching on a daily basis in order to gain a better range of motion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are you a competitive golfer? Would you like a key to unlock your potential? Getting fit will help you play better than your competition. You will be stronger, you will have better endurance and you will play with more confidence.
Do you feel like no matter how many lessons you take, you just don’t seem to play any better? Don’t get discouraged! Ask yourself… am I in the best physical condition I can possibly be in? Start a stretching routine that is golf specific. If your doctor says it is ok, lift some light weights to get a little stronger. Start running, biking or swimming for thirty minutes a day. Keep taking lessons, but get your body fit!
Do you shoot a good score on the front nine, but blow up on the back nine? Chances are, you lose energy and thus lose concentration. A strong cardiovascular exercise routine will increase your energy level and improve your endurance. Drinking water and eating frequent, healthy snacks during your round will also help you play more steadily for the entire 18 holes. Granola bars, power bars, fruit, and peanuts are good examples of healthy snacks.
Are you a high handicapper? Do you feel out of shape now, compared to your earlier years? Getting fit for golf will help you lower your scores by swinging more efficiently and keeping the ball in play. You will have more energy for the entire round of golf! Remember, fitness helps your confidence!
Are you a senior golfer? Do you have good strength but lack flexibility? Very often, mobility in senior golfers can be greatly increased with a modest stretching routine. I have the perfect routine for you to follow in my golf specific stretching book.
5 Steps to Improve Your Golf Game
1. Take golf instruction from a PGA golf professional. Find a pro that you like and get coaching from him or her on a weekly basis.
2. Play golf on a regular basis. Establish a golf day and play eighteen holes. Learn about what areas of your game need improvement and share this with your PGA golf professional.
3. Practice swinging a club at home for five minutes every day. Make sure you are practicing what your golf pro has taught you. This is a great daily exercise on those days when you cannot make it out to the course to play or to the range to hit balls.
4. Perform cardiovascular exercises such as running, walking, swimming or biking in order to get your heart rate up for thirty minutes a day. Of course, it is wise to consult your doctor first as to the duration and frequency of a cardiovascular program that is right for you.
5. Exercise your strength and flexibility techniques by lifting weights in the gym and performing the thirty minutes of golf specific stretching as outlined in my fitness book, From the Ground Up.
Results
Confidence - You will feel good about your strength and endurance and thus feel better about your golf game.
Longevity - You will extend the number of years that you can play.
Stamina - You will be able to go a full 18 or even 36 holes in one day.
Physical Soundness - Your will be stronger and thus able to prevent injuries.
Distance- You will be stronger and thus can increase your club head speed.
Direction- You will be more aware of the golf club positions and thus gain control of your golf shots.