3 Key Elements to a Golf Specific Fitness Program
Been fortunate to work with many top Golf Fitness Professionals in the game. One of the most notably has trained some of the #1 Ranked PGA Tour Pros. Although Gary Player one of the pioneers of fitness in golf, its now no secret the top touring professionals know that winning on the tour today takes much more than a great game of golf. Having strength and range of motion help them perform week in and week out. How can you apply fitness to your game?
Gain a competitive edge this golf season by integrating these three key elements into your current fitness program.
Specific to golf motion and exercises are key to increase golf strength and mobility. Get rid of the traditional gym machines which focus on isolating specific muscle groups and require no stabilization work by additional muscle groups. Integrate some old and new fitness tools which allow you to move your body in a more functional setting. These include cable machines, fitness balls, medicine balls, balance disks,traditional dumbbells. In addition use your own body weight and work on motions of moving your body in space. After all the golf swing is a motion moved in space powered by the motion you create with your body.
Increase Core Stability is a must! “I love doing sit ups!” Said no body ever. But if more muscles in your stomach and core could lead to longer drives down the fairway would you put the workin? More efficient movement creates more efficient power. Golfers maintain an athletic posture over long periods of time and require both trunk and core stabilization and endurance. By increasing your strength and endurance in the core region of your body, you provide both a solid base of support for rotation in addition to the proper transfer of force throughout the body.
Swtich up your work out to keep it fresh and confuse your muscles. For example vary your Planes of Motion during Exercise . A golf fitness program will have varying planes of motion as part of your weekly strength routine. Planes of movement include front to back motions, left to right (lateral movement) and rotational exercises.
A lot of Tour Professionals have a team out there traveling with them. I have spent many years attending the Titleist TPI seminars around the country and have learned from some of the best industry veterans who work with golfers who do this for a living and also amateurs who want to improve their strength and range of motion.
You can find your golf specific fitness expert here http://www.mytpi.com/certification/instructors
Brian Foy, PGA
