How to find the Best
Golf Fitness Coach for you
With so many different options out there on fitness, what is the right approach when finding a fitness expert focusing on golf? There are many fitness professionals out there trying to get a piece of the golf market, since many PGA Tour Professionals are attributing their professional success to their fitness goals.
Before you jump right into a fitness routine or work with a trained professional, ensure they know about the game of golf .
A few questions to keep in mind when screening your potential Fitness Professional.
- Does he/she know golf? Play golf? What is their Golf IQ?
- Do they know the biomechanics of the golf swing?
- Do they know the key factors and sequence in agolf swing?
During the initial interview or if you’re researching online be sure to ensure they speak and know the language of golf and take a look at the information on the website. You’ll find out real quick if this person or program can help your golf swing, game and health.
A golf fitness coach or program should incorporate strength, flexibility, endurance, body awareness, balance, stability and even a nutrition component.
Over doing one aspect of training is a recipe for disaster. For example, if they focus to much on strength in the wrong areas.
In addition to strength, stretching should be a big focus. Not just daily stretching but golf specific as well. For example trunk flexibility; lower back; hamstring; and even shoulders specific to the mechanics of the swing.
The golf swing is simply a motion moved in space, so knowing where your body is at all times is a key component of consistent golf. Does any of the exercises resemble golf positions or phases of the swing?
Stabilizing your body through strength and flexibility will only help you throughout your round.
Moving either laterally (sliding) too much or vertically (up and done) or both need to be contained..
These are just some tips to find the right golf fitness coach. In addition to the fundamental information stated above, ask your friends who golf if they work with a fitness professional and if they do; who? Also do your own research online and ask your golf instructor. Start with your own research and discovery, ask around, and find the right person to work with your golf and fitness goals.
Brian Foy, PGA
