By Susan Hill
Perhaps one of the biggest changes in the golf world today
is the increased emphasis on fitness for golf. Tour professionals
and amateurs alike are practicing regular fitness routines
specifically targeted for golf. The results are more powerful
and stable golf swings. Needless to say, the scores are going
lower.
The golf swing is a very complex movement, requiring much
from the body. Only if the body is flexible and strengthened,
can one expect consistent and powerful golf swings. Mo matter
what your current physical condition or your handicap, your
golf game can benefit by regular exercise targeted with the
golf swing in mind.
Top touring pros all use functional exercises which mimic
the actual demands of the golf swing. The goal of functional
training will be to challenge the body’s neurological
system even further by steadily increasing our demands. You’ll
find exercises in several planes of motion and incorporate
stable and unstable environments.
It’s important to regularly perform an assessment of
your current fitness levels. By identifying weaknesses and
strengths, you won’t waste valuable workout time. This
will allow you to place the emphasis on those movements which
will provide you with the greatest opportunity for improvement.
Sometimes it seems hard to concentrate on areas of weakness,
as it is much easier to perform the exercises where we already
have proficiency. The quality of your overall fitness and the
improvement in your golf game hinge on how committed you are
to working on your weak areas.
Flexibility, stability and power are all improved by exercising
for golf. As you begin to develop a regular golf exercise regimen,
be sure to concentrate on functional exercise for golf. These
exercises include a combination of movements designed to both
strengthen the muscles as well as improve neuromuscular coordination.
Therefore, when you take your golf swing, the body’s
already been conditioned to perform in a similar manner. Strength
training and stretching exercises will go the distance to improve
your game.
Susan Hill is a nationally recognized fitness trainer, CHEK
golf biomechanic and sports nutrition specialist. For more
information on golf specific nutrition, exercises or stretches,
visit http://www.fitnessforgolf.com.
