With golf season fast approaching and in some cases here for the
lucky ones heading south on golf vacations, why not get your New
Year's resolution into gear and get yourself ready for golf!
Now I know fit for golf sounds like an oxymoron, but the words
really do go together if you are serious about improving your game
and lowering your handicap. By increasing your flexibility,
strength and endurance your golf game will take a positive
turn You will hit the ball farther and more consistently, all
while avoiding nagging pain and injuries that can prevent you from
playing.
There are many exercises that golfers can perform to enhance
their performance on the course. The goal of this article is
to wet your appetite and get you motivated to be fit for golf by
showing you a few exercises to benefit your game.
"LOOSEN UP!"
A great many of us are tight in one or more muscle groups.
Stretching is an integral component of being fit for golf. By
increasing the flexibility in your legs, hips, trunk, shoulders,
and arms you will help prevent muscle strains and aches and
pain. Your body will be able to move with greater ease, thus
increasing your turn and potential power.
"Pump Up!"
Yes, that's correct, well sort of- it's time to increase your
strength and endurance, not necessarily your bulk. Building
strength will enable you to hit the ball longer with less effort as
well as decrease your risk of injury.
We'll begin down low and build up those legs. Increase
strength in your legs and you will increase the power you transfer
to the ball. You will also find it less tiring to walk
the course, or if you ride, easier to get in and out of the
cart. Then we'll make our way up to the shoulders and
arms. Increased strength here will improve the mechanics of
your swing and prevent shoulder and elbow injuries commonly
associated with golf.
You should perform the strengthening exercised 3-4 times a week and
you should stretch every other day. Once you can do this, you
are on your way to becoming the one everyone wants in their
foursome!
Remember, if you have any medical concerns, please consult
your doctor before beginning any exercise program.