Would you like to be fit for golf?
We all want to get healthier, happier, and more fit, right? Well, let’s add some golf fitness goals into the mix! Why should we limit ourselves? I think we’re all capable of getting our bodies in peak form all while improving our golf game. However, just as we should make the most of our time on the driving range, we need to practice the right things, the right way in the gym too. My philosophy stresses that function, meaning our bodies, will dictate our golf form.
YOGA
I want to emphasize Yoga. Beyond the centuries-old tradition and practice that has proven health benefits, I think it’s important that you do not undervalue the importance of mental & spiritual well-being techniques when it comes to your golf game. Yoga trains proper breathing. When it comes to the “First Tee Jitters”, you can learn to blow out your tension. The second takeaway is being present. Yoga trains us to disconnect, focus on our breath, and stay present. Too often we can look in the past, focus on our score, or look to the holes ahead of us when we are playing.
One of my favorite poses from Yoga is the Cat-Cow. You will see a lot of players with ‘S’ posture or Upper-cross Syndrome.
No matter how good the player, your swing will not be sustainable without a proper set-up and posture.
EXPLOSIVE WORKOUTS
Golf’s transfer of energy is explosive. Why are we only running on the treadmill at a stagnant pace? Mix in explosive workouts the next time you’re at the gym with slamming weighted medicine balls, 1-minute wrist and forearm ropes work, and boxing!
BOXING FOR GOLF
Boxers have very strong cores. Can you guess where we should engage in our golf swing and even in putting? Ding, ding, ding… our core!
Boxing is by far one of my favorite explosive workouts (not to mention it takes out some aggression as well!) When you’re able to control your own body weight in the gym, you will have more control over your golf swing on the course. Check out this video showing you a great core boxing exercise.
TRX BANDS & WEIGHT TRAINING
Not only are TRX bands great for body weight exercises, but for golf stretching and rotation! Yes, work those squats using TRX bands, but then use them in a 5i stance for rotational purposes. The pros can average anywhere from 36-45˚of hip rotation, where higher-handicap amateurs are only at about 18˚. If this is too difficult, a simple modification is laying to one side on the floor while rotating one arm all the way to the other side. PS – Weight training and lifting burn more fat calories than cardio anyway ;).
My favorite TRX exercises open up my thoracic spine for more rotation from side to side with each arm. Keep your head and neck looking down towards the imaginary golf ball. Next, you can do both arms together imitating a golf swing. Be sure to keep your core engaged and stable throughout the exercises. This exercise exaggerates the position and rotation we are looking for in our golf swing.
If you are already practicing a fitness routine, it just makes sense to have it bolster your golf game. If you’re anything like me, you’re always in search of new ways to vary your daily workout routine. These few exercises are a great way to sprinkle a little something new in, and improve your game as well!
Stephanie
