4 Essential Elements of Golf Fitness
Are you ready to take your golf game to a new level? Golf fitness and a whole body approach
to your golf game may be the answer. Many of you have spent hours on the driving range
sharpening your golf skills. You've invested a small fortune in new equipment, golf lessons,
and accessories, yet you haven't seen a decrease in your handicap in years. You're not alone.
Fifteen years ago the average handicap for women was 29. For men, it was 16.2. However, you
may be surprised to learn it is the same number today. What accounts for this lack of
improvement and what can we do about it?
The real answer lies in the basic understanding
that what you are seeking cannot be purchased in a pro shop, from a local golf retailer or on-
line store. The answer may be closer than you think because it lies within your current
physical capabilities. The most overlooked component of improvement in golf is neglecting to
factor in your physical conditioning.
There are four main physical requirements a golfer
needs to graduate to a greater, more consistent level of play. Which of these physical
characteristics do you possess and which of these areas need improvement?
Balance. This
is an area often overlooked by golfers of all abilities. Balance plays a critical role in
stabilizing the core musculature as well as adding the element of control through muscle
coordination. Balance plays a pivotal role in your ability to execute weight transfer and hip
rotation without jeopardizing a stable address position. Those individuals with exceptional
balance will have more efficient reaction times and therefore movement speed.
Flexibility. Allowing your muscles to extend through their full range of motion is widely
considered one of the most important aspects of a successful golf swing. Muscles which are
inflexible can have a significant impact on all aspects of your game. The same is true for
muscle imbalances. Never neglect a pre-round warm up. It will prepare your muscles for the
work to come and ward off immediate dangers to tight muscles.
Strength. When muscle
force or strength is applied to the ball, power is created and distance is increased.
Increasing your striking force to the ball will likely yield a desirable result for any level
of player. Strength in key muscle groups will offer protection from injury. Strong lower back
muscles will support your position at address. Strength in your midsection will provide you
with the stability you need to make the most effective separation of the hips from the
shoulders in producing the power you seek. A strong body creates a powerful swing, a strong
mind, and a fit body.
Endurance. Golf has always been thought of as a sport based on
skill, requiring minimal fitness. While the cardiovascular requirements for golf are not
extensive, they are critical in maintaining adequate levels of energy and maximal levels of
concentration. In the absence of a sound cardiovascular routine, physical fatigue can easily
lead to mental fatigue. Mental fatigue then gives way to skill deterioration.
Use your
body as your most prized possession and your greatest resource as you build a foundation for
better golf. Factor in your current physical conditioning by using a whole body approach and
you will see a lifetime of benefits in increased performance, longevity in your favorite
sport, and a physically fit body worthy of recognition.
