3 Myths About Golf Conditioning
Golf has always been viewed as a game of leisure. But today's golfer is leaner, stronger,
and fitter. Until the last few years, golfers didn't know how to go about incorporating
exercise or, specifically, a golf conditioning program.
They have had a vision of going
into the local gym and being intimidated by the "muscle heads." It can also be overwhelming to
decide what plan of action to take and if it will be worth the time and effort. I have listed
three myths about strength training for golf and the truths about them as well.
"I will
bulk up too much and that will hinder my golf swing."
Golf conditioning specific for
golf will not result in muscle gain that will alter your swing mechanics. To increase muscle
size, involves lifting increasingly heavier weights with lower repetitions, increasing your
calorie intake dramatically, and spending a couple of hours per day lifting weights.
A
golf conditioning program incorporates moderate weight, with medium (12-15) repetitions, and
in a time frame of 30-45 minutes. This type of program is designed to improve your golf
specific strength and endurance, not build muscle.
"I will lose flexibility if I lift
weights."
In fact, the opposite is true! Weak muscles are also tight muscles. When you
do resistance training, you are increasing blood flow, working through a functional range of
motion specific to golf, and strengthening the tendons and ligaments in every joint of your
body. In conjunction with a stretching program, strength training will improve flexibility,
not hinder it.
"Weight training will cause me to lose feel."
By strengthening your
muscles specific to golf, you will have better control of your body. A sport specific program
trains your body specifically for your golf game. When you improve functional strength, you
have more control and balance, which will improve your feel. Strength training involves body
awareness, muscular control, and coordination. These are all key elements for enhanced
golf.
So in summary, golf conditioning can be done when you are in your early teens
(with supervision), or into your late 80's. I have personally worked with people in there 70's
and 80's who increased their strength 100%. This was partly due to the initial level of
fitness being so low.
My point is, that it is never too late to start. Search out a
fitness professional or golf conditioning specialist to design a golf specific program and you
will play better than you ever imagined! Start now!
