Golf Fitness: The Quickest Way To Play Better Golf
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 golf
fitness, or specifically resistance training for golf.
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
some 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 fitness (resistance training
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 fitness 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 golf
fitness 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 fitness 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 conditioning specialist to design a golf specific program and you will play
better than you ever imagined! Start now!
