Golf Fitness??

I mentioned the trend and need for golf fitness to a friend and he started laughing hysterically. His preference being activities that demand more aggressive, impacting physicality performed outdoors. He thought the idea of golf fitness ridiculous and, obviously, very amusing. I calmly went on to explain the power and athleticism involved in hitting a golf ball well. I detailed out the use of the core muscles and transference of the power from your legs to the club and the unique stress the swing and follow through put on the body, especially the back. I further stated that the combination with the fact that there is a lack of cardio involved, incredible muscle balance differences being created and many down days in between the links. I am not going to mention anything about technique training as I am not qualified to but I will make the statement that it is recommended that 6-12 sessions with a good golf pro would help you provide a to do list on adjustments in your technique to focus on and attempt to improve.

• Power in the swing
• Base fitness for health: your activity is creating a sufficient fitness base
• Base athletic fitness for muscle balance, functional strength (crushing a golf ball), flexibility, postural alignment and core strength and stability.
• Playing a lot of golf can cause a forward posture, with rounded shoulders and forward head. To combat that forward posture, spend your time training the muscles of your upper mid back. Exercises like rows and reverse flys can help combat the forward posture that is often associated with golfers.

If you are interested in improving your overall fitness, golf recovery, and ability to improve the power in your swing start a 2-3 day a week program now to get you ready for the links when the weather permits.

Golf fitness parallels life in my realm.

Greg Alario

www.OptimalPerformanceFitness.com