Golf requires practice, skill and patience. Keep some in reserve for when you hit the golf fields ... Golfers need to concetrate on technique to see improvement, but two important components of conditioning can improve your golf fitness and reduce your risk of injury.
The two areas to focus on include core strength and flexibility exercises. The muscles of the core are the powerhouse and the foundation of your golf swing so proper conditioning will truly make a big difference in the power you get from your long shots.
Good core strength also allows you to have more endurance so your short game is more precise, fresh and controlled. The core exercises work the muscles of the abdominals, back and hips. Many other muscles attach to this area so the midsection is considered the foundation of all movement.
A good example of a golf exercise is the Golf Posture Lateral Raise:
- Bend forward at hips just beyond normal golf posture.
- Hold dumbbells in front of your thighs, palms facing each other.
- Slowly raise dumbbell to the side and up.
- Slowly bring back down to pre-stretch position.
This will quickly build up the strength in the back of your shoulders for a strong take-away and downswing. The only equipment required was a pair of dumbbells, or hand weights.
Back pain is the golfer's most common complaint. The golf swing can put a lot of strain on this area, so make sure you stretch those back muscles.
Many athletes often debate if golf should be considered a sport as golf is not seen as a very active exercise focused sport.
However, exercise for the average person may lie at the key of the debate since golf does not include a lot if you use a golf cart to get around the tees, but on the PGA Tour players must walk the course. This means that each golfer walks about four miles in addition to swinging their clubs.
For an average 175 pound person, the activity would burn more than 300 calories which may make you think twice about renting a golf cart once you get out on the green.
If you want to maximize the physical activity that you get out of an average game of golf you might also think about skipping the caddy and carrying your own bag as well since it will help work out some of your core muscles.
These are just a few ways that you can use golf to get in shape this summer, but there are plenty of other sports that you may think of as recreational activities such as tennis, bicycling, or a sightseeing stroll that can help you get in shape as well with just a bit of tweaking.
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