by Mike Pedersen
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!
About The Author: Mike Pedersen is a respected golf fitness expert, and the author of
the Ultimate Golf Fitness Guide, numerous golf fitness tips and founder of several online
golf fitness sites. For more information on his new, cutting-edge golf fitness ebook,
go to http://www.ultimategolffitnessguide.com.
Article Source: Mike_Pedersen