RETURNING TO GOLF AFTER A WINTER LAYOFF
Now that that the weather is starting to take a turn for the betterment of our golf games it is time to get the clubs out of the closet, dust them off and hit the golf course. But before you start making that big shoulder turn you might want to consider initiating a golf fitness program. It was not too long ago that the mere suggestion of getting fit to play golf was laughed off, let alone the thought that going to a gym, lifting weights or participating in a Pilates class would help you hit the ball further. Getting fit is now “the thing” to do for the tour player and the amateur golfer.
The key is to personally design a fitness program that is right for you and your body needs. Keep in mind that in order to execute the proper golf swing requires a certain level of flexibility, balance, strength and power.
FLEXIBILITY: After teaching golf for many years I have found that the biggest problem most golfers have is lack of flexibility. Swinging the club requires range of motion within your joints and muscles. Often times this does not occur because joint restrictions exist within the body. Unfortunately, the older we become the harder it is to maintain good flexibility.
BALANCE: In addition to requiring the muscles of your body to move the club through a range of motion, the golf swing also requires you to maintain the correct spine angle tilt and center of gravity during each phase of the swing. For this to occur, you must have a keen level of balance.
STRENGHT AND POWER: Golf core exercise has become a buzzword not only in the fitness centers but also on the PGA and LPGA tour. Your core basically starts at your belly button and runs up to the bottom of your sternum and all the way around. It is the engine of your body and the link that holds the upper and lower body together. Having a strong core is mandatory in achieving those long powerful drives. Weak or poorly controlled core strength is the number one contributor to back problems.
I had the opportunity to speak with Len Harvey the Executive Director of The Premier Health & Fitness Center to get his comments and recommendations on what a person should do in order to improve their strength, power, flexibility and balance. Len agreed that flexibility is the number one problem with most people. He suggested that the individual should first have an evaluation/assessment done by a professional trainer to determine needs, limitations and goals. He also stated that it is important to have balance in a person’s program. The upper and lower body should not over shadow one another. You should work certain areas where you are the weakest not the strongest. He suggested that in addition to personal training the individual could attend certain classes that are designed to help in particular areas that need improvement. For example, a Pilates class which helps in building core strength, Yoga classes which helps to increase your flexibility, overall body conditioning and balance classes. I learned that Zumba classes (which means “to buzz like a bee”) is the Latin-flavored fitness/dance craze which isn’t just an aerobic workout but very effective interval training resulting in overall toning and firming. While visiting with Len I was fortunate enough to speak with Dr. Don Rapp who has just authored a book coming on the market this week titled “On Balance”. Dr. Rapp also teaches classes which focus on balance improvements. For more information on his book go to Dr. Rapp’s website www.donrapp.com
If you are not someone who enjoys the gym scene, Tami Williamson, owner of the pilates Powerhouse Studio, located off of thomasville road prefers to give one on one pilates classes. She feels that pilates is the best technique for achieving numerous fitness goals and states that “pilates can be done by just about everyone regardless of age and has a gentle effect on the body”. Tami also personally evaluates her clients before beginning any type of work out program.
Adam Faurot owner of Titus Sports Academy says, “Correct training for movement is not only focused on the muscular and cardiovascular systems, but should also incorporate the nervous system for coordination”. Titus Sport offers group training for general athletic and fitness improvement as well as individual training that can be “specific” to the individual. “Everyone likes to win, but those that prepare to win will have the edge”.
A quote from Tiger Woods, “You may spend hundreds of dollars on that special driver, shaft or lesson, but the equipment you should take care of the most is your body”
So, get ready for the upcoming golf season by getting the best club in your bag ready…. YOU! See you in two weeks!
Contacts:
Premier Health & Fitness - 850.431.2348
The Pilates Powerhouse - 850.545.7207
Titus Sports Academy - 850.671.3278
NOTES
- Lee Williams aced #3, 122 yards at Crooked Oaks in Colquit, Georgia.
Witnessing the shot was Terry Lee, Hume Coleman and David Jilk. Lee Williams just took up the game less than a year ago.
- 59th Annual Shamrock Ladies Invitational
March 16th – 17th
Capital City Country Club
- Tallahassee Amatuer Golf Championship
March 24th- 25th
36 holes stroke play
1st round @ Killearn Country Club (Saturday)
2nd round @ SouthWood Golf Club (Sunday)
Call Matt Harper @ 850.893.2144 or Mike Durst @850.942.4653
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