What an incredible week it was at The Masters! Phil Mickelson focused on his game and his fitness regimen to win his first major! We have just a few more weeks remaining in this golf fitness series! Our next series will focus on golf fitness equipment that is portable and can accompany you anywhere you go!
For those of you who are new to the health & fitness section and do not have access to a health club environment, click here to see week 7 of our in-home series. Keep in mind that you will need a pair of dumbbells, a stretch trainer, a power ball and a weighted swing trainer all of which can be located in the golf fitness pro shop.
All of the exercises in this series are executed on equipment that you will find in most health clubs. This program is concentrated to better your health and enhance your on-course performance. Each week we will concentrate on working your golf muscles and your goal will be to complete the workout 3 days a week. If you are just joining us, refer to weeks 1 through 6 at the end of this exercises program. The amount of weight to use, or the number of repetitions to complete for each exercise, can be answered by taking the Golf Fitness Analyzer. It is very important to incorporate a swing training drill workout because as your body changes, so will your tempo and timing if you do not continue to swing a club. We are going to work certain muscle groups along with a cardio workout each week.
Lets get started!
Locate the machine used to work your outer thigh (abductor) region. In most health clubs this will be labeled seated abductor. From a seated position, place the pads just above your knee. Slowly press your legs apart and check your posture to ensure you are sitting upright. Return to the start position and repeat. Remember to lift and lower the weight slowly. The negative resistance (lowering of the weight) is where we build strength. To prevent a pendulum action, count 4 seconds on the action, hold the lift 1-2 seconds and then count 4 seconds while returning to the start position. A strong hip girdle will add power behind the ball.
Locate the machine to work your mid to upper back region. This machine may be labeled a lat or back tower. Select your weight, take a wide grip on the bar and carefully step onto the bar or foot platform that will assist your performance. Flex your abdomen and slowly pull upward while flexing your upper back. Return to the start position and repeat. Remember to lift and lower the weight slowly. The negative resistance (lowering of the weight) is where we build strength. To prevent a pendulum action, count 4 seconds on the action, hold the lift 1-2 seconds and then count 4 seconds while returning to the start position. Strong back muscles are vital to making an effective turning motion and help alleviate low back pain associated with the golf swing.
Stand with the weights at your side with your hands rotated palms-facing your hips. Bend the knees slightly and contract your abdomen for support. Slowly raise one arm toward your shoulder flexing your bicep. As you return to the start position, initiate the same action with the opposite arm. Remember to lift and lower the weight slowly. The negative resistance (lowering of the weight) is where we build strength. To prevent a pendulum action, count 4 seconds on the action, hold the lift 1-2 seconds and then count 4 seconds while returning to the start position. Strong biceps will afford you more distance off the tee.
Locate an ab roller (a training device that holds your head and shoulders in place as you exercise your abdominal region), lie flat on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor. Grab the ab roller, and crunch your abdominal muscles, rocking forward and tightening your abs. Remember to lift and lower the weight slowly. The negative resistance (lowering of the weight) is where we build strength. To prevent a pendulum action, count 4 seconds on the action, hold the lift 1-2 seconds and then count 4 seconds while returning to the start position. Strong abdominals help to alleviate low back pain associated with your swing and provide strength at address.
Click here for training aids needed to start your program!
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