Golf fitness exercises can be very beneficial in eliminating lower back problems in the golf swing. Research indicates one out two golfers will incur a lower back injury during their playing career, are you one of them?

Almost every golfer on the planet has at some time or another felt their lower back “tighten” up on the course, after a round, or even getting out of bed. Why is this so? The reason for the high number of lower back injuries in the sport of golf is a result of the golf swing itself!

The golf swing is a rotational movement. It requires you to rotate around a fixed spine. The lower back takes the brunt of the pressure of the twisting and turning.

The rotation and torque can make your lower back very easily fatigued or injured. The question to ask is how to counteract the stresses placed on the lower back?

There are a number of ways to help you “dodge the injury bullet” when it comes to the lower back.

Lower back injuries generally occur because of three different reasons.

1. Poor Swing Mechanics

2. Weak Lower Back Muscles

3. Workloads

The first category has to do with your swing mechanics.

A research study (don’t quote me on the exact %) indicated that the rate of lower back injuries in the amateur golfer was 60% higher than professionals in the sport. The study determined the number was statically higher in amateurs because of the shear forces created in the golf swing.

The amount of shear forces created in the amateur’s golf swing was exponentially higher than the professional. Professionals have a much more efficient golf swing, lowering the shear forces placed upon the lower back compared to the typical amateur.

The second category refers to the physical aqspect of the golf swing.

The lower back is used extensively in order to swing the golf club properly. If the lower back is weak, over time it will become fatigued. Once the muscles of the lower back become fatigued, the ability to swing the club with the same force becomes much more difficult. Additionally, once the lower back is tired, and you continue to perform the movements of the golf swing. The lower back will become sore and eventually you will injure it.

The final reason golfers tend to have many lower back injuries is workloads.

Simply put, workloads are the number of swings you take within a certaintime frame. For example, a PGA Tour player during a competitive week on Tour may swing a club well over 1,000 times. This is the total number of swings over a 7 day period can be defined as the Tour players workloads for that week.

A lower back injury can incur if the workloads for any golfer become too high. Regardless of the efficiency within the golf swing mechanics or the strength of the lower back, too high of a workload will lead to injury. For example, in you were to go to the range and execute 1,000 swings of the golf club in a 3-hour time frame. The likelihood of a lower back injury is very high. Why? Because the workloads are too high within the give time fame for any golfer!

The key in regards to workloads is to match up the efficiency of your golf swing and the strength within the lower back. If you have poor golf swing mechanics and a weak lower back, your workloads should be very low. If you have moderately efficient golf swing mechanics and a fairly strong lower back. The workloads can be higher.

What is the best way to avoid a lower back injury?

Simple, it is a 3-step process.

Number one; develop efficient golf swing mechanics. This can be done through proper instruction, practice, and time.

Number two; implement a golf fitness program into your exercise routine. This type of program will strengthen your lower back in relation to the golf swing.

Number three; monitor the number of swings you make with the club in relation to points one and two.

Golf fitness exercises can assist in the step number two, a swing coach can help you with step number one, and keeping track of your workloads is a step you can do on your own. Putting it all together shoudl go a long way in preventing injury to your lower back this golf season.

Sean Cochran is one of the most recognized golf fitness instructors in the world today. He travels the PGA Tour regularly with Masters and PGA Champion Phil Mickelson. To learn more about Sean and his golf fitness programs go to http://www.seancochran.com

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It is well known in professional golf how integral golf fitness exercises are for success at the highest level of golf. Men on the PGA Tour and women on the LPGA Tour understand the benefits of golf fitness exercises in achieving success. Outside the circles of professional golf many questions exist about golf fitness exercises. Questions such as; what are the best exercises to improve golf fitness levels, are flexibility exercises and stretches better than other forms of golf fitness exercises, and what are the benefits of golf fitness exercises for the woman golfer?

These and many questions surround the topic of golf fitness. This article is to provide some answers for you on the topic of golf fitness exercises for woman. It has been well documented in magazines and television how LPGA women such as Annika Sorenstam utilize golf fitness programs to benefit their play on the golf course. Is there a difference between the LPGA player and the amateur woman golfer in relation to golf fitness training? The answer is no. Yes, the women on the LPGA Tour are the best women golfers in the world, but the physiology of the LPGA player and amateur are the same. The skeletal, muscular, and neural systems are the same. The professional golfer has the same number of muscles in their bodies as the amateur. The woman’s professional golfer has the same skeletal structure as the female amateur, and nervous system as well. Granted the LPGA player has more refined and efficient swing mechanics, but the body is the same.

As a result of the body being the same, the principles and structure of a golf fitness program for any woman is similar. Before discussing the specifics of a golf fitness program for women it is necessary to understand a few important principles. The first principle to understand about a golf fitness program is sports specific. Sports specific is a term describing the type of training utilized in a golf fitness program. Sport specific training simply states the program utilized by the woman athlete is geared towards improving them in their chosen sport.

A second principle closely related to sports specific training is cross specificity training. Cross specificity training is the utilization of exercises to develop the woman golfer in the positions, movements, and actions incorporated in the golf swing. The goal of cross specificity training is a transfer of training effect to the field of competition. Simply stated, a transfer of training effect is the ability of exercises utilized to train the female golfer having a direct benefit on their performance during a round of golf.

For example, golf fitness flexibility exercises will attempt to improve the flexibility within the woman golfer. As the woman golfer improves her flexibility parameters in relation to the golf swing. She may be able to create a bigger shoulder turn, which may increase the distance of her drives. This benefit is an example of a transfer of training effect onto the golf course. In summary, the three principles that assist in the development of a golf fitness program for women are; sports specific, cross specificity training, and transfer of training effect. Many additional principles exist that are used as guidelines in the development of a golf fitness program, but these are three essential ones.

Outside of the guidelines governing the development of a golf fitness program for woman. Specific physical components within the body are needed within the body to execute the golf swing correctly. Remember, it is the body performing the biomechanics of the golf swing. In order for the golf swing to be executed correctly and efficiently certain levels of flexibility, balance, strength, endurance, and power are required. These are the actual physical components within the woman golfer a golf specific fitness program looks to develop and enhance in relation to the golf swing.

The golf swing requires the body to move through a long range of motion for an efficient movement to occur. Much of this is contingent upon the ability of the core to coil and uncoil during the swing. In order for these two biomechanical actions to occur efficiently, the development of proper flexibility in the core is necessary.

We utilize flexibility exercises that are cross-specific to the movements in the golf swing to develop flexibility. The majority of these flexibility exercises are rotational and dynamic.

The golf swing is a dynamic movement, indicating that the body is in constant motion. It is crucial to develop a range of motion for the swing in a dynamic rather than a static (not moving) method. The goal of these exercises is to create a range of motion in the core for the golf swing. Flexibility is the first physical component requiring development within the woman golfer.

One needs to maintain, dynamically, a stable body throughout the entire swing. We have all hit balls at the range and know what happens when we do not stay balanced during the swing. Improving the balance and stabilization capabilities of the core translates into a better golf swing. Better Balance equals a Better Swing. Even subtle movements are consistency killers; thus we need to develop and maintain balance for a consistent swing.

Balance is connected to the efficiency of the nervous system and strength of the muscular system working together. The development of greater balance in the core and swing is the result of two types of specific exercise. The first challenges the nervous system creating greater efficiency. The second are exercises that create increased strength in the core. The combination of these two types of exercises permit for the body to maintain posture, promote efficient weight transfer, and create power in the swing. The result is a more consistent, accurate, and powerful swing. This is the second component included with a golf fitness program for women

Remember that the golf swing is a repetitive movement. The mechanics of the swing repeat with each stroke. This process can be repeated hundreds of times in a round of golf. Ever go to the range and hit two buckets of balls? At some point the body starts to tire, and shots scatter.

Proper endurance training enables us to repeat a sound swing. We produce this through a series of exercises developing endurance in the entire body. This nets us a consistent swing through eighteen holes. Increasing endurance leads to lower scores. This is the third physical component of the golf fitness program for women.

Club head speed is a function of power. The more power generated by the body, the greater speed at which a club head impacts the ball. More power to the ball equals longer drives. Developing higher levels of power within the muscular system of the body is achieved through the implementation of power exercises. These types of exercise assist in creating higher power outputs of the muscles involved in the golf swing. Power training is the final component found in a golf fitness program for women.

In summary a golf fitness program for the LPGA or amateur woman golfer is relatively the same. Golf fitness exercises for the woman golfer are sports specific. The exercises contained within the golf fitness program are cross-specific to the movements, positions, and requirements of the golf swing. The exercises within a woman’s golf fitness program induce a transfer of training effect onto the golf course. The golf swing requires certain levels of flexibility, balance, strength, endurance, and power to execute correctly. A golf fitness program for women will look to enhance these physical components of the body. The end result is an improved golf swing equating to lower scores and more enjoyment on the golf course.

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• Golf Fitness Exercises to Alleviate Lower Back Tightness During a Round of Golf
• Golf Fitness Exercises for Women Golfers
• How To Drive The Golf Ball Straighter And Longer With Golf Fitness Exercises

It can be very discouraging when your child does not want to participate in exercise of any kind. More and more children are becoming slaves to the television or videos games, and they are refusing to submerge long enough to breathe let alone participate in fitness of any kind. Here are kids fitness exercises that can be introduced into your child’s life painlessly though, and they can help to keep your child active for years to come.

A Peer Environment

Some kids do better when they have others that are their age participating in an activity with them. So, try to fine kids fitness exercises that they can do with their friends or even new children that they have never met. For instance, you can enroll them in karate or kick boxing class for boys, and gymnastics or cheerleading for girls. A peer environment also encourages them to try their best and not quit, so they are more likely to stick with that particular form of exercise.

Make it a Game

If you want to find kids fitness exercises that your child will actually take part in, then you may need to look towards the video games that you loath. There is now a new wave of video games for children of all ages that focus on getting your child up and moving. These games are not only for older kids, there are ones for younger children as well, and even you might enjoy getting in on a game every once in a while.

Get Them Interested

Try to find something that your child is interested in. If they have always tried to set and reach amazing goals, maybe you could sign the two of you up for a marathon and have fun practicing together. Or, perhaps they love to watch a particular kind of sports game on TV. Why not sign them up for a season at their school or local community center to see if they enjoy it? The idea is to make the exercise something that they like so that they will continue to do it.

Help Them Get a Job

Believe it or not you can kill two birds with one stone when you are trying to find kids fitness exercises that work for your child. There are plenty of jobs for older children that incorporate some form of exercise, and the lure of money may be too good for them to pass up. Examples of jobs that might contain a fair amount of exercise include dog walking, car washing, lawn mowing, or newspaper delivery. You will be happy because your children are getting exercise, and they will be pleased with some money in their pockets.

There are a variety of ways to incorporate kids fitness exercises into your child’s daily life. Whether you have to trick them into it, or simply find something they like, your child will be happier and healthier thanks to your effort.

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Golf fitness training programs and golf fitness exercises can improve your core strength. Core strength is essential in driving the golf ball farther off the tee box. In order to drive the golf ball farther it is necessary to increase the club head speed at which the driver impacts the golf ball. Two parts exist in this equation of increasing clubhead speed. One part revolves around the implementation of golf fitness exercises to improve core strength. A second part of this equation is connected to the mechanics of the golf swing.

Increasing club head speed occurs by improvement in two areas. Number one is your swing mechanics. The more efficient at which you execute the biomechanics of the golf swing, the greater amount of energy will be translated into the golf ball at impact. So, first and foremost, increasing club head speed is directly connected to your swing mechanics.

The second part of increasing club head speed is connected to your body. In order to execute the biomechanics of the golf swing efficiently, certain levels of flexibility, strength, endurance, and power are required from your muscular system. If you are lacking in any of these physical capacities, the ability to execute the golf swing will be inhibited.

The results will be compensations and a loss of club head speed at impact. In order to ensure the body has the required levels of flexibility, strength, endurance, and power to execute a swing, golf specific exercises can be implemented into a training program.

Such a training program will focus upon the core section of your body. The core is a reference to an anatomical area of the body from just above the knees to just below the chest. The core incorporates all the muscles of the front, sides, and back of the body. Muscles groups found within the core are the glutes, abdominals, obliques, and hamstrings.

Why does a golf specific training program focus upon the core?

Simply because the majority of movements of the golf swing involve the musculature of the core, and for this reason these muscles need to be flexible, strong, and power. Knowing the importance of the core relative to the golf swing, the next question to ask is how can we increase club head speed with training the core?

Club head speed in terms of the body is measured as power. Increasing the power outputs of the core will assist in improving your club head speed. Assuming you have developed the required levels of flexibility, strength, and endurance within the core to simply execute the biomechanics of the golf swing efficiently. The addition of golf fitness power training exercises will assist in improving the power outputs for the golf swing.

These types of golf fitness exercises will focus on creating increased force outputs by the core in a rotational movement pattern. Exercises often found in this section of a core program for golf are medicine ball side throws, medicine ball reverse throws, jump squats, and medicine ball overhead throws. All of these exercises develop the power outputs of the core over time if performed on a consistent basis. If you are looking for golf fitness exercises for the core and golf fitness programs please visit my website www.seancochran.com for more information in both of these areas.  Remember, increasing club head speed is contingent upon both your swing mechanics and body. Improvement in both of these areas is required if the desire is to increase the distance of your drives.

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Most people understand that exercise is important for their overall health and well-being. However, many complain that they just don’t have enough time in their schedule for exercise. With the fast paced lives that most of us lead, it’s understandable that most of us are time starved and without the proper time for exercise.
However, exercise is essential to our health, so it is important to understand that even a brief amount of exercise performed on a regular basis can go a long way to improve your life.
10-15 minutes of exercise performed 3-4 times a week will do a lot to improve every aspect of your physical health. No special equipment or props are needed. In fact, a number of exercises can be done in the morning while you are still in your pajamas. Some routines may be so easy that you may be tempted to think that they are not doing much good as all. However, if performed properly on a consistent basis, 10 minutes of exercise can get you in shape.
Here are a few exercises that you can do in just 10 minutes to improve your total fitness health.
1 Minute Back Stretch
- Sit with your legs straight out in front of you and your back straight.

- Place your right palm flat on the floor behind you as you twist your head and shoulders so that you are looking over your right shoulder.

- Make sure that you keep both buttocks flat on the floor.

- Hold for 15 then do the other side.
Repeat twice.
1 Minute Back Scratcher
- Sit with your legs stretched out in front of you and your back straight.

- Stretch your right arm and bend it at the elbow as if you are going to scratch your back between your shoulder blades.

- Reach your left arm behind your back to touch or hold the fingers of your right hand.

- Hold this position for 30 seconds.

- Repeat on the other side.
The best time to learn about fitness,fitness exercises is before you’re in the thick of things. Wise readers will keep reading to earn some valuable fitness,fitness exercises experience while it’s still free.
2 Minutes of Sit Ups
- Lie flat on the floor on your back with your knees bent and your feet flat on the floor.

- Place your palms on your hips and run them up to your knees, pulling yourself up by your stomach muscles.

- Do as many of these sit ups as you can in 2 minutes.
5 Minutes of Step Ups
- Find a step of about 6-8 inches of height. Step up with your left foot.

- Raise your right foot to join it.

- Take your left foot off of the step and then your right foot to join it.
Repeat For 5 Minutes
1 Minute of Press Ups
- Lie on your stomach.

- Bend your arms at the elbows and place both hands flat on the floor with your thumbs at shoulder level.

- Keep your toes flexed and on the floor.

- Push on your palms to raise your upper body.

- Your back and shoulders should be flat and your buttocks should not be sticking up.

- Fully extend your arms but do not lock them.

- Now slowly lower your body back on to the ground and repeat as many times as your can in 1 minute.
Congratulations! You have just completed 10 minutes of exercise that did a lot to increase your cardio-fitness, helped to maintain the strength in your arms, shoulders and legs, and increased the flexibility in your joints. If you don’t have a lot of time to work out, try performing these exercises for 10 minutes 3-4 times per week, and you will see and feel a great difference.
Those who only know one or two facts about fitness,fitness exercises can be confused by misleading information. The best way to help those who are misled is to gently correct them with the truths you’re learning here.

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Golf fitness exercises can be very beneficial in the alleviation of lower back tightness during a round of golf. We are turning our attention to the time spent playing golf. Yes, the actual round of golf in which your mind is probably not focused on core strength or flexibility exercises, but rather on how to get up and down to save par. Unfortunately certain situations, such as lower back tightness, which can derail your round. often arise. Today we are going to discuss some solutions to such a problem.

Overall the goal of golf fitness training is to prepare the body to play better golf. This will provide you the opportunity to get up and down from that green side bunker where you have an awkward stance, requiring more strength from the lower body and better balance. So, it does not come as a surprise that a question mark may arise in your head when we discuss golf fitness training during a round of golf. Or even more so how golf fitness training can help with lower back tightness.

It is not a common occurrence but there are certain situations where golf fitness exercises can be beneficial during a round. One such situation is lower back tightness: It is not a common occurrence during a round of golf to have your lower back “tighten up”, but if it does, it will play havoc on your golf swing. And we really want to alleviate such a situation and get you back to going after pins rather than thinking about a twinge in the lower back.

Before discussing how to utilize golf fitness exercises in such a situation, lets discuss what is happening to your lower back when it “tightens up” or becomes strained during a round. The biomechanics of the golf swing place large amounts of shear force on the lower back each and every swing. These shear forces stress the musculature of the lower back.

Over time if the muscles of the lower back are not strong and flexible. The stresses placed upon it by the golf swing will cause fatigue. Once the lower back is fatigued, the muscles of lower back will not function properly, and to protect themselves from injury they will shorten (i.e. “tighten up”). This can easily occur during a practice session or even round of golf.

This results in feelings of discomfort, possible spasms, and a decreased range of motion. All of which will take away from the execution of your swing. The long-term solution to this situation would be the implementation of a core program to increase the strength levels of the lower back. Unfortunately, during a round of golf we need immediate relief from the lower back tightness to get you through the round.

The short term fix or “band aide” to use in this situation is the implementation of a few simple golf fitness exercises. These golf fitness exercises will be in the form of flexibility exercises to stretch the “tight” muscles of the lower back. These types of flexibility exercises in the short term will alleviate the tightness in the lower back. Remember this is not a long-term solution, but rather a way to keep you in the game so to speak.

One such golf flexibility exercise I have found beneficial in such a situation is the Dog Down. The flexibility exercise is simple to perform, stretches the lower back, hamstrings, and takes little time to execute. Begin by bending over, allow the knees to bend, place hands on the ground, feet shoulder width apart, and your heels flat. Slowly extend the knees straight until a stretch is felt in the lower back and hamstrings. Hold this position for 30-45 seconds.

This exercise should provide some immediate relief to lower back tightness during a round. Repeat as often as needed, but keep in mind this is only a “band aide” or short term fix. To prevent such situations in the long term is probably best to implement a golf fitness program entailing flexibility and strengthening exercises for the lower back. Remember, golf fitness exercises can be beneficial during a round of golf, but even better is to adhere to a structured golf training program.

Sean Cochran is one of the most recognized golf fitness instructors in the world today. He travels the PGA Tour regularly working with PGA Professionals, most notably Masters and PGA Champion Phil Mickelson. To learn more about Sean Cochran, his golf fitness programs and golf exercises go to www.seancochran.com

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Golf fitness exercises can be beneficial for the woman golfer in terms of improving the foundation of the swing, rotation in the backswing, speed development in the downswing, and a consistent finish position. Learn how golf fitness exercises can benefit the woman golfer. Lowering scores and making the game more enjoyable.

It is well known in professional golf how integral golf fitness exercises are for success at the highest levels. Men on the PGA Tour and women on the LPGA Tour understand the benefits of golf fitness exercises in achieving success. Outside the circles of professional players many questions exist about golf fitness exercises. Questions such as; what are the best exercises to improve golf fitness levels, are flexibility exercises and stretches better than other forms of golf fitness exercises, and what are the benefits of golf fitness exercises for the woman golfer?

These and many questions surround the topic of golf fitness. This article is to provide some answers for you on the topic of golf fitness exercises for woman. It has been well documented in magazines and television how LPGA women such as Annika Sorenstam utilize fitness programs to benefit their play on the course. Is there a difference between the LPGA player and the amateur woman in relation to golf fitness training? The answer is no. Yes, the women on the LPGA Tour are the best women golfers in the world, but the physiology of the LPGA player and amateur are the same. The skeletal, muscular, and neural systems are the same. The professional player has the same number of muscles in their bodies as the amateur. The woman’s professional player has the same skeletal structure as the female amateur, and nervous system as well. Granted the LPGA player has more refined and efficient swing mechanics, but the body is the same.

As a result of the body being the same, the principles and structure of a golf fitness program for any woman is similar. Before discussing the specifics of a program for women it is necessary to understand a few important principles. The first principle to understand about a fitness program is sports specific. Sports specific is a term describing the type of training utilized in a golf fitness program. Sport specific training simply states the program utilized by the woman athlete is geared towards improving them in their chosen sport.

A second principle closely related to sports specific training is cross specificity training. Cross specificity training is the utilization of exercises to develop the woman golfer in the positions, movements, and actions incorporated in the golf swing. The goal of cross specificity training is a transfer of training effect to the field of competition. Simply stated, a transfer of training effect is the ability of exercises utilized to train the female golfer having a direct benefit on their performance on the course.

For example, golf flexibility exercises will attempt to improve the flexibility within the player. As the player improves their flexibility parameters in relation to the swing. She may be able to create a bigger shoulder turn, which may increase the distance of her drives. This benefit is an example of a transfer of training effect onto the golf course. In summary, the three principles that assist in the development of a golf fitness program for women are; sports specific, cross specificity training, and transfer of training effect. Many additional principles exist that are used as guidelines in the development of a fitness program, but these are three essential ones.

Outside of the guidelines governing the development of a golf fitness program for woman. Specific physical components within the body are needed within the body to execute the golf swing correctly. Remember, it is the body performing the biomechanics of the swing. In order for the swing to be executed correctly and efficiently certain levels of flexibility, balance, strength, endurance, and power are required. These are the actual physical components within the golfer a fitness program looks to develop and enhance in relation to the golf swing.

The swing requires the body to move through a long range of motion for an efficient movement to occur. Much of this is contingent upon the ability of the core to coil and uncoil during the swing. In order for these two biomechanical actions to occur efficiently, the development of proper flexibility in the core is necessary.

We utilize flexibility exercises that are cross-specific to the movements in the swing to develop flexibility. The majority of these flexibility exercises are rotational and dynamic.

The swing is a dynamic movement, indicating that the body is in constant motion. It is crucial to develop a range of motion in a dynamic rather than a static (not moving) method. The goal of these exercises is to create a range of motion in the core for the golf swing. Flexibility is the first physical component requiring development within the woman golfer.

One needs to maintain, dynamically, a stable body throughout the entire swing. We have all hit balls at the range and know what happens when we do not stay balanced during the swing. Improving the balance and stabilization capabilities of the core translates into a better golf swing. Better Balance equals a Better Swing. Even subtle movements are consistency killers; thus we need to develop and maintain balance for a consistent swing.

Balance is connected to the efficiency of the nervous system and strength of the muscular system working together. The development of greater balance in the core and swing is the result of two types of specific exercise. The first challenges the nervous system creating greater efficiency. The second are exercises that create increased strength in the core. The combination of these two types of exercises permit for the body to maintain posture, promote efficient weight transfer, and create power in the swing. The result is a more consistent, accurate, and powerful swing. This is the second component included with a golf fitness program.

Remember that the golf swing is a repetitive movement. The mechanics of the swing repeat with each stroke. This process can be repeated hundreds of times in a round of golf. Ever go to the range and hit two buckets of balls? At some point the body starts to tire, and shots scatter.

Proper endurance training enables us to repeat a sound swing. We produce this through a series of exercises developing endurance in the entire body. This nets us a consistent swing through eighteen holes. Increasing endurance leads to lower scores. This is the third physical component of the golf fitness program for women.

Club head speed is a function of power. The more power generated by the body, the greater speed at which a club head impacts the ball. More power to the ball equals longer drives. Developing higher levels of power within the muscular system of the body is achieved through the implementation of power exercises. These types of exercise assist in creating higher power outputs of the muscles involved in the golf swing. Power training is the final component found in a golf fitness program for women.

In summary a golf fitness program for the LPGA or amateur woman golfer is relatively the same. Golf exercises for the woman golfer are sports specific. The exercises are cross-specific to the movements, positions, and requirements of the swing. The exercises within a woman’s golf fitness program induce a transfer of training effect onto the course. The swing requires certain levels of flexibility, balance, strength, endurance, and power to execute correctly. A golf fitness program for women will look to enhance these physical components of the body. The end result is an improved swing equating to lower scores and more enjoyment on the course.

Sean Cochran is one of the most recognized golf fitness instructors in the world today. He travels the PGA Tour regularly working with professional golfers, most notably Masters and PGA Champion Phil Mickelson. To learn more about Sean and his golf fitness programs go to http://www.seancochran.com

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• Golf Fitness Exercises to Eliminate Lower Back Problems in Golf
• Golf Fitness Exercises For The Woman Golfer
• Golf Fitness Training Programs and Golf Fitness Exercises for Core Strength
• Golf Fitness Exercises to Alleviate Lower Back Tightness During a Round of Golf
• How To Drive The Golf Ball Straighter And Longer With Golf Fitness Exercises

This is probably a burning desire of most every golfer on the planet. The desire to drive the golf ball farther and straighter, allowing us to lower our golf scores on the golf course. One of the keys to driving golf the straighter and longer is a golf fitness program. This type of a training program incorporates exercises to improve your golf swing.

An amateur recently sent me an e-mail describing how he is driving the golf longer and straighter than ever before. He plainly states the reason for the improvement is directly connected to a golf fitness program he implemented 10 weeks ago.

Here is what he had to say;

“Sean, Thought I’d drop you a note to let you know I am still enjoying the BioForce workout exercises and I’m getting closer to the goals I set 10 weeks ago.

I still track my workouts and I am encouraged by the progress I see, not only on the chart, but also with my swing. As a reward for my efforts and progress, I bought a new Ping Tour wedge. Why a wedge?

Because I can already see I am hitting my drives consistently much straighter -

This, of course, is giving me more distance and great enjoyment.

And, I am much more consistent with my pitches and chips.

So, a good wedge that will give consistent distance and allow me to try different types of shots to expand my skills seemed like the right reward.

The only thing I am unsure of is “am I pushing myself enough? Could you please have a look at my workouts and advise the best schedule for me to meet my goals.

I know I haven’t pushed myself on some the exercises like Side Holds as I should have; the result being no progress with this.

For my initial goals I have 5 weeks to go, if I miss these then Mid-May is the next deadline I have set.”

Colin

Colin, let me first congratulate you on your progress, determination, and results you are seeing. It is because of your hard work and dedication to the golf fitness programs your golf game is improving.

I always like to say; “I have the easy part, all I have to do is teach you, and the hard part is following through with what I teach you.” I tip my hat to you.

Before I answer your question about “pushing yourself”, I would like to make a note of your goal setting. Goal setting is extremely important. I know Phil and almost every athlete I work with sets goals. On one hand, it allows you to measure yourself and see how you are progressing.

I think all amateur golfers do this to some extent. Aren’t we all trying to lower our handicaps, make more birdies, and overall improve our golf game? The answer is yes, and on some level, we set goals to measure our progress. Additionally goals have another benefit.

It provides a “mark” to achieve, keeps you focused, and provides a sense of accomplishment when met. We as golfers often set goals of lowering our handicap to single digits, drive the golf ball 280 yards, or not make any three putts. These are all “marks” we are trying to hit, and these “marks” are essentially goals.

Once the goals are set, a plan can be put in place to reach those goals. For example, if the desire is to lower your handicap to single digits, part of the plan may be practicing at the range three times per week. On the other hand, if the goal is add an additional 20 yards to your drives, part of the plan may be the implementation of a golf fitness program to increase your flexibility, strength, endurance, and power.

I will also say at times goals are not met, and that is okay. If a goal is not met, it provides us a point to reflect, make adjustments in our current program, and set new goals.

Additionally, Colin you bring up a very good point on how much should you be “pushing yourself” on the exercises. We all probably are aware that in order to improve in any task, golf swing included, we must put forth an effort. How much is very important, and this is of the up most importance in relation to golf fitness exercises.

Let me first say there is a very fine line between the correct amount of exertion and too much exertion. Too much exertion can lead to poor exercise technique and a possible injury. Too little exertion will limit the benefits received from your golf fitness program.

A term I use as a guideline for the correct amount of exertion on each exercise is: “Perform each exercise to your own level of tolerance”.

Essentially this states every exercise you perform should be done with the;

1) Correct technique

And

2) Performed for the number of repetitions in which you can maintain proper exercise technique.

This requires you to “push yourself”, but in addition maintain an awareness of your exercise technique. For example with the golf fitness exercise Side Holds, once you set yourself up in the correct position, you should “hold” the position for the amount of time you can until your technique falters.

This guideline can be followed for almost every golf fitness exercise. Another golf fitness exercise, the Jack Knife should be performed for as many repetitions with the correct technique. If you find your technique starting to falter this is the point at which you stop.

To summarize, we know a golf fitness program can assist a golfer in driving the golf ball longer and straighter. In the bigger picture longer and straighter drives is a goal. In order to achieve a goal in the sport of golf, a plan must be put in place. The plan can include golf fitness exercises as part of the steps for us to meet that goal. Additionally, when we talk about any golf fitness exercise the correct amount of effort must be exerted, but not exceeded. Following the guideline of “perform every golf fitness exercise to your own level of tolerance” will help you maintain this fine line of effort.

Sean Cochran

Copyright, BioForce, Ltd 2006

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