The Best Exercise Program for Golf!

The Best Exercise Program for Golf!

If you play golf, you know that it is essential to keep fit. Simple things, such as swinging a golf club, can really cause serious injury if the body is not sufficiently prepared beforehand. While many injuries may not be prevented, you can always take precautions to try to stop injuries from occurring. You just have to find the right exercise program for you.

Exercise Programs to Improve Flexibility

Flexibility allows you to swing the gold club better and with more precision. The golf swing itself takes only a few seconds, so it does not build up the muscles or strengthen them in any way. You have to exercise before and after the game in order to improve your flexibility.

There are three main stretches you should do before playing golf and many top golfers do them to improve their flexibility before the game.

• The Lunge with Rotation

This exercise is designed to imitate the trunk rotation that is involved in swinging the club, while stretching the hip flexors. You should first place your hands on opposite ends of a golf club and then place the club behind the top of the shoulders.

Next, take a large, long, step forward and lower yourself into a lunge position. Slowly and gently, turn your torso towards your extended knee. Hold the position for a count of two on each side and then switch legs.

• The Trunk-Hip Rotation

This exercise is designed to loosen up the hip joints and to prepare the body for a shoulder turn, by stretching the lower back.

You start by bending over slightly from the hips, holding the spine in a neutral position. Next, place the golf club behind your back, in the crook of your arms. Start rotating your shoulders to the right, then again to your left. This movement mirrors the trunk rotation involved in swinging a golf club.

• The Rotator Cuff Stretch

This stretch is designed to stretch the rotator cuff muscles. You start by holding the golf club in the middle of the shaft, making sure one arm is extended straight out. Begin by rotating the club to the right and then over to the left. Finally, switch to the other arm and repeat.

All three stretches are designed to give you that added bit of flexibility before your vital game of golf. As mentioned, all the top golfers prefer to do these stretches and many people swear by them.

Exercise Programs to Increase Your Upper Body Strength

There are various exercises you can do to help improve your upper body strength. The ‘Lunge with a Twist’ is a good one. Basically, you start by standing with your arms straight, hanging down in front of you while holding a medicine ball or dumbbell. Stepping forward with one leg, you now rotate your upper body to the same side and keep the medicine ball or dumbbell high or shoulder height all the time. Go back to the start position and do the same with the other leg. It is better to repeat each side ten times for three sets.

People who do the above exercise notice results in their golf swing speed, power and distance, so it really is worth having a go!

Overall, there are a lot of exercises that you can do and there are even books that give you specific exercises to try. Improving your upper body strength and your flexibility is a must if you want to play good, professional golf!

Jeff Ryall runs a golf website that focuses on information about golf and golf related products. You can enjoy reading tips, tricks and techniques about golf at his site at http://www.golfinfo4u.blogspot.com