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Pre-Season MIND/BODY Training
By
Sandy Earl
The calendar is telling us spring
is still several weeks away and
playing golf outdoors may be
out of the question for some
time. This is the perfect time to
get your body and mind ready
for the season. Here is a list
of items that can be done now,
to lower your scores and avoid
injury.
Build strength:
Research shows
lower body muscles, especially
the Glutes, are necessary for
proper hip rotation on the
backswing and downswing,
as well as, allow for better hip
extension. Flexibility in the
upper body, the chest, back,
core and forearms allow proper
turn and follow through to create
increased club speed.
Strong back muscles allow you
to maintain proper spine angle
throughout the swing, which
provides a more efficient swing.
Improved strength is also a key
component to prevent unwanted
injuries.
Increase flexibility and balance
Flexibility is the single most
important training tool to
improve your golf swing. Next,
but only barely, is balance
training.
Strength training is usually the
first thing people think of to
improve their swing, but without
flexibility, range of motion will
be limited and offset any power
gains from additional strength.
If proper balance is lacking, an
unstable stance will result in a
loss of power and completely
destroys accuracy.
Improve your posture:
Correct
posture promotes a greater
rotation of the spine, and
increases lung capacity, which
decreases muscular tension by
increasing the flow of oxygen
to the muscles. When you pay
attention to your breathing, you
can focus more fully on each
shot.
“Yoga for Golfers” improves
strength, balance, flexibility and
focus. Katherine Roberts’ yoga
program for golfers helps extend
the body’s ability to play better,
longer, and more confidence.
Classes are available in the
Toledo area. Contact Sandy Earl
at 419-351-7409 for a listing of
times and locations.
Flexibility
is the
single most
important
training tool
to improve
your golf
swing.
NWO Golf Links