GOLF FITNESS IS CHANGING THE GAME AND THE WAY GOLFERS PLAY IT
Bob FormanCertified
Golf Fitness Instructor
MS Exercise Physiology
The word is getting out and the word is good. Golf fitness programs are making an impact on the game and the way golfers are playing it. Not bad for a game enhancing technology that’s really still in its infancy.
According to their 2009 & 2010 Reader Survey, Golf Fitness Magazine found that 97% of their readers consider health and wellness a high priority in their lives and their golf game. Currently 81% participate in some type of fitness program, but 90% are interested in getting golf-specific physical assessments and a whopping 96% would like to learn more golf-specific exercises.
As word gets out about this new spoke of the player development wheel, golfers are becoming aware that there is a difference between a generic fitness program and a golf-specific one. The key piece to this is the identification of the golfer’s specific muscular deficiencies that we now know are strongly correlated to inefficient and ineffective golf swings.
The fact that a great majority of golfers are now seeking a golf-specific physical assessment is evidence enough that this technology is on the rise. Further proof is the fact that the Titleist Performance Institute has accredited over 20,000 Golf Fitness Instructors around the globe.
Once the golfer’s anatomical inadequacies have been identified, a personalized corrective program can begin. As these weaker links improve, progressions into more golf-specific strength, balance, power and functionality can and should take place.
Another key consideration for seeking out a golf fitness professional is to help alleviate and/or prevent injury associated with golf’s one-sided, repetitive nature. This in itself can increase the potential for the development of muscle imbalance and risk of both acute and chronic injury.
From their survey, Golf Fitness Magazine reports that 35% suffer from a golf related injury and 51% use medication for inflammation or pain relief. Of the injuries reported in golf, low back is the most common among amateurs.
A knowledgeable golf fitness professional will be able to identify triggers, either from an anatomical perspective and/or faulty swing mechanics, that could lead up to low back discomfort. In many cases, correcting these triggers will result in a reduction of pain and a return back to the golf course. In some instances, it can eliminate the pain altogether.
Golfers want to play better golf; that fact is certain. Up until now the only resources have been the improvement in equipment technology, new teaching aids, and golf lessons. Though essential, these external factors don’t really focus on the mechanism that is swinging the club; the golfer.
Golf fitness offers that internal look into the game. By bettering the body, a golfer will better their swing and improve swing efficiency, increase distance, enhance playing performance and satisfaction, and prevent, reduce and/or eliminate injury potential. To ensure effectiveness, however, make sure your golf fitness professional is certified and utilizes a physical assessment component before setting up your program.
