The Psychology of
Golf Fitness
William Healy BA, CSCS, PGFA
Many golfers still ask the question "Why
should I workout for golf". Their playing days are over and they want a
much less physical game to participate in to avoid injuries, aches, and pains.
However, golf requires as much flexibility, stability, and strength, as
virtually any other sport. Right out of the gate, you have two situations that
do not quite match up. The larger the game becomes, and the more people that
participate, the more we learn that fitness is needed and injuries can affect
everyone.
For
the junior golfer, the game has changed dramatically and you will face
different challenges than those who came before you. The courses will be much
longer, and fitness will play a critical role. The ball flies further, the drivers
are hotter, and the birdies are flying. Pars will send you into an office job
quicker than ever. The whole approach to golf is changing as we speak. Northern
golfers have traditionally been at a distinct disadvantage, but that is not
necessarily the case any longer.
LESSONS
AND PRACTICE
The route to improved performance for many years
was to take lessons, buy new equipment, and practice constantly. While using
that formula, most golfers will hit a plateau much earlier than they should.
Not everyone has optimal flexibility, perfect timing, and adequate strength.
These are all factors that can be improved during your workouts to improve you
scores. Flexibility will become an integral part of your lessons while timing
will be addressed at the gym as well as the tee. If you are concerned about
improving, you must look to make your motions very efficient. I am convinced
that any new swing theories will be based on conditioning concepts.
INJURIES
Another compelling reason to make golf fitness part
of your life is to add years to your game and to prevent injuries. Golf is very
one sided just like tennis, and It pays to counter balance
your body. We are seeing more and more injuries as more people take up the game
at a later age. The traditional ways that golfers play and practice can lead to
aches and pains. You are going to see a shift towards hitting less balls and
fixing the problem that restricts your improvement. I personally have hit tens
of thousands of balls during my life, and I realize that form of practice will
only take you so far. The future will include some conditioning tips from your
pro and some interaction with some other professionals to help your game. Would
you just begin taking classes when you first get to college without counseling and
a roadmap to establish structure and goals? Of course not.
WHERE
DO YOU LIVE?
Not long ago players packed up their clubs in the
fall and had to wait until spring to work on their game again. However, many
factors that enhance your performance can be attacked during the off-season.
Flexibility, strength, posture, timing, and balance can all be addressed away
from the links and have a positive impact on your game when you return. Country
clubs are rushing to construct fitness centers for this purpose. Golf fitness
is becoming much more mainstream, and you will see many more of your fellow
playing partners in the gym during the years to come. Your routine of working
on your game does not have to be halted at all during the winter. It will just
take place in a different environment. I feel the more results everyone starts
to see, the more it will drive the amateur golfer to give it a try. Golf is
just like any other sport, and it pays to condition year round.
OTHER
REASONS TO WORKOUT
One of the most compelling reasons to workout is to
improve your health and add enjoyment to your game. Many golfers will fade
later in the round, making the last few holes excruciating rather than
pleasurable. In the future, I feel most golfers will be on a plan that includes
periodization of exercise as well as suggestions on how much to practice and
play. A regular strength and conditioning program will also help prepare your
body for everyday life as well, so those nagging aches and pains will not
occur. Ultimately, you are in control of your health and how well you score.
For the average golfer who has struggled to improve, golf fitness is your
answer.
CHANGE
YOUR ATTITUDE TOWARD THE GYM
I am starting to see more people socializing at the
country club fitness centers while being less intimidated to workout.
Unfortunately, the game of golf can produce injuries from time to time and it
really does pay to condition your body to play. Just because you lift weights
does not make you a bodybuilder, and it does not have to consume your life.
Once you learn how to integrate flexibility and strength routines within your
lifestyle, they become much easier to perform. I focus on the intricacies of my
workout just like I do with the game of golf, which makes my workouts much more
entertaining. I hope some reasons as to "Why should I workout
for golf" have been answered. With the days becoming colder, make it a
goal to begin a golf fitness routine. I am willing to bet that you will be
grateful that you did.
William Healy BA, CSCS, PGFA is recognized as one of the world's leading experts of golf fitness. He is the Director of Fitness at the International Junior Golf Academy, and currently trains over 150 golfers each day including PGA, LPGA, Nationwide players, and the US Junior Champion.
William is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist
by the National Strength and Conditioning Association, a Professional Golf
Fitness Instructor of the Professional Golf Fitness Association, a Certified
Fitness Trainer through the International Sports Sciences Association, and a
Certified Golf Fitness Trainer with Advantage Golf. William graduated from
Marshall University with a Bachelor Degrees in Sports Management and Marketing.
He played collegiate golf for both Ohio and Marshall Universities.
For more information about William, go to www.golffitnessexpert.com
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The articles at GolfFitnessProducts.net are for informational purposes only and are not intended to substitute for direct examination and exercise prescription by the appropriate health professional. It is strongly recommended that you do not perform any exercise program without the consent of your personal physician.
