P ilates for G olfers : t he B enefits of P ilates for G olfers

Golf and Pilates might not seem like a natural partnership. But, in fact, the emphasis in Pilates on rotation, spine flexibility and trunk stability means that players – both professional and recreational – can gain a lot from practicing this method.

Not forgetting that Pilates can help golfers with injury prevention and injury recovery. With each repetitive movement – rotate, tilt, shift and extend – taken on a drive, golfers put themselves at risk of overusing particular muscles. This is where Pilates for golf becomes an attractive solution.

In this article, we talk about the benefits of Pilates for golf and give golfers simple Pilates exercises they can do from the comfort of their home.

1. Advanced Core Strength

Having core strength in golf is just as important as any other activity. One way to improve performance, longevity and reduce the risk of injury is by training and strengthening the core.

Golf is centered around rotation of the body and driving power from the ground, through your core to the club and the ball. With a stronger core comes increased power and, therefore a more powerful, controlled swing.

Not only that, a strong core, impacts so many other factors like improving your posture and lessening the pressure on your back and neck which often causes acute back pain.

2. Enhanced Flexibility

Flexibility is one of, if not, the most important factor in becoming a successful golfer. The ability to get a good rotation between the shoulder and hip is the difference between executing a compact, powerful swing or not.

Flexibility enables golfers to reach a full range of motion which in turn allows you to reach maximum potential strength and distance.

3. Improve Body Balance & Stability

Body balance and stability creates a good foundation for golfers to execute an effective swing with power behind it.

The success behind your swing lies in the control over overall range of motion and the coordinated rotation of the body, predominantly, the shoulders and the hips. This is not possible without balance and stability from the pelvis.

Pilates helps with pelvic and spine alignment so that you’re able to transition through movements with ease and control. In Pilates, this is done by lengthening tight muscles, strengthening weak muscles and engaging the deep core muscles to increase pelvic and spine stability and improve muscular imbalances.

4. Injury Prevention & Rehabilitation

Pilates is lesser known for its ability to effectively help individuals in their injury rehabilitation and injury prevention.

Clinical Pilates, in particular, can help with all kinds of rehabilitation from acute shoulder pain to chronic back pain. This is largely down to the holistic approach of Pilates which focuses on the entire body to treat any imbalances which may be creating compensatory patterns. Using unilateral movements, Pilates aims to develop even muscles on either side of the body to reduce unnecessary pressure on overcompensating muscles.

Pilates also helps to correct postural problems which can often cause injury. A poor posture leads to both shortened and weak muscles; Pilates focuses on lengthening and strengthening muscles, particularly the core, which is great for alignment.