GOL F FI TN E SS
What should golf fitness training look like? W
Further, the golf swing uses a kinetic chain e all tion – sagittal (linear), frontal/lateral, and k n o w transverse (rotational patterns), or combina- movement pattern (sequence) to transfer force from the ground, through the larger that working out tions thereof (multi-planar motions). Clint Howard Golf Fitness Systems The best way to enhance the performance lower body muscle groups, through the core and fitness is an essential part of for golfers then, is to develop sufficient sta- area, out to the arms, and ultimately to the golf nowadays. Specificity is one of the bility, mobility/flexibility, and strength in most distal point, the club. All of this ocmost important principles of any great train- an athlete specific manner - focusing on im- curs at a very high velocity and should be ing/workout program. It states that training proving any weaknesses in regards to move- sequential with no power leaks. Olympic lift should be relevant and appropriate to the ment and force production in general pat- variations (done with correct form), med-ball sport for which the individual is training in terns such as squatting, lunging, hip hinging, throws, sled pushes, etc, accomplish this in a way that doing something like attaching order to produce a training effect that posi- pulling, and pushing. bands to golf clubs simply does not. tively impacts performance. ROTATIONAL POWER THROW Lastly, we must also consider trainA problem that I often see too much ing efficiency. of in a desire for golfers to train sportThese foundational movement specific, is golfers taking a medicine exercise patterns, done with proper ball/band/cable etc. and exactly mimform and technique, accomplish all icking the golf swing. I call this “golfthe things we need to do in the gym – ish” exercises. namely improve the physical qualities Not that you shouldn’t do some required for the sport of golf, provide exercises and drills that look like and a movement context to help establish mimic a golf swing, because there are technical proficiency and prevent insome great ones that we do. But dojury – and can be accomplished in an ing these alone as your primary golf efficient manner without wasting time fitness training, leaves way too many or energy on exercises that aren’t going other factors neglected. These exercisSTART FINISH to help you improve. es generally don’t do much for overall This overall training approach means strength development, injury prevenHALF KNEEL CHOP/LIFT we can get in and out of the gym, having tion, and force/power production. achieved what we need to achieve, and Golf is an asymmetrical pattern and can get back out on the golf course or by training too much in a highly spepractice area and improve our golf skills. cific manner you end up neglecting If needed, consult with a golf fitness antagonist/stabilizer muscles and reprofessional to get a program designed inforcing those asymmetries that are specifically for your goals and needs. already created. This is particularly You always want to make sure you’re important when you consider overuse doing exercises safely and effectively is one of the most common means of with proper form and technique. injury for golfers. With the warmer spring weather, it’s Also, overall strength and athletic dean ideal time for you to give your body velopment needs to be established first and your fitness the upgrade you need! and foremost. Balanced strength develFINISH Get started and unleash your swing opment through full body movement START this year! pattern training should therefore always So for golf fitness training – it is best to train be incorporated in your training, especially Clint Howard is the Owner/Director of Golf the qualities that translate to the golf swing when first starting a workout program. The principle of specificity states that we rather than seeking to mimic the golf swing Fitness Systems and is recognized as one of the only 2X Top 50 Golf Fitness Professionals in the should try to mimic the dynamic structure itself in your workout training program. For example, research has demonstrated a country by Golf Digest. PGA Tour Pros, Oklaof a skill as well as the body position in relation to the environment. The golf swing strong positive relationship between vertical homa State Men's and Women's golf, University requires almost every muscle in your body jump and clubhead speed. Other research has of Tulsa golf, and many other collegiate and high to be utilized in specific sequence, in specific shown the importance of posterior chain (hips/ school golfers, world long drive champions, and ranges of motion and in correct tension rela- glutes/hamstrings) strength and power output golfers of all levels go to Clint and Golf Fitness in lateral type movements, such as swinging Systems to improve their body, and their game. tionships to all other muscles. The goal of golf fitness training should be a golf club. Gains in strength and power will To learn more, call 918-296-7418 or go to www. GolfFitnessSystems.com to train the body in all three planes of mo- transfer to skill improvement in your sport. 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