Fitness Clint Howard

What should golf fitness training look like?

We all tion – sagittal (linear), frontal/lateral, and Further, the golf swing uses a kinetic chain know transverse (rotational patterns), or combina- movement pattern (sequence) to transfer

Clint Howard that working out tions thereof (multi-planar motions). force from the ground, through the larger Golf Fitness Systems and fitness is an The best way to enhance the performance lower body muscle groups, through the core 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 order to produce a training effect that posi- pulling, and pushing. a way that doing something like attaching tively impacts performance. bands to golf clubs simply does not.

A problem that I often see too much ROTATIONAL POWER THROW Lastly, we must also consider trainof in a desire for golfers to train sport- ing efficiency. specific, is golfers taking a medicine These foundational movement ball/band/cable etc. and exactly mim- exercise patterns, done with proper icking the golf swing. I call this “golf- form and technique, accomplish all ish” exercises. the things we need to do in the gym –

Not that you shouldn’t do some namely improve the physical qualities exercises and drills that look like and required for the sport of golf, provide mimic a golf swing, because there are a movement context to help establish some great ones that we do. But do- technical proficiency and prevent ining these alone as your primary golf jury – and can be accomplished in an fitness training, leaves way too many efficient manner without wasting time other factors neglected. These exercis- or energy on exercises that aren’t going es generally don’t do much for overall START FINISH to help you improve. strength development, injury prevention, and force/power production. HALF KNEEL CHOP/LIFT This overall training approach means we can get in and out of the gym, having

Golf is an asymmetrical pattern and achieved what we need to achieve, and by training too much in a highly spe- can get back out on the golf course or cific manner you end up neglecting practice area and improve our golf skills. antagonist/stabilizer muscles and re- If needed, consult with a golf fitness inforcing those asymmetries that are professional to get a program designed already created. This is particularly specifically for your goals and needs. important when you consider overuse You always want to make sure you’re is one of the most common means of doing exercises safely and effectively injury for golfers. with proper form and technique.

Also, overall strength and athletic de- With the warmer spring weather, it’s velopment needs to be established first an ideal time for you to give your body and foremost. Balanced strength devel- and your fitness the upgrade you need! opment through full body movement START FINISH Get started and unleash your swing pattern training should therefore always this year! be incorporated in your training, especially So for golf fitness training – it is best to train when first starting a workout program. the qualities that translate to the golf swing Clint Howard is the Owner/Director of Golf

The principle of specificity states that we rather than seeking to mimic the golf swing Fitness Systems and is recognized as one of the should try to mimic the dynamic structure itself in your workout training program. only 2X Top 50 Golf Fitness Professionals in the of a skill as well as the body position in re- For example, research has demonstrated a country by Golf Digest. PGA Tour Pros, Oklalation 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 tionships to all other muscles. in lateral type movements, such as swinging Systems to improve their body, and their game.

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. to train the body in all three planes of mo- transfer to skill improvement in your sport. GolfFitnessSystems.com