Creating A Golf Fitness Program

For the average golfer embarking on a total golf fitness program may sound a little overwhelming. Fitting the program into your schedule on a regular basis may seem like something for which you simply don't have the time. However, it's not as hard to accomplish as you may be thinking. The benefits will apply not only to better golf, but to increased fitness and stamina in other areas of your life as well. The time spent can be a great investment in yourself both on and off the course.

The major components of a well designed golf conditioning program include: strength training, flexibility training, cardiovascular conditioning, posture and balance training, nutrition and diet, and injury prevention techniques for golf. The benefits of a golf specific program are well documented. It's a fact that a stronger, more flexible body plays better golf. Golfers have significantly improved driving distance, lowered handicaps, and reduced injuries.

The first step to beginning a well planned golf program is to adequately assess your current situation. This evaluation should include:

? Strength and flexibility evaluation: This will help to determines which of your muscle groups are flexible, which are inflexible, and which muscle groups are strong and which are weak.

? Posture and balance evaluation will help to identify in what positions you have good balance as well as positions where posture and balance need improvement.

? Cardiovascular evaluation will determine your current level of endurance and stamina.

? Nutrition and diet should be evaluated to accommodate targeted changes in body fat and weight as well as to ensure healthy food choices for adequate nutrition.

? Injury prevention techniques for golf should also be assessed to help improve preventative measures going forward.

Once the assessment has been completed and weak areas have been identified, it becomes much easier to begin to target those areas with specific training methods to improve your level of performance. Evaluating and taking corrective steps to improve your body's condition will improve your scores on the course.

Susan Hill is a nationally recognized fitness trainer, CHEK golf biomechanic and sports nutrition specialist. Her work has been featured on ESPN, Resort Living and Self magazine. For more information on golf specific nutrition, exercises or stretches, visit http://www.fitnessforgolf.com.

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