The golf swing places an enormous amount of stress on your body, especially in the back area where the effort and power is combined with movements such as flexion, rotation and extension. If these muscles are in poor physical condition, injuries are likely to occur. Incorporating a golf specific fitness program including cardiovascular , flexibility and strength training components, three times a week can reduce the risk of injury and ideally improve your golf performance!

There are numerous benefits to improving your physical fitness in the off-season. Consider the benefits of strength training golf specific muscles. Increasing the strength of your leg muscles helps to produce the power for the initial stage of your swing. Strong, stable core muscles (abdominals & back) transfer that power from your legs to your torso to speed up your swing, and produce the swinging/rotation action. Finally, strong upper extremity muscles (rotator cuff, biceps, triceps, scapular stabilizers) help to establish the control and accuracy of your club head.

Another crucial component in decreasing the risk of injury and improving swing performance is flexibility & mobility training. This type of program should focus on your golf specific muscles such as hips, upper and lower back, and shoulders. You can also include core specific stabilization exercises such as yoga or pilates. Stretching is an important component both pre and post strength or cardiovascular program.

Improved cardiovascular conditioning will enable you to maintain your energy levels and stay focused for 18 holes. Increased cardiovascular fitness will decrease your risk of early fatigue and burn out on the back nine. The key to maintaining your commitment to a conditioning program is to pick something you will enjoy. Brisk walking, biking, elliptical trainers, and playing squash are all great examples of cardiovascular activities.

The combination of all three of these training principles (strength, cardio, flexibility) implemented into your off season fitness program will not only help you mentally while you wait for the season to begin, but will more importantly help reduce your risk of injury, enhance your motivation, and best of all improve your golf game!

Tips for the Off Season:

* Before you start a conditioning program, assess your current level of fitness. Consult with your family Doctor, or seek advice from a qualified health professional.
* Book a golf performance assessment to find out your physical limitations.
* Make a commitment to begin or maintain a golf specific conditioning program to correct your physical limitations. Write down your goals.
* Take advantage of indoor golf facilities to practice your skills.
* Use the winter months to refine your swing. Seek training from a golf Professional.
* Include practice swings into your weekly conditioning program
* Drive for show, putt for dough. Use the off-season to become a great putter indoors. Work on your stroke, accuracy, and speed.
* Improve your mental game. Visualize your swing.
* Don’t let minor injuries become major injuries. Pain is a warning system to alert you to developing problems. Get help from your local health professional
(Doctor, Athletic Therapist, Physiotherapist)

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