By Dr. Sender Deutsch DC, DAc, CSCS, ART® ... 2005

At SHAPE Health and Wellness Centre, we are dedicated to providing you with an integrated approach to your golf game. Utilizing state-of-the-art strength and conditioning exercises along with rehabilitation techniques combined with pilates, we are able to achieve lasting results. As well, we will work with you and your golf instructor to improve your game. We recognize the importance of integrating the fundamentals of swing mechanics with sport specific training and therapy to enhance your game and overall health. A professional strength and conditioning specialist will help you develop the appropriate strength, flexibility, and endurance to achieve longer and more consistent shots. We look forward to helping you achieve both a hole and health in one!

In recent years, golf has become a very popular sport. It is important to realize that if you are a golfer, you are an athlete, and so you should train like one. Unfortunately, many golfers often forget that golf is a sport, which requires strength, flexibility, and endurance. Well conditioned golfers can increase their level of performance, prevent injuries from occurring, and enhance their overall health and well-being.

Strength:

Prior to undertaking any sport, it is important to prepare through muscular strength training. In golf, posture and balance are constantly emphasized by professional instructors. However, a correct posture cannot be achieved if your muscles are not well conditioned. Your core muscles (abdominals and lower back) are relied on heavily throughout the golf swing. Therefore, it is imperative that these muscles be trained correctly to allow you to achieve proper swing mechanics. Muscular strength is also essential for generating club head speed which is a determining factor in how far you can hit the ball. Golf is a sport of repetition, activating and firing the same muscles through each and every swing. To reduce risk of injury, you must train to create muscle symmetry and strength in order to prevent muscle imbalance.

Flexibility:

Once you have developed the proper strength for your posture, it is crucial to have good flexibility to allow you to swing correctly through the entire range of motion. Your flexibility can be improved by incorporating a regular stretching routine into your daily life as well as before and after each round of golf. Remember that prior to stretching you should always warm up your muscles and ensure that you hold each stretch until you feel the muscle relax which is approximately 15 to 30 seconds. Increased flexibility gains can also be made through assisted stretching techniques. These have been shown to significantly improve your performance and reduce your risk for injury.

Endurance:

Endurance includes both muscular and cardiovascular conditioning. These two systems are stressed throughout the golf game. Both endurance systems are essential for preventing fatigue throughout a long round of golf. Muscular endurance allows you to make a crucial shot near the end of a game, while cardiovascular fitness allows you to walk between holes with ease.


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The information on www.shapetoronto.com is for educational purposes only. It is not medical advice and is not intended to replace the advice or attention of health-care professionals. Please consult your physician or book a consultation with SHAPE before changing your diet or exercise program, for diagnosis and treatment of illnesses and/or injuries, for advice regarding medications, and prior to making use of any of the information within our website, articles or newsletters.