Cardiogolf Plank and Putt Challenge-Unstable Surface CardioGolf

Welcome to the Cardiogolf Plank and Putt Challenge that will help you get strong in your core and shave strokes off your score. Simply follow along as I take you through a variety of plank exercises and putting drills.

Although putting may not seem like an athletic movement, you actually need to be strong in your arms, shoulders, core and legs to make your putting stroke smooth and natural. Click here to read more.

If you have ever had a sidehill, downhill or uphill lie, you may have noticed that you had to modify your stance and swing to compensate for the uneven surface. If your core strength or balance is under par, most likely you tense up on these surfaces, much like your body does when you step on an icy or slippery surface. You are more prone to falling or getting injured because your body instantly is trying to protect you from falling. If you tense up, you won’t be able to adapt to these different lies. The stronger and more stable you are, the easier it is to hit shots on uneven lies.

If you are mastered planks on a stable surface, then you can advance to doing planks on an unstable surface to challenge your strength and balance even more.

Plank on Unstable Surface

Place forearms on the floor so you are in a plank position.
Place your feet on a small ball, balance board or unstable surface.
Keep shoulders in line with elbows and engage your core muscles, trying to keep you body in a straight line from head to toe.
Hold position for 10 seconds.
Repeat for 3 to 4 repetitions working up to holding plank for 30 to 40 seconds.

Putting Fundamentals

There are many different putting styles and techniques, but most good putters always keep the putter head accelerating towards the target. You want to avoid poking or stopping the clubhead as the putter strikes the ball.

One way to do this is to keep the handle moving towards the target. Leading with the handle will help you strike the ball with a square face and solid hit.