I’m always looking for new ways to, not only help myself, but also to help my golf students increase strength, mobility and flexibility. Thanks to Pilates instructor Patrea Aeschliman, owner of 15 to Fit Pliates Studio, for exposing me to a  Pilates reformer, which I’ve discovered, is one of the best ways of increasing flexibility, strength and stability for golf.

Invented by Pilates founder Joseph Pilates, the reformer has a flat platform on which you lay or sit on, called the carriage, which rolls back and forth with resistance from springs. The springs provide different levels of resistance to not only to strengthen but also lengthen muscles. The instability of the rolling carriage, along with the resistance provides all kinds of stability challenges that develop core strength and promote better balance.

Pilates has always been a great tool for conditioning golfers and there is an infinite amount of Pilates programs for golfers, but the most important thing is to find an instructor that can help you focus on your needs and goals.  When I myself wanted to learn more about Pilates I sought out the help of Pilates instructor Patrea Aeschliman, owner of 15 to Fit Pliates Studio. Patrea has an incredible background in gymnastics, physical therapy and fitness and we hit it off immediately bonding over our love of exercise.  I explained to Patrea  that my job as a golf instructor is very physical since I stand on my feet all day as I demonstrate exercises and drills to my students. I’ve developed muscles imbalances from the constant repetition of the golf swing and I was looking for a way to not only feel better, but extend my career and prevent injury.  We sat down and wrote out my goals of what I wanted to get out of my Pilates sessions.  The results of my sessions with Patrea have been amazing for me.

Pilates teaches you where to place your focus for success. Pilates will help you develop core strength, so you can learn to swing from a strong center. Pilates helps make your golf swing effortless.

Are Pilates for golfers?  I say yes.  First, Pilates is resistance training and every golfer should be doing some form of strength training to, not only help you function better, live longer and speed metabolism, but to gain distance.  Secondly, Pilates can help you stretch and strengthen your body evenly to help balance muscles and improve posture to prevent injuries and swing compensations. I have started to incorporate Pilates into my Cardiogolf workouts to help improve:

CONCENTRATION-Pilates teaches you breath control to help you stayed focus throughout your round of golf.

CORE STRENGTH-Pilates will help you develop core strength, so you can learn to swing from a strong center (your core) and prevent injury.

BODY CONTROL-Pilates can help you develop strength and stability (your ability to hold certain positions) to make your golf swing effortless.

For more information and to schedule a session with Patrea Aeschliman, owner of 15 to Fit Pliates Studio, visit 15tofit.com.