For many of you, the golf season will be in full swing within a few weeks. You may be considering starting a golf fitness program to whip you into shape for the upcoming season. Too many older golfers start out doing too much too soon, then get sore or injured, and eventually give up their program.

The key to long-term success is to take your initial fitness level into consideration and be realistic about the time you will have to put into a program. If you haven’t worked out in years, you need to ease into and be consistent with your program to gain benefits.

Whether you are striving to be competitive in your club championship, or simply trying to shave off a few strokes, participating in a well designed strength and conditioning program can significantly improve your performance. Here are a few components of a golf-fitness program to help you start off your season right.

Dynamic Warm up

A dynamic warm up is different than static stretching. The purpose of a dynamic warm up is to elevate core temperature, improve dynamic range of motion and prepare body for vigorous motion.

Resistance Training

The goal of resistance training or strength training is to improve muscle structure to prevent injury. Typically, golfers are vulnerable to injuries in the neck, low back, knees, hips and wrists. For this reason, it is critical that you strength train in these areas.

Cardiovascular Training

Although golf does not require a high level of aerobic capacity to play a round of golf, a certain level of cardiovascular conditioning can help reduce fatigue especially during the last few holes of the round. Incorporating 30 to 40 minutes of moderate to vigorous activity per day including walking, jogging or bike riding.

Flexibility

Range of motion limitations lead to compensations that increase likelihood of injury and reduced performance. To increase functional range of motion, so you can turn better and stay in balance, you will need to incorporate flexibility exercises into your daily routine. Yoga and Pilates are excellent ways to increase flexibility.

Visit www.golfitnessmagazine.com to learn more about golf-fitness workouts.