Flexibility + Strength = Distance off the Tee

KarenGolf Fitness, Misc

Golf-Specific Fitness Program

Golf-Specific Fitness Program

Strength training exercises, important for increasing muscle strength and bone mass, require the addition of weight or resistance to challenge the muscles. But some people think that free weights and machines leave them tight in the shoulders and chest, so it is recommend by many golf specific trainers to use resistance bands instead.  Available at sporting good stores, resistance bands stretch your joints and tendons while strengthening your muscles.  Strength along with flexibility is the combination you are looking for to increase clubhead speed for greater distance.

If you are just starting to exercise, begin with a low resistance band and increase the resistance as you gain strength.  Build up to performing each exercise for three sets of 10 repetitions.  This week I will present three strengthening exercises specific to golf.  The second exercise this week is for your shoulder muscles.

The shoulder muscles have many roles in the golf swing, and they are an area that gets over-stressed and injured (rotator cuff). Throughout the golf swing, the shoulder joint rotates open and closed, while the golf club is moving at up to 100 mph.

If the shoulder muscles are weak, you will have no control over your club throughout the swing. If they are inflexible, you will not be able to get into the correct position at the top of your swing.

Shoulder Flexion Exercise

Loop ends of resistance band around each palm.  Begin with hands together and extended in front of you at hip level.  Keeping both elbows straight, raise one arm straight up as far as you can go.  Return slowly to the starting position for 10 repetitions.  Perform the exercise with your other arm.

DSCN1174Send me your questions and comments to KPJ@swingbladegolf.com.

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