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. All this week, I have presented exercises that not only strengthen your muscles, but help you increase flexibility. This combination of strength and flexibility is the key to power and 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 third 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 Extension Exercise

Loop ends of resistance band around each palm. Raise arms overhead, hands together.  Keeping your elbows straight, lower one arm in front of you to hip level. Return to starting position. Repeat for 10 repetitions.  Perform the exercise with your other arm
Perform the three exercises three times a week for at least six weeks for optimum results. Send me your questions and comments-kpj@swingbladegolf.com. Become a Fan of Cardiogolf on Facebook