The time and effort you spend this winter working on your physical conditioning will have a definite effect on your golf performance, or lack there of it, this spring.

I developed a golf fitness system called Cardiogolf to help people exercise and improve their golf swings at the same time. My program offers a variety of exercises that target golf-specific muscles and joints to build strength and flexibility. Here are a few examples of some exercises that you should be doing this winter.

Click here to see a video on what exercises you should be doing this summer. 

1.     Rotational Exercises-

         The golf swing involves creating rotational motions in almost all joints of the body especially in the torso, hips and shoulders.  The ability to generate power in the swing originates in the core.  You will want to do a variety of rotational exercises to maintain or improve your ability to rotate in the golf swing.  It is important to seek out rotational exercises because this is a movement that we do not typically do during the day.

2.     Back Bending Exercises-

We spend most of our days bending forward, whether we are sitting, driving or typing at a computer- we spend most of our day in an unsupportive forward bend.   This position can wreak havoc on our backs and posture as well as the golf swing.  Bending forward can lead to poor posture, restriction in spinal mobility and limited strength in the upper and lower backs.

Doing back bend exercises can effectively counteract damage done from our hours of bending forward.

Locust

3.     Squatting Exercises-

Golf is basically a squat sport.  We start in a squat position and we want to maintain that position throughout the swing.  The ability to squat effectively can help us generate power in the swing.

Squat exercises are great for a total body workout, they effectively work most of the major muscles groups.  Squats are also a versatile exercise. They can be done almost anywhere.  Doing squats can also increase joint flexibility and engage the core.