4 Essential Elements of Golf Fitness

Are you ready to take your golf game to a new level? Golf fitness and a whole body approach to your golf game may be the answer. Many of you have spent hours on the driving range sharpening your golf skills. You've invested a small fortune in new equipment, golf lessons, and accessories, yet you haven't seen a decrease in your handicap in years. You're not alone. Fifteen years ago the average handicap for women was 29. For men, it was 16.2. However, you may be surprised to learn it is the same number today. What accounts for this lack of improvement and what can we do about it?

The real answer lies in the basic understanding that what you are seeking cannot be purchased in a pro shop, from a local golf retailer or on-line store. The answer may be closer than you think because it lies within your current physical capabilities. The most overlooked component of improvement in golf is neglecting to factor in your physical conditioning.

There are four main physical requirements a golfer needs to graduate to a greater, more consistent level of play. Which of these physical characteristics do you possess and which of these areas need improvement?

Balance. This is an area often overlooked by golfers of all abilities. Balance plays a critical role in stabilizing the core musculature as well as adding the element of control through muscle coordination. Balance plays a pivotal role in your ability to execute weight transfer and hip rotation without jeopardizing a stable address position. Those individuals with exceptional balance will have more efficient reaction times and therefore movement speed.

Flexibility. Allowing your muscles to extend through their full range of motion is widely considered one of the most important aspects of a successful golf swing. Muscles which are inflexible can have a significant impact on all aspects of your game. The same is true for muscle imbalances. Never neglect a pre-round warm up. It will prepare your muscles for the work to come and ward off immediate dangers to tight muscles.

Strength. When muscle force or strength is applied to the ball, power is created and distance is increased. Increasing your striking force to the ball will likely yield a desirable result for any level of player. Strength in key muscle groups will offer protection from injury. Strong lower back muscles will support your position at address. Strength in your midsection will provide you with the stability you need to make the most effective separation of the hips from the shoulders in producing the power you seek. A strong body creates a powerful swing, a strong mind, and a fit body.

Endurance. Golf has always been thought of as a sport based on skill, requiring minimal fitness. While the cardiovascular requirements for golf are not extensive, they are critical in maintaining adequate levels of energy and maximal levels of concentration. In the absence of a sound cardiovascular routine, physical fatigue can easily lead to mental fatigue. Mental fatigue then gives way to skill deterioration.

Use your body as your most prized possession and your greatest resource as you build a foundation for better golf. Factor in your current physical conditioning by using a whole body approach and you will see a lifetime of benefits in increased performance, longevity in your favorite sport, and a physically fit body worthy of recognition.

Susan Hill is a CHEK Golf Biomechanic and President of FitnessforGolf.com, a private, member's only, online golf fitness website dedicated to the improvement of golfers worldwide. For more information on golf fitness training, visit http://www.fitnessforgolf.com

---

Ice Golf - Could You Stay Cool When The Heat Is On?

Ice Golf - only the coolest need apply!Want to try... Read More

How The Risk Of Golfer Elbow Injury Can Be Reduced

A golfer elbow injury has got to be one of... Read More

5 Golf Facts That Will Change Your Game

Are you seeing the same decrease in your handicap that... Read More

Effective Golf Fitness Equipment

Golf fitness equipment is designed to help a golfer build... Read More

Are You Fully Committed to Playing Your Best Golf?

After taking golf lessons and/or attempting to make changes in... Read More

Prepare for the Worst and Play Your Best

It's one thing to get mad when you miss a... Read More

Benefits of A Golf Fitness Stretch Trainer

Hardly any professional worth his name today will dare approach... Read More

What A Good Golf Workout Program Should Have

Golf workout program?with the exploding number of so-called golf experts... Read More

The Psychology of a Confident Golf Swing, Part 1

Before focusing on the subject of developing confidence with ones... Read More

How To Properly Check The Club Heads Of Second Swing Used Golf Club

Interested in Second Swing used golf club? No surprise there.... Read More

Finding A Good Golf Product Is A Lot Easier With The Net

The World Wide Web has made life a lot easier... Read More

3 Simple Golf Tips To Quickly Improve Your Distance

Every golfer wants to know the secret golf tip to... Read More

Golf Stretching Secrets to Improve Performance

The trend in larger and therefore heavier club heads in... Read More

Who Invented The Game Of Golf?

Well, who actually did invent the game of Golf? The... Read More

Golf Course History - You Could Play On The Worlds Oldest Golf Course

The oldest golf course in the world...If I asked you... Read More

Golf Fitness Training Made Easy?And Anyone Can Do It

Golf fitness training might sound grueling, sweaty and a lot... Read More

Invest in the Right Equipment and Take Your Game to the Next Level

Golf is a $60 billion per year industry. Much of... Read More

How To Get The Proper Golf Swing That Suits You Best

Without developing a proper golf swing, chances are that you... Read More

Controlled Body Movement The Key Essential For Your Golf Game

Basic body movement is essential in any sport. Of course... Read More

A Golf Fitness Tip Must Focus On The Golf Swing

There is no way that you can separate a good... Read More

Taking The Confusion Out Of Golf Ball Compression

Compression, in terms of a golf ball, is probably the... Read More

Golf Fitness: The Quickest Way To Play Better Golf

Golf has always been viewed as a game of leisure.... Read More

Golf the Real Thing

The grass is always greener on the other side. Not... Read More

Sit Up Straight! It Will Help Your Game

What does it take to reproduce the perfect golf swing?... Read More

What A Golf Conditioning Tip Must Have

There are certain aspects that any good golf conditioning tip... Read More

Myrtle Beach Tee Times ? A Quick Glance

Planning a golf vacation in Myrtle Beach? Here are six... Read More

Unique Mental Challenges for Women Golfers

The game of golf provides trials for every player, independent... Read More

Reluctant to Try Golf Instruction?

Maybe you or a friend had a negative experience with... Read More

Golf Exercise Tip ? How To Warm Up

A useful golf exercise tip to take into consideration is... Read More

Golf Tips ? Finding that Winning Grip and the Cures for Grip Related Problems

The correct grip is a key fundamental component of a... Read More

The Mental Side of Match Play

Many of us might assume that there isn't too much... Read More

Warm Up With A Back Exercise For Golf

Let's face it, if you are a passionate golfer who... Read More

Golf Practice Equipment Can Pave The Way For Better Golf

There is a great deal of equipment on the market... Read More