subject: What Is Fitness Training For Golf? [print this page] Before we ask the question about fitness training for golf, let's take a moment and talk about fitness. In a broad sense, just heading to the golf course is a general attempt to get fit. Unfortunately, en-route to the 18th green, quite often the physical experience has taken a shift from fitness to several beers, riding in a comfortable cart and little actual exercise.
Nonetheless, we'll start where we're at and attempt to proceed to make fitness training for golf a real possibility.
Fitness means a healthy body that can handle a fair amount of everyday stress, breathing easily and recovering normally in a short amount of time. Naturally, every sport requires some effort and certain muscles are generally called on while others are specifically called on. Hence, it makes sense to participate in pre-golf day exercises that enhance performance in a natural, fit way - that's fitness training for golf.
Targeted Strength
I am no pro, but when considering the targeting of specific muscles, it's a good idea to talk with a pro. In this case, my wife is a physical trainer and has worked with golfers. The main idea for fitness training for golfers seems to be gaining strength for making longer drives and generally building upper body.
You only have to look at Tiger Woods for a moment and you can readily see that he works out. He is an immediate vision of strength, aerobics for stamina, flexibility and focus.
Now, the glitch comes in many one-sided sports, and that is there is an asymmetrical motion that develops as one uses primarily one side of the body. Unless there is a targeted program to compensate or train in a balanced way, that one side of the body gets more muscular and the game may actually suffer. Fitness training for golfers requires all four of the above mentioned qualities - strength training, aerobics for stamina, flexibility and focus.
Specifics
Start on the treadmill to warm up and then stretch all muscle groups. Next, go to the weight room. Chest exercises are primary in fitness training for golfers. Try 'pec deck' or other chest exercises. For example, in a seated position, you use the elbows to draw the pads from the outer position together at front and center. Someone at the gym will help you set the weight that works for you.
Ultimately, it's stretching and strengthening the body core that are most important in fitness training for golfers. With a fit body, stamina and focus are aided and the scores produced out on the course should reflect that.
