The new Roberts Flex-Fit Method of golf fitness is a hybrid fitness program, compiled from over twenty years as a fitness trainer and student of the game of golf. This comprehensive program focuses on creating balance in the body, working the front and back body as well as all three planes of motion.
I had the privilege of presenting my golf fitness program at Golf Galaxy in Plano, Texas. I began my presentation by asking the students for their questions. Many inquired, “If I have five minutes to warm up before I get in my car and go to the course what do you suggest I do?” If you have five minutes my suggestion is to warm up the hips, shoulders and back muscles.
Every golfer at one point has seen Tiger Woods rotate back to a position in which the club is parallel to the ground. How can we tell the correct length of our individual backswing? The level of a golfers’ flexibility will determine the amount of turn that is made.
The Sanskrit word for yoga breathing exercises is pranayama. "Prana" refers to the energy in the body or life force, the fuel or oxygen that keeps us alive. "Yama" refers to expansion, extension, meaning the ability to expand the breath and increase the energy in the body. With awareness comes change.
In a recent study the researchers evaluated the biomechanics of a golfer who is famous for consistent long drives off the tee. Due to the small stature of the man the research asks the question, "Does size matter?" Through evaluations, an important component of this golfers swing was discovered.
Sway is one of the most common swing flaws. It occurs in the backswing when the lower body moves laterally and the right hip (in a right handed golfer) moves to the right of the right foot. This shifts all the weight to the right side, making it challenging to transition to the proper downswing phase.
When we look at the issue of back pain it is important to understand that there are many factors affecting your back. Muscles of the lumbar spine, hips, gluts, psoas and hamstrings play a factor in building a healthy back. Continue to build your healthy back program by adding this week’s poses, targeting the back and hips to last week’s exercises.
The golf swing places compression, shear and rotational forces placed on the spine during the explosive phase of the golf swing so it is not shocking that 63% of golfers will experience back pain or injury. More than 30% of Tour players play with an injured back at some point in their careers.
Perhaps you spent the off season preparing your body for the golf season and if so good for you! If you did not work your body during the off season chances are you feel every practice swing and golf shot in your muscles and joints after the round. A common complaint I hear from golfers in the early part of the season is pain in the back and hips. I’m here to help!
The top of the backswing is one of the most physically active phases of the swing.
As the golfer moves into the top of the backswing the shoulder / hip relationship is clearly evident.
