-Stay active to avoid leaving yourself out in the cold-
As hard as it is to take care of yourself during the busy golf season, the importance of maintaining or attaining a healthy functioning body during the off season is a benefit that just cannot be ignored. While the tendency may be to look at this time of year as a time to relax and wait for the snow to melt, there are many very important areas of focus that will directly impact your actual golf season.
Here are 3 key points in relation to off season conditioning that may help to provide some much needed assistance for your golf game. By making simple little adjustments to your routine you may help to ward off future injuries, heal current injuries, increase your distance off the tee, and gain more control over your swing.
1. Does being fit help to reduce the chances of suffering an injury?
Yes. A fit person does reduce their chance of injury, assuming that your technique is good. It is important to get fit to play and not to play to get fit. Otherwise you may end up with an injury, which could cut into an already short golf season.
2. Will a stretching routine help my golf game?
Yes. Stretching will help your game and help to reduce your risk of injury. The benefits of stretching can occur relatively quickly. These benefits can include less muscle tension; a more fluid swing, and as mentioned, can decrease your chance of injury.
3. Can proper strength training help to improve my golf game?
Yes. During the course of the last 10 years it has become apparent that being stronger and getting in better shape does help to improve your golf game. Today's golfer is leaner, stronger, and fitter, and resistance training specific for golf will not result in muscle gain that will alter your swing mechanics. This type of program is designed to improve your golf-specific strength and endurance, not build muscle.
As Canadians we have our winter months to live with until the snow melts and the grass pokes through announcing the beginning of a new golf season. By effectively using our downtime in the off-season, we can make improvements that will be carried over as we tee up again when the snow melts. Contact your local fitness professional to find out more about golf specific exercises and routines. They are easy to incorporate in your daily routine and the benefits can be amazing, especially when combined with hitting balls and making use of indoor golf facilities in the area. This season, don’t hit your stride in September, instead, take care of yourself and hit the ground running in April.
Colin Peden, B.Sc. is a Partner with Executive Fitness Leaders Inc. an Ottawa-based health and wellness centre specializing in Private Personal Training, Registered Massage Therapy, and Functional Nutrition. Go to www.fitnessleaders.com for more info and to take a virtual tour.