For those of you who are new to the health & fitness section and do not have access to a health club environment, click here to see week 6 of our in-home series. Keep in mind that you will need a pair of dumbbells, a stretch trainer, a power ball and a weighted swing trainer all of which can be located in the golf fitness pro shop.
All of the exercises in this series are executed on equipment that you will find in most health clubs. This program is concentrated to better your health and enhance your on-course performance. Each week we will concentrate on working your golf muscles and your goal will be to complete the workout 3 days a week. If you are just joining us, refer to weeks 1 through 5 at the end of this exercises program. The amount of weight to use, or the number of repetitions to complete for each exercise, can be answered by taking the Golf Fitness Analyzer. It is very important to incorporate a swing training drill workout because as your body changes, so will your tempo and timing if you do not continue to swing a club. We are going to work certain muscle groups along with a cardio workout each week.
Lets get started!
Locate the machine used to work your chest region. In most health clubs this will be labeled incline chest press. From a seated position, grip the handles parallel to the floor and check your posture to ensure you are sitting upright. Flexing your chest muscles, slowly push the handles forward. Return to the start position and repeat. Remember to lift and lower the weight slowly. The negative resistance (lowering of the weight) is where we build strength. To prevent a pendulum action, count 4 seconds on the action, hold the lift 1-2 seconds and then count 4 seconds while returning to the start position. Strong chest muscles help maximize effectiveness in the golf swing.
Locate the machine used to work your rear deltoid (shoulder) region. This machine is probably labeled rear deltoid. From a seated position, grip the handles parallel to the floor lightly. Flex your upper back and shoulders and slowly pull the handles away and to the rear of you. Return to the start position and repeat. Remember to lift and lower the weight slowly. The negative resistance (lowering of the weight) is where we build strength. To prevent a pendulum action, count 4 seconds on the action, hold the lift 1-2 seconds and then count 4 seconds while returning to the start position. Strong shoulders add more stability to the top of the backswing.
Lie on your back on the floor or on a bench. Place a single weight in each palm holding the head of the weight. Extend the arms upward and angle slightly back over the head. Bending at the elbow, slowly lower the weight to the top of the head. Flexing the tricep region, slowly press the weight upward to the start position. Concentrate on moving from the elbow to wrist only leaving the triceps stationary. Remember to lift and lower the weight slowly. The negative resistance (lowering of the weight) is where we build strength. To prevent a pendulum action, count 4 seconds on the action, hold the lift 1-2 seconds and then count 4 seconds while returning to the start position. Strong tricep muscles will assist in added distance off the tee.
Increase your cardiovascular capacity (the ability to use oxygen and fuel efficiently during longer periods of exercise) to play optimal golf. Aerobic capacity is developed through sustained exercise at 60-85% of your maximum heart rate. Choose an activity that you will continue on a regular basis. You will need to determine your target heart range, so use this simple formula: Subtract your age from 220. Multiply the difference by .6 and again by .85 (For example, 40 yr equates to 220-40 X .6 = 108, and then 220-40 X .85 = 153, so target range is 108-153 beats per minute). Now you have your training range to increase your aerobic capacity. Monitor your heart rate every five minutes to insure you are training efficiently.
This week we will be training on the rowing machine utilizing the program titled interval (hill and valley elevation). Because most courses have elevation changes we want to train accordingly. If you have questions concerning the length of time you should do refer to your results of the Golf Fitness Analyzer.
Click here for training aids needed to start your program!
Related Links: