Last week we began a new series with simple tips to improve your game. As I prepare the pros for the next season, Ill show you the exact exercises that I do with the pros and give you exercise tips to do for all aspects of your game. We will be using many pieces of equipment to encompass flexibility, strength, power, balance, endurance and swing training drills. Remember, self motivation results in improved accuracy, distance, stamina, focus and fitness level.
Your abdominals insure good posture throughout your swing and are a balanced muscle group to the lower back, which means that they are instrumental in preventing injury to this region.
The most common exercise is the crunch simply because the crunch isolates the abdominal region without jeopardizing the back. It is also one of the easiest to perform, however we are going to do the crunch on the balance board found in the pro shop for an added challenge and call upon our core muscles to assist with balance.
Start: Lie on the balance board with your knees bent, heels on the floor and hands crossed over your chest.
Action: Flex your abs and slowly crunch forward.
Finish: Hold for a count of 5 and slowly return to the start position. Repeat 15-20 times.
Start: Lie on your stomach with your arms in a goal post position.
Action: Slowly press upward keeping your head in a neutral position.
Finish: Hold for 15-30 seconds and return to the start position. Repeat 10 times.
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Editor’s Note: Kelly Blackburn has traveled the PGA Tour and Champions Tour circuits as a fitness consultant and trainer for 11 years. Kelly welcomes your email questions and comments, contact her at BlackburnOnTour@aol.com. Visit KellyBlackburn.com to learn more about health and fitness for golf.
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