Golf Research Resource

Golf Articles

A Golf Fitness Coach Equals Great Golf



Golf fitness coach. Have you ever considered oneand if so, what exactly were you looking for? There are many general fitness trainers trying to get a piece of the golf fitness and training market that seems to be rapidly gaining exposure both on the television and in print thanks to Tiger, Vijay and Annika.

But the first thing you need to consider when looking into hiring a golf fitness coach or program is the trainers experience in golf.

Yesthat is high on the list of requirements. Does he/she know golf? Do they know the biomechanics of the golf swing? How about muscle function during the golf swing?

An easy test is during the initial interview or if youre researching it online is to either ask very golf specific swing technique questions; or take a look at the information on the website. Youll find out real quick if this person or program can help your golf swing, game and health.

A golf fitness coach or program should incorporate strength, flexibility, endurance, body awareness, balance, stability and even a nutrition component.

Its easy for a trainer to have a strength componentbut is it specific to golf? A quick test. Take a look at some of the exercises. Are any of them on seated machines for instance? If they arerun! This is NOT a golf fitness coach and/or program. This is considered general fitness.

Now stretching. There are dozens of stretches for all people. But take a look at some of them. Do they even remotely look like they will benefit your golf swing?

Stretches involving trunk flexibility; lower back; hamstring; and even shoulders specific to the mechanics of the swing are what you want. General stretches are better than nothing, but will delay your results. You want specific stretches.

Body awareness. Does any of the exercises resemble golf positions or phases of the swing? Do they look like you would be on your feet and in your golf posture? As stated above, if they are seated on machines, your body will learn nothing in regards to your golf swing.

Training your body specific to golf incorporates positions almost identical to what your body would be in during any part of the golf swing.

Stability. Training your body to improve stability in your swing can get a little complex if you really want to see results. The swing happens at between 80-100 miles an hour. One of the biggest flaws of amateur golfers is moving in their golf swing.

Moving either laterally (sliding), vertically (up and done) or both. This is death to your golf swing. To improve your stability involves specific strength drills most trainers dont even know about.

I could go on-and-on about the requirements of a golf fitness coach or program. It is critical you make the right decision. I have heard horror stories of golfers working with so-called golf fitness experts and their game getting worse. With the proper research this wont happen to you. So definitely consider a golf fitness coach.

About The Author: Mike Pedersen is one of the top golf fitness experts in the country, author and founder of several cutting-edge online golf fitness sites. Take a look at his just released golf fitness dvds at his golf swing trainer site - Perform Better Golf.


Related Links:


Improve Your Golf Swing Timing

Components Of A Golf Exercise Program

Have You Played Chicago Golf Courses?

Latest Golf News

About.com
About.com Golf
Get the latest headlines from the About.com Golf GuideSite.

  • Padraig Harrington Wins British Open - Again
    20 Jul 2008 at 9:06am
    A year after breaking through with his first major championship victory in the 2007 Open Championship, Padraig Harrington has done it again - winning the 2008 British Open. And he did...
  • The Good News Out of the Wie DQ
    20 Jul 2008 at 3:46am
    Yes, there is good news for Michelle Wie coming out of the LPGA State Farm Classic, despite her disqualification on Saturday. Actually, there are two bits of good news (at...
  • Wie's DQ: Unfortunate, Harsh, Disappointing - and By the Book
    19 Jul 2008 at 5:45pm
    To recap: Michelle Wie was disqualified from the LPGA State Farm Classic today after it was learned that she had not signed her scorecard following the second round of play...
  • Michelle Wie Disqualified at LPGA State Farm Classic
    19 Jul 2008 at 11:29am
    It had been a fantastic week for Michelle Wie at the LPGA State Farm Classic. She was playing better than she had in two years, shooting 67-65-67 to finish three...
  • British Open, Round 3: Norman Takes the Lead
    19 Jul 2008 at 10:52am
    The Open Championship has one of its unlikeliest third-round leaders in a while: Greg Norman. The Shark, age 53, barely plays anymore - either on the regular tour, or the...
  • British Open, Round 2: Choi Leading; Norman, Duval in Hunt
    18 Jul 2008 at 12:04pm
    Do not adjust your set. This is not 1988, or 1998. It's 2008. But, yes, that really is Greg Norman in solo second after two rounds of the British Open....
  • British Open: Round 1 Offers Surprises
    17 Jul 2008 at 12:31pm
    Rocco Mediate - there he is again. Rocco, who made such a mark at the U.S. Open with his battle against Tiger Woods, is one of three co-leaders after the...
  • British Open On the Air
    15 Jul 2008 at 9:19am
    Here is the U.S. broadcast schedule for 2008 British Open, which begins Thursday and concludes Sunday at Royal Birkdale in Southport, England: (All times Eastern) Thursday ? TNT - 6:30 a.m.-7 p.m. Friday ? TNT...

Copyright © 2007 - Gathered Info