While waiting for the warmer weather that welcomes in the golf season, there are a number of ways to set yourself up for a great golf season. Preparing for golf season properly begins about four to six weeks before the start of golf season. Begin preparing yourself physically and mentally and take the time to examine and prepare your golf clubs.
In this series about getting ready for golf season, we will first guide golfers on preparing physically for a successful golf game. In essence, golfers need to work on three key areas: core strength, flexibility, and overall fitness. Each of these areas plays its own role in a successful golf game.
Core Strength
An increasing number of athletes focus on core strength for good reason. A golfer's core contains many muscles, both large and small, that provide the foundation for the swing. A strong core equals greater power, more stability, and better posture, which are all linked to better performance on the course.
One inexpensive piece of exercise equipment that effectively works the core is the exercise ball. Using an exercise ball for a variety of exercises forces your core to adjust to maintain balance. One deceptively simple core exercise involves laying facedown over an exercise ball with feet and hands on the floor. Alternate lifting each foot off the floor for a few seconds, which causes your body to rely on your core for balance.
Flexibility
Having a full, controlled range of motion goes a long way towards a powerful golf swing. Many golf beginners have particularly tight back, leg, and shoulder muscles, and even experienced players can lose flexibility over the off-season. Begin regaining flexibility by practicing a set of specific exercises, including a lower back stretch and a hamstring stretch.
To gently stretch out your back, incorporate this stretch daily. Begin on your hands and knees with your back flat. Gently arch your back and hold for 30 seconds. Slowly go back to the starting position, then press your lower back towards the floor in a kind of reverse arch. Keep your arms straight and your head high. Perform 2-3 sets daily.
Overall Fitness
Often, golfers put on a few pounds during the off-season with the combination of less exercise and more food around the holidays. At least two months prior to the start of the golf season, work some kind of physical activity into your life with the goal of 30 minutes of activity 4-5 times per week. The type of activity is up to you, and the goal is to increase your overall fitness level.
Strength training is also recommended during the golf pre-season, but the key is to utilize strength training routines that use your upper and lower body in combination. After all, a golf swing is not merely an upper body activity. Concentrate on strength building, full-body exercises, such as a lunge with upper-body rotation.
Set yourself up for your best golf season yet by concentrating on your core strength, overall fitness, and flexibility.
Article written by Catherine Mitschele, who is the owner of WomensGolfClubsReview.com where we review a large selection of women's golf clubs. You will find comprehensive and honest reviews on today's clubs specifically for women.
Stop by! http://womensgolfclubsreview.com
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