Play Better Longer: Reducing Golf Related Injury

On the surface golf may look to be a slow paced low impact sport with little risk of injury. However, as many golfers have unfortunately discovered looks can be deceiving. The "Physician and Sports Medicine" Journal reports 57% to 67.5% of all golfers will sustain some type of golf related injury.

Scientifically speaking our body was not designed to swing a golf club. During the swing strong compression, shear, and torsion force is produced placing our spine, joints and muscles at a relatively high risk for injury. The golf swing is an explosive movement that demands precise coordination of muscle contraction and relaxation, postural stability, strength, balance and body awareness. That is not to say we cannot swing a golf club without these elements. The body does a great job in compensating for weakness and faulty movement. However, there is a downside to this compensation. The downside is inconsistency, loss of power, and overuse of certain muscles which often leads to muscle and joint pain and injury.

Many golfers spend hours upon hours practicing their swing with little or no time devoted to training their bodies. This type of golf preparation usually results in two things: 1. Inconsistency 2. Aches and pains

So how does the golfer reduce their risk of injury? By establishing and maintaining core strength, muscle balance and flexibility by participating in a well developed integrated exercise program. Increased muscular efficiency and flexibility allow you to increase power and consistency while drastically reducing chances of pain and injury.

Beware; all golf fitness programs are not created equal. There are many programs out there that are merely body building or general strength training routines masquerading as golf fitness programs. These programs generally focus on training specific muscles or muscle groups with little attention paid to movement. Lying flat on a bench and pushing weight off your chest or doing biceps curls that isolate one single joint movement will hardly translate to improved performance on the golf course. In fact, many of the standard "gym" exercises found in such programs further disrupt muscle balance and postural stability and can increase risk of injry.

There are other golf fitness programs out there that claim to strengthen "golf muscles" by promoting exercises that mimic the golf swing. There are two problems with this approach to golf fitness. The first problem being; there are no specific "golf muscles". It takes virtually every muscle in the body working in precise concert to complete a golf swing. The second problem is; due to the repetition necessary to master the golf swing those targeted "golf muscles" are often already over developed and over tight in relation to the rest of the body. Performing exercises that mimic the golf swing prior to establishing a strong foundation and good muscle balance will only strengthen the imbalance and lead to further inconsistency and greater chance of injury.

Look for a qualified strength and conditioning or fitness professional that has a solid understanding of not only exercise science and biomechanics, but also the physical demands of the golf swing. Increased muscular strength and efficiency will allow you to increase power and consistency while drastically reducing chances of pain and injury. Add a well developed integrated exercise routine into routine and you will not only be playing better, but you will feel better doing it.

Bill Scibetta, RN, NSCA-CPT

Bill is the founder and President of Precision Fitness ? Personal Training Centers in the Charlotte, NC area and co-author of the book Play Better Longer! ? Peak Performance and Injury Prevention for Golf. Bill is a licensed Registered Nurse as well as a National Strength and Conditioning Association ? Certified Personal Trainer. After spending years practicing in the specialty of Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, Bill has dedicated his career to helping individuals identify and overcome obstacles that stand in the way of optimal wellness and peak physical performance.

http://www.LakeNormanFitness.com

---

Will You Have The Time For Your Golf Training Exercise

Modern living is such that many amateur golfers fear golf... Read More

How To Improve Your Golf Swing

So you need a little help with your golf swing.... Read More

Golf Tips: The Simple Secret to Solving the Slice

The slice is a shot which usually starts off slightly... Read More

Golfer Discovers 4 Time-Tested and Proven Methods to Lower Handicap!

Golfers are often on the lookout for a magic tip... Read More

Perfect Golf Swing Is Within Reach

The perfect golf swing. Aren't we all look for it?... Read More

Are You Fully Benefiting From Your Golf Swing Training Videos

The golf swing is so central and so important to... Read More

Functional Flexibility Is The Desire Of Every Golfer

Functional flexibility for golf is an important element. Quite often... Read More

A Lower Body Golf Swing Can Generate Maximum Power

The perfect lower body golf swing involves the legs to... Read More

The Worlds Elite Golf Courses

We all here different opinions of great challenging golf courses... Read More

What Should I Know About Biomechanics of the Golf Swing?

If you've read some of my articles in the past,... Read More

Golf Instruction Is Only Part Of The Equation

Golf instruction is critical in understanding the mechanics of the... Read More

Womens Golf Performance Is Directly Related To Strength

Womens golf is not much different than mens golf, but... Read More

What Are the Best Exercises for the Golfer?

With all the talk about the players on tour getting... Read More

5 Ways To Make Your Golf Fitness Program More Functional

Many of the top touring professionals know that winning on... Read More

Effective Golf Fitness Equipment

Golf fitness equipment is designed to help a golfer build... Read More

The Size and Weight Of A Golf Ball

Golf ball manufacturers pay attention to how most weekend golfers... Read More

Watch the Pros Play Golf

You can check out a pro golf swing on video... Read More

Junior Golf Is Becoming More Competitive?Why?

How do you get the edge when you're playing junior... Read More

GPS Golf Balls Are Almost Here

As GPS technology gets better and better and smaller and... Read More

Advice On Golf Training Aid Products

There are many different types of golf swing faults and... Read More

Shoulder Exercises To Improve Your Game

Your shoulder strength and flexibility are essential to producing an... Read More

Basic Golf Etiquette

Many golfers take to the sport without the basic understanding... Read More

Why The Golfing Game Has Changed Tremendously In Recent Years

The world has changed a great deal in recent years... Read More

Do You Understand Golf Club Swing Weight

Golf club swing weight. Have you heard that term before?A... Read More

What is Golf Exercise Equipment And How Can It Help

Golf exercise equipment can be a variety of pieces; but... Read More

What Causes Golf Back Pain?

Why it that back pain is such a common complaint... Read More

Online Golf Program Features and Benefits

There are many features and benefits to look for when... Read More

What A Golf Conditioning Tip Must Have

There are certain aspects that any good golf conditioning tip... Read More

Do You Have the Confidence to Play Competitive Golf?

Competitive golfers are always in search of the elusive characteristic... Read More

Golf Exercise And Fitness? And Why You Can No Longer Ingnore It

No golfer can afford to ignore golf exercise and fitness... Read More

Pull, Push or Carry? I?ll Carry My Golf Clubs Thanks

I love to play golf and I love to walk... Read More

How A Golf Fitness Book Can Transform Your Game

A golf fitness book that is written to give you... Read More

Increase your Flexibility with These 3 Key Golf Stretches

Why is it a golfer rarely asks for a full... Read More