A Golf Fitness Coach Equals Great Golf
Mike Pedersen
Golf fitness coach. Have you ever considered one…and 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. Yes…that 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 you’re researching it online is to either ask very golf specific swing technique questions; or take a look at the information on the website. You’ll 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.
It’s easy for a trainer to have a strength component…but 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 are…run! 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 don’t 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 won’t happen to you. So definitely consider a golf fitness coach.
About the author: About The Author: Mike Pedersen is one of the top golf fitness swing trainers in the country, author and founder of several cutting-edge online golf fitness sites. Take a look at his just released golf fitness dvds and manual at his
The latest information and news on Golf:
Golf Course Review - TPC Jasna Polana
Golf Tidbits: Too little, too late for PGA Tour?
Golf Tidbits: Too little, too late for PGA Tour?
Golf Tidbits: Kaymer, Watson overshadowed by Johnson
Golf Tidbits: Kaymer, Watson overshadowed by Johnson
GOLF: Coston wins PNWPGA Senior Championship
Semiahmoo golf instructor Jeff Coston came from 5 strokes back after the first day to capture his fi
GOLF
GOLF
Golf academy puts kids on course
The Simonds Golf Academy is kicking off classes next week.
Golf team gets into the swing
On Wednesday the Yellow Springs High School golf team hosted Bethel at Locust Hills golf course in Springfield. The team drove, chipped and putted their way through the course on a beautiful early fall day, ultimately losing the match by a score of 172-211.
Golf course transition to private management complete
The Mt. Graham Golf Course is under new management, but not much has changed. Burt Watkins is still the golf pro; prices have remained the same; and the holes are where they were.
"No. 1 Golf Date" Hilary Rhoda hits the range
For GOLF Magazine's No. 1 Issue, Sports Illustrated swimsuit model Hilary Rhoda explains why a trip to the driving range would be a great first date.
Golf is rewarding sport for Lonoke?s Robinson
Ryan Robinson received his first golf set when he was 1 year old, and nine years later he has amassed 50 awards, trophies and medals.