Pilates for Golf
Hit the ball farther, straighter and more accurately with less chance of injury….
Whether twisting the body on a drive, squatting down to measure a putt or leaning over to pick up a ball, golfers constantly torque their bodies. Golf also requires repeating the same essential movements. As a result some muscles become overused and others weaken, causing an imbalance.
For a golfer, muscle imbalances can affect the legs, hips, arms, shoulders, and the lower back. It can also affect your game, particularly for those over the age of 50. Your drives may be shorter and less accurate, your stamina may decrease, and the potential for debilitating strains, pulls and tears becomes much higher. Many golfers - from weekend warriors to the game’s elite like Tiger Woods and Annika Sorenstam - are now turning to Pilates as an essential training tool that keeps the body in balance and actually improves performance.
Why Pilates?
Pilates is based on movement from the center of the body, as are most shots in golf. It strengthens the center of the body, also known as the core (the trunk, shoulder girdles and pelvis). Core strength can improve hip rotation, range of motion in the shoulders and back stability leading to more powerful and accurate golf shots. It is also a full body exercise that works all muscles and is easy on the joints. The end result is a flexible, symmetrically muscled body that is strengthened from the inside out.
Pilates helps:
- Strengthen back muscles evenly
- Elongate and align the spine for better stability
- Strengthen the abdominals
- Increase overall flexibility, strength, and balance
- Increase range of motion in hips and shoulders
- Enhance concentration through focused breathing
Performance Benefits:
- A stronger and more stable core helps golfers:
- Attain an optimal backswing and follow-through with increased range of motion in shoulders
- Get more distance and power because of added hip and torso flexibility
- Have a stronger and bigger hip turn for greater power through rotation
- Create a smoother and more powerful swing due to evenly conditioned back muscles
- Maximize balance and alignment while rotating
- Decrease fatigue because of less strain on the body
- Hold a body position long enough to play through a shot
- Play without pain!
How to Get Started:
Pilates consists of a series of matwork exercises plus exercises performed on specialized equipment created by Joseph Pilates. All Pilates exercises need to be performed with precise technique with proper emphasis being on correct posture and muscle activation. While Pilates is commonly performed in a large class format, golfers will gain much more benefit from a golf specific Pilates program and one-on-one sessions with a highly trained instructor.
