Though golf isn’t the most athletic of sports, it can be a fantastic way to keep fit and healthy. Golf training offers players low-impact cardiovascular exercise and can even help build upper body strength.
On an eighteen-hole course, golfers can cover up to five kilometres of ground, sometimes whilst carrying bags and clubs. Driving and hitting the ball while golf training also works the arms and back muscles.
Of course, to reach your full potential as a golfer and continually improve your game, it helps to be as healthy as possible. A combination of fitness exercises, the right diet and personal golf training can help you improve. Golf training can also help you avoid common injuries to the shoulder, back and arms.
Golf fitness – ways to maximise your round
Though golf training is a good way to get gentle, low-impact exercise, there are things you can do to increase the cardiovascular and resistance effects of a full round.
- Avoid caddies. Instead of paying for a club caddy or a motorised cart, carry your golf bag and clubs. The extra weight you have to haul around is great exercise!
- Try and walk briskly between holes, rather than ambling slowly. It’s a good sign if you can work up a sweat.
- Bring wrist weights or practice with your clubs whilst your golfing partner is taking their shot.
- Drink lots of water and avoid sugary drinks and unhealthy snacks during your game.
- Use golf training and play better! The better your technique, the less likely you are to suffer an injury. Good technique through golf training can even help lower your stress levels!
Golf training – warming up and staying fit
Though golf is generally a low-impact sport, the repetitive swing action can lead to strains and aches. There are several things you can do to avoid injury while golf training:
- Warm up before each round of golf with proper stretching and motion exercises.
- Do a brief warm up before you take your shot (slowly roll your shoulders and move your waist in a circle).
- Get golf training from a pro. Good technique can help you avoid injury.
- Get a good pair of golfing shoes and decent golfing gloves.
- Don’t play on if you’re experiencing discomfort.
Personal golf training
Golf is a game of technique, poise and practice. You can benefit greatly by learning from a professional golf trainer. Golf training can help you improve your swing, develop a better range of shots and get lower numbers on that scorecard.
Contact us free of charge to find out more about our network of golf trainers and coaches and to arrange a golf training session in your area.