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GOLF RESOURCE GUIDE:
FITNESS
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Tired of the same old resolutions? Try these on for size. They’re easy to maintain and could take your golf game to an exciting new level in 2007. 1. Set goals We’d all like to break 70, but it isn’t going to happen. Write down a specific, achievable and measurable goal — such as lowering your average score by five strokes — and you’re halfway there. 2. Practice Make a commitment to get to the range or putting green at least once a week, and since 70 percent of golf is played from 100 yards in, concentrate on your short game and putting. 3. Take Lessons Adapting a golf swing to your body type is important. Find a PGA teaching professional in your area who can design a lesson package with your specific needs in mind. If you’re a beginner, group lessons are a good way to start. 4. Stretch Out Not being flexible hinders your swing and can lead to injuries. A 15-minute stretching routine can reduce lower back pain, improve posture, decrease joint pain and allow you to make a consistent golf swing. Try stretching in the evenings or after a five-minute walk. 5. Don’t Resist Change Resistance training with weights, bands, cables or stability balls can improve your golf game. A fitness professional in your area can assess your body and design a program that is right for you. 6. Get in Motion A 30-minute cardiovascular routine four days a week will strengthen your legs and heart, which leads to more endurance. Good cardiovascular exercises include walking, running, biking or treadmills and elliptical trainers. 7. Maintain A Balanced Diet Follow the food pyramid and eat complex carbohydrates and lean meats and avoid sugars and high-fat foods. This will help both mentally and physically. When it comes to golf, avoid large amounts of food in the two hours leading up to your tee time. A meal two to three hours before play is preferred. Don’t skip meals, but eat smaller ones. Golfers need a steady release of energy to get through a round. 8. Stay Loose Warming up before a round will save you strokes and prevent possible injuries. Devote at least 10 minutes to warming up your muscles before practicing or playing. You can find a first tee warm-up routine at www.HealthyGolfer.com. 9. Stay the Course You’ll undoubtedly make a mistake or two on the journey to achieving your goals. Successful people consistently measure their progress, realize their mistakes, take actions to rectify them and continue the march toward achieving their goals. 10. Don’t Be a Pain If you have existing injuries, heal them before swinging a club. To avoid new injuries, follow the previous resolutions. You can do this. SG Mike Hansen is based in Irvine. He can be reached at (949) 251-0533. |
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