January Fitness Tip: The Core, What is it Good “Fore”?
Get ready to golf by strengthening your core muscles. IF White Rock training coach Nick Mueller offers an explanation of how strengthening this important muscle group can help your game.
There’s no arguing that engaging in any kind of fitness program will benefit your health and overall well being. As golfers, its common to read in media sources or be told by your teaching professional that your game will improve if you strengthen your “core”. But what is the core? Unfortunately, in our current health crazed society, the term is used quite loosely often leaving people confused and unsure of its true function and meaning. Although there are many working definitions of the term, health and fitness professionals commonly describe the core as a group of muscles connecting the diaphragm, lower back, abdominal wall, and the pelvis providing the body with the dynamic stability necessary for efficient movement. In the golf swing, adequate core stability is needed for efficient rotation found in the takeaway, transition at the top in the backswing, initiation of the downswing, and impact.
Try these two exercises to help improve your core stability.
The Lift: In a half kneeling stance, firmly grip the FMT tubing handles beginning at the hip on the side with the knee down. Staying close to the body lift towards the opposing shoulder, then extend the arms straight out and hold for 2 seconds. Finish the movement by returning to the starting position.
The Chop: In a half kneeling stance, firmly grip the FMT tubing handles beginning with your arms extended by the shoulder on the side with the knee up. Staying close to the body, chop diagonally towards the opposing hip then hold for 2 seconds. Finish the movement by returning to the starting position.
For all of your golf fitness needs, contact Nick Mueller at or call 604-536-1355.
Nick Mueller
Professional Training Coach
Innovative Fitness, White Rock
www.InnovativeFitness.com
