MYTH BUSTING: TRAINING FOR GOLF
Golf is a sport that requires a unique blend of strength, flexibility, and technical skill.
Despite this, there are many misconceptions about the best ways to train for golf.
In this article, we'll tackle some of these golf myths head-on and provide you with a clear understanding of effective training strategies.
Golf Myths
Golf myths include, but are not limited to:
Strength training reduces mobility
Exercises should mimic the golf swing
Mobility is the most important thing for golfers
1. Strength Training Reduces Mobility
A common belief among golfers is that strength training can make you less mobile.
Often, this myth arises because of delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS), which can create a feeling of stiffness after workouts.
While DOMS can make you feel a bit restricted in the short term, it does not mean your overall mobility is reduced.
In fact, if you can perform exercises like squats, deadlifts, and lunges with good technique under load, it indicates you have an adequate range of motion.
These movements not only maintain but can also improve your mobility over time.
By strengthening your muscles, you are better able to control your movements and maintain stability throughout your swing, ultimately enhancing your performance on and off the course.
Deadlifts can improve your mobility.
2. Exercises Should Mimic The Golf Swing
Another prevalent golf myth is that exercises in a golfer's training plan should directly mimic the golf swing.
While it might seem logical to replicate the swing in your workouts, the reality is that golf-specific strength and power are built through more fundamental movements.
For example, golfers need to produce a lot of vertical force to drive the ball a long way.
Exercises like squats and jumps are excellent for developing this vertical force.
There are many more examples of exercises that improve physical capabilities relevant to golf, which I explain in detail within my app.
However, for golfers working on specific swing moves, I do recommend incorporating exercises with low resistance to help practice and reinforce those movement patterns in the gym.
These targeted exercises can complement your overall strength training routine, ensuring you develop the necessary power and precision in your swing.
Keen to improve your golf? Contact me on 07551005145.
3. Mobility Is The Most Important Thing For Golfers
While mobility is undoubtedly important for golfers, it is not the only aspect that should be focused on.
Many golfers spend too much time on mobility exercises at the expense of other crucial training elements.
Workout Routine For Golfers
To become a well-rounded golfer, it is essential to balance your training across multiple areas in a solid workout routine.
This includes:
Warming up properly before you play.
Engaging in 2-3 resistance training sessions per week.
Incorporating 1-2 mobility sessions.
Ensuring adequate recovery after every training session and round of golf.
Squats can help you to generate power in your golf swing.
Mobility exercises help maintain and improve your range of motion, but strength training and proper recovery are just as critical in preventing injuries and enhancing performance.
If you need structure and guidance with your training, consider joining my 1-2-1 golf support program.
To Summarise
In conclusion, effective golf training requires a balanced approach that incorporates strength training, mobility work, and proper recovery.
Strength training does not reduce mobility—in fact, it can enhance it when done correctly. Exercises do not need to mimic the golf swing directly; instead, they should focus on building the physical capabilities that support your swing.
And while mobility is important, it should be part of a broader training regimen that includes resistance training and recovery.
By busting these golf myths and following a comprehensive training plan, you can improve your golf performance and enjoy the game even more.
Thank you for trusting me with your golf training journey.
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