The Ability Clinic   

What are Good Exercises for Golf?

Golf is a dynamic sport that requires a combination of strength, flexibility, stability, and mobility.

Incorporating a well-rounded exercise routine can help golfers improve their performance, prevent injuries, and enhance overall fitness. Here are some exercises that are beneficial for golfers:

1. Rotational Exercises:

  • Medicine Ball Rotational Throws:
  • Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, holding a medicine ball. Rotate your torso and throw the ball against a wall or to a partner.
  • Cable Woodchops:
  • Use a cable machine to perform woodchop exercises, simulating the rotational movement of the golf swing.

2. Core Strengthening:

  • Planks:
    • Perform front and side planks to strengthen the core muscles that are crucial for stability during the golf swing.
  • Russian Twists:
    • Sit on the floor with knees bent, holding a weight. Twist your torso from side to side, engaging your core.

3. Hip Mobility and Flexibility:

  • Hip Flexor Stretches:
    • Stretch the hip flexors to improve hip mobility. Kneel on one knee, push your hips forward, and feel the stretch in the front of the hip.
  • Seated Leg Swings:
    • Sit on the edge of a bench and swing one leg forward and backward, promoting hip flexibility.

4. Hamstring and Glute Exercises:

  • Deadlifts:
    • Deadlifts help strengthen the hamstrings and glutes, essential for stability and power in the golf swing.
  • Bridges:
    • Lie on your back with knees bent, lift your hips toward the ceiling, engaging your glutes and hamstrings.

5. Shoulder Mobility and Stability:

  • Shoulder Dislocations:
    • Hold a band or dowel with a wide grip and move it in front of your body and overhead to improve shoulder mobility.
  • YTWL Exercises:
    • These exercises target the muscles around the shoulders and upper back, enhancing stability.

6. Lunges:

  • Forward lunges, reverse lunges, and lateral lunges help improve lower body strength, stability, and balance.

7. Cardiovascular Exercise:

  • Engage in cardiovascular activities like brisk walking, jogging, or cycling to improve overall endurance on the golf course.

8. Flexibility Exercises:

  • Incorporate dynamic stretches and yoga poses to enhance overall flexibility, which is crucial for a fluid golf swing.

9. Golf-Specific Strength Training:

  • Work with a fitness professional to design a golf-specific strength training program that targets key muscle groups used in the golf swing.

10. Balance and Stability Exercises:

  • Single-Leg Balance:
    • Stand on one leg, engaging your core for balance. Progress by closing your eyes or adding arm movements.
  • BOSU Ball Exercises:
    • Perform exercises on a BOSU ball to challenge balance and stability.- Single-Leg Balance: – Stand on one leg, engaging your core for balance. Progress by closing your eyes or adding arm movements.

11. Wrist and Forearm Strength:

  • Wrist Curls:
    • Use light dumbbells to perform wrist curls to strengthen the forearm muscles used in gripping the club.

12. Golf-Specific Mobility Drills:

  • Golf T-Spine Rotation Drill:
    • Kneel on the ground and rotate your upper body, focusing on thoracic spine mobility.
  • Golf Hip Hinge Drill:
    • Practice the hip hinge movement, crucial for a proper golf setup and swing.

13. Golf-Specific Stretching Routine:

  • Golf Swing Stretch:
    • Mimic the golf swing without a club to stretch and warm up the muscles involved in the movement.-

14. Golf Fitness Classes:

  • Participate in golf fitness classes or work with a trainer who specializes in golf-specific training.

15. Posture Exercises:

  • Thoracic Extension Exercises:
    • Perform exercises that promote a straight and extended upper back, improving posture during the golf swing.

Tips for Safe Exercise:

  • Warm-Up: Always start with a proper warm-up before engaging in more intense exercises.
  • Progress Gradually: Progress the intensity and volume of exercises gradually to avoid overuse injuries.
  • Listen to Your Body: If you experience pain or discomfort, modify or stop the exercise and consult a healthcare professional if needed.
  • Stay Consistent: Consistency is key. Regularly incorporating these exercises into your routine will yield the best results.

Before starting a new exercise program, especially if you have existing health conditions, it’s advisable to consult with a healthcare professional or fitness expert to ensure that the exercises are suitable for your individual needs and abilities.


Rehabilitation and Wellness
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