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They have had a vision of going into the local gym and being intimidated
by the "muscle heads." It can also be overwhelming to decide what plan
of action to take and if it will be worth the time and effort. I have
listed three myths about strength training for golf and the truths about
them as well.
"I will bulk up too much and that will hinder my golf swing." Golf conditioning specific for golf will not result in muscle gain that
will alter your swing mechanics. To increase muscle size, involves
lifting increasingly heavier weights with lower repetitions, increasing
your calorie intake dramatically, and spending a couple of hours per day
lifting weights.
A golf conditioning program incorporates moderate weight, with medium
(12-15) repetitions, and in a time frame of 30-45 minutes. This type of
program is designed to improve your golf specific strength and
endurance, not build muscle.
"I will lose flexibility if I lift weights." In fact, the opposite is true! Weak muscles are also tight muscles. When
you do resistance training, you are increasing blood flow, working
through a functional range of motion specific to golf, and strengthening
the tendons and ligaments in every joint of your body. In conjunction
with a stretching program, strength training will improve flexibility,
not hinder it.
"Weight training will cause me to lose feel." By strengthening your muscles specific to golf, you will have better
control of your body. A sport specific program trains your body
specifically for your golf game. When you improve functional strength,
you have more control and balance, which will improve your feel.
Strength training involves body awareness, muscular control, and
coordination. These are all key elements for enhanced golf.
So in summary, golf conditioning can be done when you are in your early
teens (with supervision), or into your late 80's. I have personally
worked with people in there 70's and 80's who increased their strength
100%. This was partly due to the initial level of fitness being so low.
My point is, that it is never too late to start. Search out a fitness
professional or golf conditioning specialist to design a golf specific
program and you will play better than you ever imagined! Start now! About The Author: Mike Pedersen is a respected golf fitness expert, and
the author of the Ultimate Golf Fitness Guide, numerous golf fitness
tips and founder of several online golf fitness sites. For more
information on his new, cutting-edge golf fitness e-book, go to http://www.ultimategolffitnessguide.com.
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