| This is probably a burning desire of most every | | | | when met. We as golfers often set goals of |
| golfer on the planet. The desire to drive the golf | | | | lowering our handicap to single digits, drive the golf |
| ball farther and straighter, allowing us to lower our | | | | ball 280 yards, or not make any three putts. |
| golf scores on the golf course. One of the keys | | | | These are all "marks" we are trying to hit, and |
| to driving golf the straighter and longer is a golf | | | | these "marks" are essentially goals. |
| fitness program. This type of a training program | | | | Once the goals are set, a plan can be put in place |
| incorporates exercises to improve your golf | | | | to reach those goals. For example, if the desire is |
| swing. | | | | to lower your handicap to single digits, part of the |
| An amateur recently sent me an e-mail describing | | | | plan may be practicing at the range three times |
| how he is driving the golf longer and straighter | | | | per week. On the other hand, if the goal is add an |
| than ever before. He plainly states the reason for | | | | additional 20 yards to your drives, part of the plan |
| the improvement is directly connected to a golf | | | | may be the implementation of a golf fitness |
| fitness program he implemented 10 weeks ago. | | | | program to increase your flexibility, strength, |
| Here is what he had to say; | | | | endurance, and power. |
| "Sean, Thought I'd drop you a note to let you | | | | I will also say at times goals are not met, and |
| know I am still enjoying the BioForce workout | | | | that is okay. If a goal is not met, it provides us a |
| exercises and I'm getting closer to the goals I set | | | | point to reflect, make adjustments in our current |
| 10 weeks ago. | | | | program, and set new goals. |
| I still track my workouts and I am encouraged by | | | | Additionally, Colin you bring up a very good point |
| the progress I see, not only on the chart, but also | | | | on how much should you be "pushing yourself" on |
| with my swing. As a reward for my efforts and | | | | the exercises. We all probably are aware that in |
| progress, I bought a new Ping Tour wedge. Why | | | | order to improve in any task, golf swing included, |
| a wedge? | | | | we must put forth an effort. How much is very |
| Because I can already see I am hitting my drives | | | | important, and this is of the up most importance |
| consistently much straighter - | | | | in relation to golf fitness exercises. |
| This, of course, is giving me more distance and | | | | Let me first say there is a very fine line between |
| great enjoyment. | | | | the correct amount of exertion and too much |
| And, I am much more consistent with my pitches | | | | exertion. Too much exertion can lead to poor |
| and chips. | | | | exercise technique and a possible injury. Too little |
| So, a good wedge that will give consistent | | | | exertion will limit the benefits received from your |
| distance and allow me to try different types of | | | | golf fitness program. |
| shots to expand my skills seemed like the right | | | | A term I use as a guideline for the correct |
| reward. | | | | amount of exertion on each exercise is: "Perform |
| The only thing I am unsure of is "am I pushing | | | | each exercise to your own level of tolerance". |
| myself enough? Could you please have a look at | | | | Essentially this states every exercise you |
| my workouts and advise the best schedule for | | | | perform should be done with the; |
| me to meet my goals. | | | | 1) Correct technique |
| I know I haven't pushed myself on some the | | | | And |
| exercises like Side Holds as I should have; the | | | | 2) Performed for the number of repetitions in |
| result being no progress with this. | | | | which you can maintain proper exercise technique. |
| For my initial goals I have 5 weeks to go, if I miss | | | | This requires you to "push yourself", but in |
| these then Mid-May is the next deadline I have | | | | addition maintain an awareness of your exercise |
| set." | | | | technique. For example with the golf fitness |
| Colin | | | | exercise Side Holds, once you set yourself up in |
| Colin, let me first congratulate you on your | | | | the correct position, you should "hold" the position |
| progress, determination, and results you are | | | | for the amount of time you can until your |
| seeing. It is because of your hard work and | | | | technique falters. |
| dedication to the golf fitness programs your golf | | | | This guideline can be followed for almost every |
| game is improving. | | | | golf fitness exercise. Another golf fitness |
| I always like to say; "I have the easy part, all I | | | | exercise, the Jack Knife should be performed for |
| have to do is teach you, and the hard part is | | | | as many repetitions with the correct technique. If |
| following through with what I teach you." I tip my | | | | you find your technique starting to falter this is |
| hat to you. | | | | the point at which you stop. |
| Before I answer your question about "pushing | | | | To summarize, we know a golf fitness program |
| yourself", I would like to make a note of your | | | | can assist a golfer in driving the golf ball longer |
| goal setting. Goal setting is extremely important. I | | | | and straighter. In the bigger picture longer and |
| know Phil and almost every athlete I work with | | | | straighter drives is a goal. In order to achieve a |
| sets goals. On one hand, it allows you to measure | | | | goal in the sport of golf, a plan must be put in |
| yourself and see how you are progressing. | | | | place. The plan can include golf fitness exercises |
| I think all amateur golfers do this to some extent. | | | | as part of the steps for us to meet that goal. |
| Aren't we all trying to lower our handicaps, make | | | | Additionally, when we talk about any golf fitness |
| more birdies, and overall improve our golf game? | | | | exercise the correct amount of effort must be |
| The answer is yes, and on some level, we set | | | | exerted, but not exceeded. Following the guideline |
| goals to measure our progress. Additionally goals | | | | of "perform every golf fitness exercise to your |
| have another benefit. | | | | own level of tolerance" will help you maintain this |
| It provides a "mark" to achieve, keeps you | | | | fine line of effort. |
| focused, and provides a sense of accomplishment | | | | |