A Guide to Golf Conditioning

Conditioning for golf sounds like an oxymoron doesn’t it?  But let me ask you this.  Do you feel stress in your body during or after a golf swing?  I’m referring to physical stress.  The muscles tightening; the lower back stiffening; the joints aching; or just plain physical fatigue.  The reason I ask is to make you aware that conditioning for golf will help eliminate all the above.  

I’ve written many articles pertaining to the traumatic effect the golf swing can have on the body.  Swinging a 3 foot plus lever (club) at up to 100 mph in a very dynamic and sometimes uncomfortable position (golf posture) will abuse your body quickly if you have not prepared your muscles from both a strength and flexibility standpoint.

Physical breakdown of the body is a common occurrence for golfers.  Many golfers don’t realize the intense pressure the golf swing causes, and yet they’ll deal with aches and pains through their entire golfing career.

It doesn’t have to be that way!

Golf is an athletic movement and you should physical prepare your body to perform, like any other athlete would for his or her sport.

Doesn’t that make sense?

I see golfers every day on the range and the golf course who are physically broken.  They have locked up shoulders, inhibiting their ability to rotate fully; they have no core strength (most golfers are sporting too many pounds in the middle) to produce power and distance; poor hamstring flexibility, making it impossible to maintain golf poster; the upper back muscles are weak and tight causing the rounded upper back, eliminating any chance of proper spine angle.

I could go on and on, but I think you’re getting the picture.

I don’t know if golfers are in denial of the importance of conditioning for golf, or just don’t want to put any effort into that aspect of the game.  But either way, it is inevitable that a weak and restricted body will have no chance at maximizing potential.  It’s a physical impossibility.

Conditioning for golf should be taken seriously!

When you do a program specific to golf, it can be fun.  Boredom is one of the biggest causes of consistency and results.  But if you knew you were doing something not only for your personal health, but to benefit your golf game, wouldn’t that motivate you to stick with it?

We’re not talking about going to a gym for 2 hours with all the muscle heads.  We’re talking about 20-30 minutes a day in your home.  Simple and fun exercises with tubing, handweights and a stability ball.  Your complete golf fitness gym for under $60.  No gym memberships.  Just a fun routine in the privacy of your home.

Evaluate where your golf swing and game are currently and ask yourself this question.  “Would I play better if I could move my body more fluidly and powerfully?”  The answer is a resounding YES!  You’ve got to realize this sooner or later.  Prepare your body to perform and the sky is the limit.

Get started right now on your conditioning for golf!

How to Buy an Affordable Treadmill

If you want to purchase a new treadmill, chances are you will not find a treadmill for less than $500. It is obviously a great investment for your health. Research found that cardio workouts will be the healthiest from the exercise for adults, as mentioned above, it will cost for you. As being said before, you should not let a large price tag prevent you from finding this useful piece of fitness equipment. So, the budget-conscious health buff to do is by purchasing the used treadmill.

You can visit some local thrift stores, second-hand shops and also Salvation Army centers. Most of these stores have the fitness equipment at the affordable prices.

You can purchase some local newspapers which are available on Friday. And then you can scour the classified parts for yard sale and garage sales of your area. These kinds of sales almost features used fitness equipment such as a treadmill that can be found for the affordable price.

If you wish to buy the new treadmill, but you still want the new one to be affordable, you can use an internet in finding bargains by workout-equipment stores or you can find retailers that have major sales.

Keep your eye out for the affordable treadmill offers that features in the junk mail. These kinds of offers usually come about during weekends when some stores try to get more customers.

You can also use the auction sites such as eBay. If you want to concern of shipping and handling charges, you may narrow your search, so it will include neighboring cities. In this way, you can find out the treadmill and choose it in person.

It is also necessary for you to go to the local retailers and find out of kind of payment choices that they offer for the treadmill. Smaller, non-chain fitness equipment stores have a willing to work out the plans of monthly payment with you.

Golf Exercises For Seniors

Senior exercise for golf is becoming evident, but not enough to make a dent in the aging golfers’ approach to golf improvement.  So many golfers who reach their 60’s and up are looking for anything that will help them improve and yet the last thing they look at is their body.

With age comes a declining level of strength, flexibility, endurance, balance, coordination and more.  With that being said, why wouldn’t a senior golfer take care of those issues with a golf training and conditioning program?

It is quite obvious the body at that age dictates the outcome.  With a slight improvement in both strength and flexibility the senior golfer can see dramatic improvements on the course.

The return on investment is well worth it!

If you’re a senior golfing wanting to enjoy many years of good golf, you need to take a serious look at a senior exercise for golf program.  One that suits your needs and current physical fitness level.

Once you do…you’ll need to create some consistency to see results.  There’s no such thing as a “quick-fix” in regards to health, fitness and even golf.  At the same time, it doesn’t need to be a commitment of several hours every day seven days a week.  

You would be setting yourself up for failure from the ‘get-go’.

Being realistic with your goals and commitment level will give you the best results in the shortest amount of time.  The number one cause of failure is adherence.  Stick to it long-term and the sky is the limit.

A senior exercise for golf program can consist of 4-6 strength exercises, and 3-4 flexibility ones.  That’s how simple and easy it can be.  If you get the “fitness bug”, you’ll naturally do a little more.  But starting off with this type of program format will be doable and enjoyable.

As soon as you start seeing results in your driving distance and accuracy, you’ll become a believer in fitness for golf.  It really is the missing link to a great game.

The main focus of your senior exercise for golf program will be your core rotational strength and flexibility; along with hamstrings and maybe shoulders.  Those are the key areas that will give you a noticeable improvement in power output and consistency of swing.

The best part is you can do this type of program right in your own home.  I’ve developed all my golf performance programs and websites to utilize minimal (and affordable) equipment in the home or even office.  I’ve received over 10,000 emails in the last 6 years, since launching the first online golf performance website…on how great it is to not need a gym membership.

So take a look around or do a search for golf fitness or golf training to see what senior exercise for golf program suits you the best.

Brisk Fitness Strategies for Professionals

Because we live fast-paced, modern lifestyles, many folks find it hard to fit physical fitness into their schedules. It’s not true that people are just lazy when they can’t exercise. It is true however, that some occupations are so time-intensive that people have trouble catching a five-minute lunch on a daily basis.

Do you have to sacrifice your health because you don’t have time to exercise? The answer is a plain and simple no.

Debunking exercise myths

Many people think they have to exercise two hours a day to remain healthy. The point of physical fitness is eliminating excess fat and keeping the cardiovascular system strong. You don’t have to look buff to be healthy.

A 20-minute workout, split into five short increments is fine. You will still be enjoying the benefits of a twenty-minute workout even if you split the workout. Short exercises will boost your immune system and keep your bones strong and fracture-free.

Calcium absorption would also improve immensely. Folks entering their thirties need to think about their bone density, and the risk of getting scoliosis and osteoporosis once they hit their golden years.

Workouts- anytime you want

According to Samantha Wilkins, a fitness instructor in Virginia:

“Preparedness is the name of the game. If you can sneak in those impromptu exercise sessions, you’re bound to be physically fit.”

If you have a car, store exercise gear in the trunk. The gear doesn’t have to be bulky. A jump rope would be a great implement for a fierce cardiovascular exercise. An exercise band (an elastic band used for strength training) can also comfortably fit in the trunk. If you have ten minutes to spare, don’t spend it smoking or lounging around- exercise!

Walking can also be a great way to shed the pounds. Pumping while walking (rhythmically moving the arms alternately with each step) can increase the exercise value of walking.

Desk job is no trouble

According to Katrina Nargis, a sports science researcher based in Washington:

“Learning how to improvise can greatly improve your health. A desk and a chair is all you need to do the most basic exercises. Trust me, you don’t want travelling blood clots to hinder your race to reach the top of your career.”

The exercises that Nargis was referring to are push-ups, leg lifts and so-called gut busters. Push-ups are the easiest. Hold the armrests with both your hands and slowly raise yourself up until both arms are extended. Then slowly lower yourself. Use the momentum to raise yourself again before your buttocks touch the seat of the chair.

As for leg lifts, you simply have to raise each leg slowly and hold for ten seconds. Do it alternately. Try a set of twenty before going to higher sets. As for gut-busters, hold the rests of your chair tightly once again and bend your knees toward your chin.

The tighter the curl, the more effective your gut-busting exercise. Try this exercise in increments of five. If you’re no longer out of breath after the fifth crunch, increase the set to seven. Eventually, do a dozen in one seating.

How To Become A Pilates Instructor In 4 Quick Steps

Pilates is now one of the most popular exercise methods in the world today. Many individuals enrol to different fitness centres just to achieve the ultimate Pilates experience. Pilates has two key elements: core muscle strength and spinal alignment.

This requires complex movements and muscle flexibility to learn efficient exercise methods and to achieve successful results. Most health schools and fitness institutions need qualified instructors to guide Pilates practitioners and help them attain the best results from Pilates. Job opportunities are pouring in for many health and fitness providers to be able to build a career and here is how to become a Pilates Instructor in four quick steps.

Enroll in Pilates Training Courses

Pilates certification is necessary to be able to qualify and professionally teach Pilates. Pilates certification is generally divided into two parts: the Pilates mat certification and the Comprehensive Pilates certification. Aside from these, there are various levels of advanced training available for those who would like to specialise in a certain field of Pilates teaching.

Take the National Pilates Certification Exam

Every professional practitioner requires certification exams to evaluate their technical knowledge and skills in teaching their chosen field of profession. Although some fitness centres or health schools might not require any certifications for those who want to teach Pilates, it is still advised to acquire one. It will be your best protection in being a Pilates provider. You can also acquire certification for combining Pilates with the use of fitness equipments and other exercise methods. This includes yoga-Pilates or Pilates on ball techniques that will enhance your skills and efficiency as a Pilates instructor.

Be Physically Fit

In order to provide effective Pilates teaching, you should be physically fit yourself. Pilates uses muscle flexibility and core muscle stability that can be very difficult to execute and teach if your body is not properly conditioned. You may be putting your students and yourself at risk when performing complex movements and exercises. You should also be aware of the six essential Pilates principles to give your practitioners the real Pilates experience. Centering, Concentration, Control, Precision, Breath and Flow form the foundation of providing the correct Pilates approach that makes it unique from any other exercise methods of today.

Build Discipline

In order to become an effective Pilates instructor you should be able to acquire self-discipline and passion for Pilates. Teaching requires patience, diligence and love for the field. Many students will need your energy and attention towards their own performance to be able to teach them the proper ways of executing Pilates. Communication is also a very important part of being a Pilates instructor. Pilates is more physical than any other kind of physical exercises or activities. You should be able to let your students feel Pilates in a more holistic perspective.

Young health professionals are more and more interested in taking Pilates courses in Dublin to enhance their own skills and well-being. Pilates teacher training courses are widely offered by most health and fitness schools to many health practitioners and professionals and Pilates isexpected to become a flourishing career in the years to come.