Golf Fitness

Golf is the leisure activity of choice for many here in Almerimar and along the coasts of Spain, and who can blame with them with the year round weather, amazing views and plethera of golf courses to pick from. Manhy retire with plans of playing many a round of golf with friends and family, so it makes sense to ensure that you are in tip top shape for that perfect round!

After all the majority of golfers spend a fortune on lessons, equipment, books, rounds and clothing, so it makes sense to invest some time in your golf fitness.

Like many sports, the fitter you are the better you can concentrate on the technique. The key areas for a golfer to concentrate on are:

• Power
• Breathing
• Mobilty
• Flexibility
• Inner Core Strength
• Balance
• Speed
• Stamina
• Focus

Now I doubt many could achieve the levels of say Tiger Woods (Colin Montgomerie maybe!!), but if you want to be standing over that last drive down the 18th, of the clinching putt on the final green totally focussed on the shot and not worrying where the nearset oxygen tent is, there are some important areas that you can work on:

Nutrition

Notice how much water the pros drink, and the food they consume during a round. No bacon sandwich at the half way hut for them and a nip of brandy from the hip flask to keep the chill out! Common sense is your best ally here, so try to:

• Drink LOTS of water
• Snack on Fresh Fruit
• Avoid alcohol and fatty foods

A good diet will help you say focussed and full of energy throughout your round.

Cardio

Even when using a buggie you are going to be doing a pretty long and steady cardio vascular exercise, and the best way to prepare for that is to build up your cardio levels via some steady, low inpact cardio exrcises. A brisk walk with some rest intervals is a good idea. Just like a round of golf! Try walking briskly, stopping and taking some deep breaths to get the heart rate under control, the walking briskly again ….. and repeat. Think how many times you do this in a round of golf and you will be able to work out the benefits!

Strength & Power

OK so if you have retired to Spain to enjoy your golf then you aren’t going to be sending much time in the gym. Buiding up your inner core strength via some regular pilates/yoga type exercise will do wonders for your balance, power and strength. It is a low impact exercise that you can do easily at home so give it a try! With more energy and better posture your golf swing has more chance of remaining consistent throughout your round, and consistency is the number one aim of pretty much every golfer in the world.

Stretching

Best way to avoid those aches and pains that creep up on you around the 15th hole is to stretch well before your round, and during the round work on some gentle stretches that keep the tension and muscle fatigue at bay.

Bu the real time to be doing your stretching is daily! Combine some daily stretching with some moderate aerobic exercise and inner core strength and your golf fitness will soon improve.

REMEMBER though, consult your Doctort before emabarking on any exercise or training programe, and seek advice from a professional on the best raneg of exercises for your life style.

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