By Sean Cochran, Special to PGATOUR.COM
Golf fitness training can be very beneficial in improving the golf swing. In order to execute an efficient and effective golf swing, certain physical parameters within the body must be present. Referring to the principle of the body-swing connection, we can understand the reasoning why a physical foundation is required to execute each phase of the golf swing correctly.
The body-swing connection states that, in order to execute a biomechanically efficient golf swing, certain levels of flexibility, mobility, stability, strength and power are required of the body. Research and biomechanical analysis of the golf swing support this principle in addition to acknowledging the fact that, if the body is lacking in any one of the physical parameters required of the swing, the ability to execute the swing will be impeded. In such situations where the body is limiting the golf swing, this usually results in the development of compensations.
In order to prevent these situations, the golfer must first understand the principles behind the body-swing connection. As stated previously certain levels of mobility, flexibility, stability, strength, and power are required to execute a biomechanically efficient golf swing. In order to determine if a golfer is lacking in any of these physical components, we can turn our attention to the mobility/stability pattern of human movement.
The mobility/stability pattern of human movement states in order to create efficient movement or athletic actions, the body must operate in an alternating pattern of mobile joints and stable body segments. If this pattern of mobile joints and stable body segments is altered, dysfunction in movement patterns or athletic actions will occur. As it relates to the golf swing, this principle indicates the ability to execute each phase of the golf swing, generate speed and transfer this speed to the golf club will be impeded if dysfunction exists within the mobility/stability pattern of human movement.
A joint-by-joint review of the mobility/stability pattern of human movement indicates the following: Ankle -- mobile, knee -- stable, hip -- mobile, sacral/lumbar/pelvic complex -- stable, thoracic spine -- mobile, scapular/thoracic spine -- stable, gleno-humeral joint -- mobile, elbow -- stable, wrist -- mobile as it pertains to efficient human movement and the golf swing.
Once a golfer understands the importance of the body-swing connection and the mobility/stability pattern of human movement principle, the process of developing the required levels of mobility, flexibility, stability, strength, and power for the golf swing can begin. This process starts with a series of physical screens. These physical screens will assess a golfer's current levels of mobility, flexibility, stability, strength and power relative to the golf swing. The information gathered from these screens will then tell us what areas of the body we need to address with golf fitness exercises to improve one's swing. A common problem segment for many golfers is the lumbo/pelvic/hip complex sometimes referred to as the core. This is an area of the body that needs stability to execute the golf swing. Developing stability in this segment of the body occurs through golf fitness strength training exercises. One such exercise to utilize for the development of stability in this area of the body is the Bent Knee Hip Extension.
To perform the Bent Knee Hip Extension, lie flat on the back and place your heels on top of a box or bench. Place the heels next to each other, bend the knees to 90 degrees, and extend your arms straight out from the shoulders.
Brace the core and extend the hips upward by pressing into the bench with your heels. Continue to press upward until the hips are in-line with the knees and your shoulders. Contract the glutes while pausing for one second at the top position of the exercise, return to the starting position, and repeat for 8-15 repetitions. Increase the difficulty of the exercise by crossing the arms over your chest.
It is very important for a golfer to understand the body-swing connection as it pertains to the golf swing and how golf fitness exercises can beneficial in the development of an efficient golf swing. To learn more about Sean Cochran and his golf fitness training exercises and golf fitness programs go to http://www.seancochran.com.
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