How to Add Yards to Golf Drives
Simple Core Strengthening will Add Yardage and Advantage
Jan 27, 2008
Golfers are becoming more knowledgeable about fitness. As evidence, notice the trend of golf-specific fitness and exercise centers and programs that have been popping up everywhere over the past couple of years. Though joining a golf-specific program can be extremely valuable, it may be difficult for working parents to find the time or justify the extra expense.
According to golf fitness expert Susan Hill, the golf swing, and golf driving distance, starts with core (abdominal muscles) stability, then adds in the elements of strength, flexibility, balance and coordination. It only stands to reason that without a strong core, the desired distance off the tee, and even consistency, will not be achieved. Here are some simple exercises that will provide improved core strength:
- Crunch - The ever popular crunch. Although simple, it is one of the most effective means of core strengthening available. Ms. Hill's version calls for lying on the floor facing up with knees bent. Place the hands behind the head or across the chest and crunch forward. Contract the abdominals to raise the shoulders off the floor, pause and lower. An exercise ball may also be used to do this exercise.
- Twisting Crunch - The twisting crunch is identical to the simple crunch, but with the added rotation of the shoulders to opposite sides during the forward crunch and abdominal contraction.
- The Plank - This exercise begins with lying on the stomach with legs extended. Place the elbows directly beneath the shoulders with the hands reaching forward. Push the body up onto your toes and elbows. Pull the navel in toward your spine. Don't allow the lower back to drop towards the floor. Hold the position for 30 seconds for starters and increase the time strength is gained.
Missing from these core strengthening exercises is an expensive gym membership and equipment. They can be performed virtually anywhere; at home or even on breaks at work. Faithfully performing these exercises will add yards to golf drives and improve consistency throughout the entire round. Even better, include other strength and flexibility exercises in the routine. Not only will performance be improved, but golf injuries will come around less and less.
Having an improved driving distance, better golf game and an advantage over fellow golf competitors may not be the reason for playing, but it makes the game more fun.
More of Susan Hill's exercise and fitness tips, along with golf fitness books, nutritional information and mental golf fitness information, can be found at Fitness for Golf.
For other golf articles, visit the Suite 101 Golf homepage.
