Why Pilates for Golf?
Pilates is based on movement from the center of the
body, as are most shots in golf. It strengthens the center of the body, also
known as the core (the trunk, shoulder girdles and pelvis). Core strength can
improve hip rotation, range of motion in the shoulders and back stability,
leading to more powerful and accurate golf shots. It is also a full body
exercise that works all muscles and is easy on the joints. The end result is a
flexible, symmetrically muscled body that is strengthened from the inside out.
"If you've followed my career you probably
remember when I was nowhere near as physically fit as I am now. What I really
wanted was to get stronger and more flexible, and to look and feel more like a
professional athlete. I've changed my routine to go easier on my back. I don't
do squats or anything that involves a lot of compression of the spine. I've
also scaled back on running, because of the pounding effect it has on the
spine."
Annika Sorenstam continues rewriting the LPGA
record books, launching herself into legendary golfer status. Annika is very
smart about how she exercises and trains. She can perform several hundred
repetitions of strengthening for her "core" muscles every day without
hurting herself. Not all of these repetitions are the typical abdominal
crunches. She incorporates Pilates training into her workout for variety and to
keep her workout safe.
• ---- •
PERFORMANCE BENEFITS
A stronger and more stable core helps golfers:
· Attain an optimal back swing and follow-through with increased range of
motion in shoulders
· Get more distance and power because of added hip and torso flexibility
· Have a stronger and bigger hip turn for greater power through rotation
· Create a smoother and more powerful swing due to evenly conditioned back
muscles
· Maximize balance and alignment while rotating
· Decrease fatigue because of less strain on the body
· Hold a body position long enough to play through a shot
· Play without pain!
TESTIMONIALS OF ACTUAL GOLFERS:
"If you've followed my career you probably
remember when I was nowhere near as physically fit as I am now. What I really
wanted was to get stronger and more flexible, and to look and feel more like a
professional athlete. I've changed my routine to go easier on my back. I don't
do squats or anything that involves a lot of compression of the spine. I've
also scaled back on running, because of the pounding effect it has on the
spine."
"I've added yoga to my routine recently, and
combining that with my Pilates program gives me all the cardiovascular workout
I need. Pilates is a method of conditioning that involves hundreds of exercises
designed to improve strength and flexibility without adding bulk."
Dave Duval - Four-time All-American Georgia Tech.
1st 2001 British Open. 2nd 2001 The Masters. 2002 World Ranking #15
• ---- •
Annika Sorenstam continues rewriting the LPGA
record books, launching herself into legendary golfer status. Annika is very
smart about how she exercises and trains. She can perform several hundred
repetitions of strengthening for her "core" muscles every day without
hurting herself. Not all of these repetitions are the typical abdominal
crunches. She incorporates Pilates training into her workout for variety and to
keep her workout safe.
Annika Sorenstam - #1 World
• ---- •
Pilates helps you:
· Build up the back muscles evenly
· Elongate and align the spine for better stability
· Strengthen the abdominals
· Increase overall flexibility, strength and balance
· Increase range of motion in hips and shoulders
· Enhance concentration through focused breathing
