Golf and Pilates
More than 60% of all recreational golfers will suffer one or more golf related injuries during the course of their playing career. Most of these injuries result from poor mechanics, a lack of flexibility and generally poor golf ( physical) conditioning. -
Physician and Sports Medicine
Rich Beam, Tiger Woods and Annika Sorenstam are using Pilates to improve their bodies, reduce risk of injury and therefore advance their game. For the right handed (left side dominant) golf swing, the left (leading side) of the body is more commonly injured than the right or trailing side, and vice versa.
Those practicing golf specific Pilates experience enhanced results in less time and find they can hit the ball farther and straighter. Proper mechanics and swing plane require strength, flexibility and a strong core. Whilst Pilates provides these elements, it also improves posture, alignment and breathing.
Pilates will focus on exercises to improve –
- Core Abdominal Strength - Reduce risk of injury and improve your game by building up core strength
- Hip mobility - Increase hip flexibility with specific hip opening exercises that will increase your range of movement and improve your swing
- Shoulder Mobility - Good shoulder flexibility can minimize golf-related injuries to the shoulders, elbows, hands and wrists
- Back Strength and Flexibility - Maintaining optimum dynamic posture and spine angle can reduce lower back strain.
- Balance work - The key to a successful golf swing is balance
