Fitness
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What are the Benefits of Golf Core Training?

Ken Black
Ken Black

While one of the primary benefits of golf core training is to add length to nearly every shot on the golf course, the benefits are not strictly limited to the game of golf. Rather, golf core training is a good way to improve the overall health and appearance of individuals, especially those who have problems around the midsection of the body, known as the core. Increased strength, endurance, toning and flexibility, are all potential areas of improvement with this golf fitness strategy.

The area of the body that receives the most attention in golf core training is the midsection, or the portion below the chest down to the knees. This is the core area for golfers because much of the power generated from the swing comes from this area of the body. If applied properly and conscientiously, a program that includes this training should result in better abdominal muscles, obliques and thigh muscles. As such, it is especially useful for golf.

A golf fitness program conditions players for the long, often steep walks that are needed to play an entire 18 rounds of golf.
A golf fitness program conditions players for the long, often steep walks that are needed to play an entire 18 rounds of golf.

Increasing power is often one of the goals of any golfer in a golf core training program. While the arms and lower legs provide some of the power in a golf swing, the key is the central core, which allows the body to rotate back and then through the golf swing. Training strengthens the muscles that encourage proper form, which can not only help shots go longer distances, but also may help cut out some errant slices and hooks.

Golf core training strengthens the midsection of the body that generates the power behind a golfer's swing.
Golf core training strengthens the midsection of the body that generates the power behind a golfer's swing.

While strength is one of the hallmarks of any golf game, increasing endurance is also a focus, especially in situations where it is coming down to the end of a competitive round. Golf core training helps endurance in a number of different ways. First, it provides better conditioning for the back muscles, which helps reduce overall strain during the round. Also, the calories burned during the training workout help reduce the overall fatigue by lightening the load carried around the course.

Some golfers practice yoga in order to strengthen the core while also increasing stamina and flexibility.
Some golfers practice yoga in order to strengthen the core while also increasing stamina and flexibility.

Toning is the other major benefit of golf core training, and one that is not only coveted by golfers, but many other exercisers. In particular, focusing on the core can help firm up the upper legs, stomach and sides. Individuals considering a golf core training program may be able to tone in other ways as well, but this type of training is one of the options that exist.

Flexibility is another key to a golf core training routine. While some consider flexibility to be its own separate training program, strength and flexibility training do go hand in hand, especially in the game of golf. Without the flexibility to rotate back and through the ball, shots will fall far short of their potential.

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    • A golf fitness program conditions players for the long, often steep walks that are needed to play an entire 18 rounds of golf.
      By: Blair Howard
      A golf fitness program conditions players for the long, often steep walks that are needed to play an entire 18 rounds of golf.
    • Golf core training strengthens the midsection of the body that generates the power behind a golfer's swing.
      By: Malcolm Boyd
      Golf core training strengthens the midsection of the body that generates the power behind a golfer's swing.
    • Some golfers practice yoga in order to strengthen the core while also increasing stamina and flexibility.
      By: Warren Goldswain
      Some golfers practice yoga in order to strengthen the core while also increasing stamina and flexibility.