The Best Golf Fitness Exercises

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As golf continues to remain popular, even during the current weak economy, many golfers recognize that to have the ability to improve their game, they should turn to fitness. As a result, a whole new industry, golf fitness, has been born. We can probably thank Tiger Woods for this trend, since he is the first golfer to truly train like a professional athlete. Many of the younger players have followed his lead, and most PGA Tour pros now incorporate fitness into their regimen.

What does that mean for the average golfer? Well, if you have played another sport in the past, chances are you have some knowledge about weight training, cardio training, stretching, etc. Former athletes, particularly those in sports where a fit and lean body, but not necessarily a muscular body is warranted, have a head start on the average golfer. They already possess strong legs, core muscles, shoulders and arms, and likely have decent flexibility.

On the other hand, there are many golfers out there who have never trained their bodies to any extent, and this often shows up during golf lessons. Students who do not have strength in any of the areas above have a great deal of difficulty with the rotation and balance that are required in the golf swing. Some athletic types struggle as well, particularly those who have done little stretching over time.

So what are the best golf exercises? It is necessary to combine a strength training routine with a flexibility training routine. Flexibility is somewhat more important in that it will allow the golfer to create a bigger shoulder turn and maintain posture. Strength training is important where the core muscles, legs and shoulders may be a little weak.

When it comes to flexibility training, golfers should focus much attention to exercises that stretch the hamstrings, glutes, hip muscles, lower back and shoulders. For golfers who have limited flexibility, stretching the body three times per week for a good 30 to 45 minutes is recommended.

For strength training, heavy weight training is not recommended, but rather exercises that utilize body weight are more suited to golfers. Different styles of push-ups, including plyometric push-ups are an important component of this type of strength training. Push-ups of different varieties can work the forearms, triceps, shoulders, chest and upper back.

Pull-ups are another great exercise, but most people, particularly since many are over weight, really struggle with these. However, training bands are a decent substitute for the pull-up bar or lat machines at the gym. These exercises help to strengthen the forearms, biceps, lats and upper back.

For the legs, wall squats and a variety of plyometric type of low impact jumping exercises that utilize squats are terrific exercises. Martial arts stance training exercises are also good, particularly for people with bad ankles and knees who need to avoid any kind of impact training.

Last but not least are the core exercises. These are the muscles between the chest and the upper legs such as the abdominals, lower back, hip flexors and obliques. This muscles are very important for allowing the body to maintain good balance and generating an extra bit of power. Rather than just doing normal crunches, it is recommended that exercises involving at least a couple different muscle groups are performed in one exercise. Abdominal exercises where the feet are off the floor and legs are extended at some point are terrific exercises for the core.

To really excel at golf it is a good idea to incorporate a solid fitness routine. This will also help the golfer continue to play at a higher level later in life. The beauty of the exercises that can really help a golfer achieve these goals is that they can all be performed at home with limited equipment. It's never too late to get started!