No Magic Wand Needed: Get Golf Fit this Spring

Living Well

Written by: Marvin Nixon, Personal Trainer, Toronto Athletic Club

A question I ask every new client looking to boost their golf game is: “If I could hand you a magic wand, how would you use it to improve your golf game?”

The response usually falls into three categories (outside of lower scores, of course): hitting the ball farther, playing without pain, or playing the game they love for years to come. In each case, the “magic wand” is the same, consistent effort and focus working on your golf-specific fitness away from the course will yield these results.

Now, if you want to get stronger, more mobile, and more powerful just one week before your golf course opens for the spring, that will require a lot of magic. Getting your body ready for the golf season requires at least 6 weeks of consistent training followed by ongoing maintenance for the rest of the season. Basically, the time to start is now.

What's the magic formula for being ‘golf fit’? No matter what your current fitness level, the answer is more mobility, strength, and power work, with a focus on how your body needs to move to swing a golf club confidently and consistently.

What we will focus on in your golf fit program will depend on your goals on the course and the results of a golf-specific movement assessment. A successful golf fitness program focuses on mobility, strength, and power through mini programs each lasting a few weeks.

How will a golf fitness program benefit you?

Increased Power and Distance: Exercises that build mobility, strength, and rotational power are crucial for generating more club head speed and adding distance to your shots.

Improved Consistency and Accuracy: A fitness program that emphasizes balance, stability, and proper body mechanics, leads to a more repeatable and consistent swing. This translates to better accuracy and fewer errant shots, lost balls, and penalty strokes.

Reduced Risk of Injury: Training that focuses on strengthening the supporting muscles and improving flexibility will help prevent common golf injuries, allowing you to play more all season and for years to come.

Enhanced Endurance: Playing a full round of golf requires stamina. Appropriate cardiovascular endurance exercise and a strength endurance focus helps you stay strong and mentally focused from the first tee to the 18th green.

Improved Motivation and Support: Working out with a trainer who understands the game and in an environment with fellow golfers creates a supportive and motivating environment, pushing you to achieve your fitness goals.

There is no magic wand. What works is getting started and staying consistent with a focus on what you need to be prepared to play better golf. Whether one-on-one with a trainer or in a small group setting, appropriate golf exercise will ensure that you are getting the most out of your body and out of your golf game.

If you’re interested in learning more about training for golf, watch this space or email Rob.