In today’s blog, we will discuss the various benefits that performance training has on your golf game, as well as potential reasons why you may not be getting the results you anticipated with your training.
Why Does Someone Need Golf-Specific Training?
There are many benefits that performance training can have on your golf game. Whether you are stiff, weak or experience inconsistencies on the course, everyone has something to gain from a performance stand-point that can be achieved in the gym. Improving flexibility will improve the overall range of motion and increase the ease of achieving certain golf positions throughout the swing, as well as reduce risk of injury. Improving strength, on the other hand, can lead to hitting the ball further and reduce mid-round fatigue.
A good general rule of thumb that might seem obvious (but is sometimes overlooked), is to strengthen what is weak, and lengthen what is tight. In theory, this may seem like a no-brainer, and many times, it is. However, you must first identify whether a muscle is tight or if it’s weak – as they can present the same at times. This should be done during an in-depth evaluation from a healthcare professional through various tests and examinations to determine the right approach for you.
What If I’m Not Tight or Weak?
First off, there is typically always room for improvement from a physical standpoint. However, there are some instances where an individual might present with good flexibility, and they also spend multiple hours a week in the gym strength training. In this case, there are still many reasons why this golfer can still benefit from golf performance training. For example, performing golf-specific movements to improve balance, stability or speed within the swing can lead to improved consistency and more distance. Other ways to improve consistency might also include finding a proper pre-round warm up or range session to ensure you’re ready for the first tee box.
Why Some Golfers Don’t Improve
There are many individuals that have tried a golf-specific training program, but did not achieve the results they wanted. There can be many reasons for this, and we will discuss the most likely reasons.
1. Unsupervised Training:
Many golf programs found online state that they can be done without supervision. In some cases, where an individual has previous exercise experience, this can be done. However, more often than not, this isn’t the case. The single most important aspect of a training program is to ensure it is individualized to you. For example, most golfers will benefit from performing squats or deadlifts. However, not every person will be lifting the same weight. Furthermore, not every golfer has experience with lifting techniques, which will dramatically impact your results as you may not be targeting the correct muscle groups that specific exercises were designed to. While some exercises can be done by oneself, it is recommended to train under the supervision of a physical therapist or trainer to ensure correct technique and adequate resistance, which can also reduce injury risk.
2. Lack of Patience:
Another reason why you may not be getting the results you wanted, is that you just haven’t given the program enough time. As frustrating as it may be, building muscle mass, improving tissue length, and increasing movement speed can take weeks to months to see true change. “If it were easy, everyone would do it” is a quote that I reference quite often. If you are still in the early phases of your supervised training program, I encourage you to see your way through to the end. More often than not, you will achieve the results you were looking for by finishing what you started.
3. Lack of Direction:
Along the same lines as unsupervised training, exercising without intent or direction may have negative effects on your results. Some individuals may have an idea of what exercises to perform, and can figure out how heavy of weights to lift, but are unsure of how often to exercise, how many reps/sets to perform, etc. There are very specific volumes (repetitions and sets) ranges to perform based on your goals. For example, if person A is wanting to improve their endurance and make it easier to walk the course, and person B is wanting to hit the ball 20 yards longer, their two programs will look completely different.
In conclusion, golf-specific performance training can benefit every golfer. Your program should be specific to you and your individual goals you’re wanting to accomplish. Having supervision, direction and having patience with your program can lead to success on the course. Finding the right program for you all starts with the evaluation to determine what type of training would be best for you. If you or someone you know would benefit from a golf-specific program that is supervised by a Doctor of Physical Therapy, click here to schedule a FREE call with RobertsPT today.
