Keeping Game In Shape Is No Small Stretch
See A Personal Trainer To Maximize Your Swing's Potential
Hale Irwin does it. Gary Player has done it for years and years, sometimes on airplanes. British Open Champion David Duval, has become a better golfer by doing it.
What is it? It is physical conditioning. And all three of these men are firm believers in being physically fit.
In addition, two of the three have the same trainer, Randy Myers, Fitness Director at the award winning PGA National Health and Racquet Club in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. It is no coincidence that all three of these men are enjoying successful careers on the Senior and PGA Tours. Irwin, as you know, has been the dominant player on the elder circuit for the past five seasons and Player became one of the oldest men to win a Tour event just a couple years ago. Duval decided to get into physical shape so that he could unseat the world's number one golfer. Each of these men would probably credit a good portion of their success to the chiseled condition of their bodies and minds.
Recently, in the hopes of improving my own game, I went to see Myers and find out just what these men have discovered. Perhaps it isn't my golf swing, but my body's condition, or the lack thereof, that causes me not to be one of the world's greatest players.
Before beginning any exercise program, it's a good idea to see your doctor. Your doctor will inform you of any limitations you have and just how far you can push yourself at the beginning.
Once I had seen my family doctor, it was time to visit my fitness doctor. I wanted Myers to give me a few exercises that would be low-impact and something I could do alone in the comfort of my own home and without having to buy a lot of weights and other equipment.
I was asked two simple questions. "Take a look at yourself. Are you the best athlete at your club? Are you the most physically fit?" Being honest with Myers and myself, I had to answer in the negative. Myers reasoned that since my equipment was the newest and best available, my reason for not improving on the golf course was probably my conditioning and not the lack of a $1000 putter.
He started me off on a treadmill. I spent nearly 10 minutes at a brisk walk, just to get the juices flowing. Just like hitting the range before your round, it's also important to get yourself warmed-up prior to exercising.
Next was a flexibility test. Myers bent me every which way to get an idea as to how much my flexibility my muscles and body had. From this he was able to generate an exercise program that would address specific problem areas that would need work.
In order to hit a golf ball farther and make consistent contact, you have to use your big muscles. These muscles are located in your torso and legs.
My biggest problem is that I don't use my large back and shoulder muscles to my advantage. Myers gave me a simple exercise to stretch and strengthen those shoulder muscles. Using a doorway, I place an arm on either side and slowly step forward. I use the doorway to pull my shoulders back, stretching the muscles. To strengthen those muscles, he had me lay face down on a bench and lift a two- or five-pound weight from the floor to a horizontal position at my side. At home, instead of weights, I can use a can of soup.
Another way to stretch the shoulders is to grasp an elbow with the opposite hand and pull the arm across the body. The shoulder muscles play a vital role in the backswing, and we all know if you start your swing badly, chances are you'll finish badly.
For my back, Myers showed me a great way to stretch. I lie on my back and cross one leg over the other with my ankle near my knee. While trying to touch the bent leg's knee to the floor, I put the opposite arm over my head and twist my torso. The idea is to try to get your lower body to twist while your shoulders remain flat on the floor. A big body turn equals faster club head speed and better distance.
I was amazed at how inflexible I am. Myers explained that short stocky people like me need to concentrate on stretching. Our muscles are strong, but very compact and tend to tighten up more easily.
I was given a Flexi Grip exercise ball. The ball resembles a tough beach ball with handles. The ball provides resistance for some exercises and helps to stretch those muscles.
To strengthen the lower back muscles, something Fred Couples works on every day, Myers had me do squats. First, I did squats with the exercise ball between my back and the wall. The ball allowed me to slide up and down with ease, all while working on my lower back and thighs. Eventually I can add weights to the exercise and build up even more strength.
Another way to do squats is with a chair. Stand behind the chair and grasp its back, slowly bend at the knees until you are just about in a sitting position.
One of the more enjoyable exercises I was told to do is start walking or riding my bicycle more often. Not only does this build up muscles in your legs, but also it helps strengthen your heart.
I plan to put all of these exercises to good use. I may not be able to take on David Duval at next month's PGA Championship, but I may add some yards to my drives and lengthen my golfing career.
To reach Randy Myers, who is not only my personal trainer but also the personal trainer for many PGA, LPGA, Senior PGA, Buy.com and Golden Bear touring professionals, and find out more about what you can do to improve your conditioning and fitness, call him at PGA National at (561) 627-4444.
Want more Stammer? Check out his archive of recent columns.
What is it? It is physical conditioning. And all three of these men are firm believers in being physically fit.
In addition, two of the three have the same trainer, Randy Myers, Fitness Director at the award winning PGA National Health and Racquet Club in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. It is no coincidence that all three of these men are enjoying successful careers on the Senior and PGA Tours. Irwin, as you know, has been the dominant player on the elder circuit for the past five seasons and Player became one of the oldest men to win a Tour event just a couple years ago. Duval decided to get into physical shape so that he could unseat the world's number one golfer. Each of these men would probably credit a good portion of their success to the chiseled condition of their bodies and minds.
Recently, in the hopes of improving my own game, I went to see Myers and find out just what these men have discovered. Perhaps it isn't my golf swing, but my body's condition, or the lack thereof, that causes me not to be one of the world's greatest players.
Before beginning any exercise program, it's a good idea to see your doctor. Your doctor will inform you of any limitations you have and just how far you can push yourself at the beginning.
Once I had seen my family doctor, it was time to visit my fitness doctor. I wanted Myers to give me a few exercises that would be low-impact and something I could do alone in the comfort of my own home and without having to buy a lot of weights and other equipment.
I was asked two simple questions. "Take a look at yourself. Are you the best athlete at your club? Are you the most physically fit?" Being honest with Myers and myself, I had to answer in the negative. Myers reasoned that since my equipment was the newest and best available, my reason for not improving on the golf course was probably my conditioning and not the lack of a $1000 putter.
He started me off on a treadmill. I spent nearly 10 minutes at a brisk walk, just to get the juices flowing. Just like hitting the range before your round, it's also important to get yourself warmed-up prior to exercising.
Next was a flexibility test. Myers bent me every which way to get an idea as to how much my flexibility my muscles and body had. From this he was able to generate an exercise program that would address specific problem areas that would need work.
In order to hit a golf ball farther and make consistent contact, you have to use your big muscles. These muscles are located in your torso and legs.
My biggest problem is that I don't use my large back and shoulder muscles to my advantage. Myers gave me a simple exercise to stretch and strengthen those shoulder muscles. Using a doorway, I place an arm on either side and slowly step forward. I use the doorway to pull my shoulders back, stretching the muscles. To strengthen those muscles, he had me lay face down on a bench and lift a two- or five-pound weight from the floor to a horizontal position at my side. At home, instead of weights, I can use a can of soup.
Another way to stretch the shoulders is to grasp an elbow with the opposite hand and pull the arm across the body. The shoulder muscles play a vital role in the backswing, and we all know if you start your swing badly, chances are you'll finish badly.
For my back, Myers showed me a great way to stretch. I lie on my back and cross one leg over the other with my ankle near my knee. While trying to touch the bent leg's knee to the floor, I put the opposite arm over my head and twist my torso. The idea is to try to get your lower body to twist while your shoulders remain flat on the floor. A big body turn equals faster club head speed and better distance.
I was amazed at how inflexible I am. Myers explained that short stocky people like me need to concentrate on stretching. Our muscles are strong, but very compact and tend to tighten up more easily.
I was given a Flexi Grip exercise ball. The ball resembles a tough beach ball with handles. The ball provides resistance for some exercises and helps to stretch those muscles.
To strengthen the lower back muscles, something Fred Couples works on every day, Myers had me do squats. First, I did squats with the exercise ball between my back and the wall. The ball allowed me to slide up and down with ease, all while working on my lower back and thighs. Eventually I can add weights to the exercise and build up even more strength.
Another way to do squats is with a chair. Stand behind the chair and grasp its back, slowly bend at the knees until you are just about in a sitting position.
One of the more enjoyable exercises I was told to do is start walking or riding my bicycle more often. Not only does this build up muscles in your legs, but also it helps strengthen your heart.
I plan to put all of these exercises to good use. I may not be able to take on David Duval at next month's PGA Championship, but I may add some yards to my drives and lengthen my golfing career.
To reach Randy Myers, who is not only my personal trainer but also the personal trainer for many PGA, LPGA, Senior PGA, Buy.com and Golden Bear touring professionals, and find out more about what you can do to improve your conditioning and fitness, call him at PGA National at (561) 627-4444.
Want more Stammer? Check out his archive of recent columns.
Editor's note: James Stammer is a freelance writer living in Florida. He has played golf for better than a quarter-century. To reach James, e-mail him at jstammer@yahoo.com.
