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Conditioning Exercises for Improving Golf

Focus on Core Strength and Flexibility

By Elizabeth Quinn, About.com

Created: August 15, 2006

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Golfers need to focus on technique to see improvement, but two basic components of conditioning can improve your golf fitness and reduce your risk of injury.

The two areas to focus on include core strength /stability and flexibility exercises. The muscles of the core are the powerhouse and the foundation of your golf swing so proper conditioning will make a huge difference in the power you get from your long shots. Good core strength also allows you to have more endurance so your short game is more precise, fresh and controlled. The core exercises work the muscles of the abdominals, back and hips. Many other muscles attach to this area so the midsection is considered the foundation of all movement.

A great exercise routine for the Core can be had by using The Champion's Workout Exercises.

One simple 'must-do' core strength exercise is the Plank with Arm and Leg Lift.

Golf and flexibility go hand in hand and you need to spend a bit of time on range of motion for the perfect golf swing. If your muscles are tight and not flexible you will have reduced range of motion and a short swing. Pro golfers have amazing range and a fluid swing, in large part because of flexibility in the shoulders, torso, and hips.

About.com's Golf Guide offers two simple stretches for golfers: The Lying Leg Crossover and the Backswing Stretch. The Nicholas Institute of Sports Medicine and Athletic Trauma (NISMAT)offer these pre-golf stretches.

Adding these two components to your golf conditioning program will not only improve your game, but will likely improve your overall fitness as well.

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