By Tanja Grad
Golf is a highly athletic event and you, the golfer, are the most important tool! Do you want to increase your driving distance? Have a more constant swing? Prevent career ending injuries? Then, you need to pay attention to that most important tool. Golf is a sport, and golfers are athletes. Like any athlete, golfers must condition their bodies to perform in sport and I will show you how! After recently completing the 'Golf Biomechanics Intensive' certification at the C.H.E.K. (Corrective Holistic Exercise Kinesiology) Institute, in San Diego, I am very enthusiastic in applying my knowledge here at home.
Studying side by side with the world's leading experts in holistic golf conditioning: including Janet Alexander, current trainer of Mike Wier and Michelle Wie, we learnt that knowledge alone is not power, but applied knowledge is power. You will benefit from my applied knowledge of functional and corrective exercises specifically designed for the conditioning of golfers.
The Oceanside Golf Conditioning Program is a scientifically based, multiphase program customized to your body. The program is ideal for all ages and skill levels, from the weekend fair-weather golfer to aspiring tour players and elite professionals. Whether your goal is to improve your driving distance or to get rid of back pain and play to your full potential, this program is for you. In the Oceanside Golf Conditioning Program, you will progress through the following phases:
- Phase I: Assessment: A comprehensive assessment of your body's biomechanics during the golf swing.
- Phase II: Flexibility: A personalized corrective stretching program to restore muscle balance and improve your range of motion during the golf swing.
- Phase III: Stability: Exercises to promote stability of all joints, especially the spine, during static positions and dynamic movements. Stability training includes balance and postural exercises.
- Phase IV: Strength: Challenging your muscles in complex, golf specific movement patterns while maintaining the stability achieved in phase III.
- Phase V: Power: Explosive movements to increase your driving distance.
- Phase VI: Periodization: To challenge the level of conditioning you achieved and to cycle through past phases to improve lingering weaknesses.
As you progress through the program, you will achieve balance, symmetry and power in your body. When your body is in this optimal condition, you will have increased benefits from your golf lessons. Your teaching pro will no longer have to alter your swing mechanics to compensate for physical limitations. The combination of this specialized golf conditioning program and regular instruction from your Teaching Professional is the key to optimal performance and pain-free play for years to come!
The Brent Morrison Golf Academy is located at Pheasant Glen Golf Resort, 1025 Qualicum Road, Qualicum Beach, B.C. V9K 1M5. (250) 752-8786. For more information on instruction programs for adults and juniors, contact the Academy office.
