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It has been stated by a reliable golf instructor that
over 80 percent of all instruction in the major golf
magazines is non-applicable to any one reader, at any
specific time. What this means is that much of the advice
you read and try is not specific to your body type.
Exercise specialists have been categorizing individual
body types for over thirty years, and have developed three
basic categories - ectomorphic, endomorphic, and
mesomorphic. The following are examples of each type of
golfer:
There are many cross-variations of body types, just as
each golfer has a unique swing. Obviously, no two
individuals are exactly alike. The modern school of thinking
for a golf exercise routine is that "your fitness program
should be different than any other golfer." Seek the advice
of a certified fitness expert to assist you in developing
your specific routine.
Aaron Zaph, a personal trainer and posture expert who
has worked with touring golfers over the past four years,
offers these tips for maximizing performance. "Ectomorphs
tend to tilt their hips in a posterior manner. A great
pre-round stretch for this group is static extension for the
low back." Get down on the floor, on your hands and knees.
Tilt your head forward as you extend down with your torso.
Hold for ninety seconds and repeat five times.
"Endomorphs are generally tilted forward at the
pelvis. This limits the extension of the backswing." Use an
air-bench to strengthen the lumbar spine and leg muscles.
Stand with your back against the wall, bend your knees into
a ninety degree angle as you sit down. Keep the head and
shoulders against the wall as you squeeze the shoulder
blades together. Hold for ninety seconds and repeat five
times.
"Mesomorphs tend to round their shoulders forward.
When this occurs, the body is limited in its rotational
ability." A wall clock exercise will set the shoulders into
a proper alignment. Stand facing against a wall, extend your
arms straight out to the sides. Point the thumbs away from
the wall. Hold for sixty seconds. Repeat five times.
Regardless of your body type, the basis of your golf
fitness program begins with cardiovascular conditioning.
Without a strong heart and lungs, an exercise routine will
have limited success. So start getting your body in shape,
and your golf mechanics are sure to improve.
Until next month, keep pumpin'.
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Davis Love III 6'2", 190
lbs.
Ectomorphic - tall and
lean body, average muscle mass, excellent arm
extension, average leg extension.
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Arnold
Palmer 5'9", 210 lbs.
Endomorphic -
shorter torso, round and thicker-shaped
torso, above average muscle mass, limited
arm and leg extension.
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Hale Irwin
6'0", 175 lbs.
Mesomorphic - medium
height, muscular and athletic build, above average
muscle mass, powerful torso, average arm and leg
extension.
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Regardless of your body type, the basis of your
golf fitness program begins with cardiovascular
conditioning.
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