Golfers are always looking for ways to improve their game, but sometimes we overlook the things that might be most beneficial. Have you considered incorporating Pilates into your routine? It may just be what you need to take your golf game to the next level. The exercises can help with flexibility, balance, and core strength which will all benefit your swing. This blog post will introduce you to some very important benefits of practising Pilates for golfers!
Pilates is a great way to help golfers improve their posture and alignment
Alignment is an important thing to understand when it comes to your body. You want a balanced and aligned posture, so your body can move as effectively and efficiently as possible!
For example, aligning your head with the rest of your spine not only helps for balance but also limits any wear on joints or muscles that may have been put into awkward positions. Especially when playing golf. As a golfer, you want your alignment to be as supportive as possible so you can continue to enjoy the game without niggling aches and pains creeping up on you.
The Pilates method is popular for its precise alignment adjustments and in time the subtle adjustments will help your body realign correctly and by extension, all movements will improve.
Pilates strengthens core muscles that are important for stability during swings
Core strength is just as important in golf as it is for any other activity. One way to improve performance, longevity and reduce the risk of injury? Train your core! Golfers depend on their core muscles more than anything else when they swing a club or drive from a tee-off position with power coming right off the ground through their bodies before exploding into that ball. So if we want our swings to be powerful and have increased control over them, then strengthening those muscular cords are an absolute must.
Pilates has been a core component of fitness for decades because it focuses on strengthening the centre from which all movement stems. The muscles surrounding this area, when pliable and strong enough to support you, can dramatically reduce pain in your back or hips and improve movement.
Pilates improves coordination of all muscle groups used in golfing
Many people assume golfing is easy – all they have to do is just take their time with each shot. This couldn’t be further from the truth; in fact, many amateurs don’t know how much work goes into this sport and end up getting hurt far too often.
The game of golf is an intense workout for the muscles. It requires a connection between body and mind, strength from all parts of your body, and flexibility in order to complete each swing correctly. It can be hard to achieve the perfect equilibrium of the body without training so that it’s primed for golf. Pilates can help you improve coordination with muscle groups that will benefit any type of exercise including playing golf.
Golfers may experience less back pain as a result of regular Pilates sessions
Pilates not only strengthens your core muscles but also increases flexibility and spinal mobility to give you greater rotation. This allows for a more powerful swing when playing golf without the need for an added force that can cause injury or strain. With body awareness, Pilates will teach you how to engage the right muscle groups so there is no awkward twisting which will help reduce injury!
Proper rotations are key in order for one’s drive to be successful. Pilates provides increased strength and improved range of motion (flexibility) while teaching correct posture through mat exercise, which are all things necessary in achieving great success on the course with minimal risk of injury because they strengthen our cores but also increase our movement.
Pilates strengthens leg muscles to give golfers more stability
The strength of your leg muscles provides stability and strength to your swing! Practising a variety of Pilates exercises such as side leg lifts, leg circles and double leg stretch can help you strengthen these muscles so that they will be able to work with the rest of your body effectively. Strong hamstrings, glutes and quads are especially important when it comes to powering up from the lower body in order for players to drive their game more efficiently.
Use the Pilates Reformer for extra ‘game’!
The Pilates reformer is a groundbreaking piece of equipment that utilises springs to help you find length and space in your body. The result is not just better core strength but also increased flexibility, stamina and balance to help create a more well-rounded posture for the long run.
All the exercises on the reformer can be modified to challenge you at your very own pace. This will help strengthen and improve fitness goals (and your golf game!) for students of all levels! So if you’re concerned that your tight hips or shoulders will limit your ability, the moves on the reformer can work around your needs!
Pilates, a centuries-old practice that was developed by Joseph Pilates, is one of the most popular physical fitness practices in the world. It has been proven to improve posture and alignment for golfers, as well as strengthen core muscles needed for stability during swings. In addition to these benefits, Pilates also improves coordination of all muscle groups used in golfing and may help prevent back pain due to regular sessions. I offer Pilates classes, 1-2-1 sessions and reformer Pilates sessions at Lottbridge Golf Club. Book yourself in today! Or if you have any questions or concerns I offer a completely FREE Pilates assessment. In the Pilates assessment, we can talk about any concerns that you may have and discuss how we can best work together to support your needs.