Golf core exercises. You hear that phrase more and more on the television by the commentators referring to the area of the body most of the touring pros focus on with their trainers to improve their power output and prevent low back injuries.
Core training is the buzzword even in the general fitness world. There are specific classes in the local fitness centers for core training. There are different pieces of equipment that are used in every one of these classes. Some use the bosu ball, others use a stability ball, and many use exercise tubing or weights.
Vijay Singh for example uses weighted medicine balls with his trainer to work his core muscles throughout the whole week of the tournament. He does hundreds of throws from different angles and body positions to challenge not only his core strength, but stabilization, balance and coordination.
If I am not correct his caddie is his trainer on occasion! How convenient! The best of both worlds! Although most people don't want to see their trainer after a tough workout...Vijay is the exception to the rule.
Hearing the phrase core exercises, and knowing what your core is are two different things entirely. As a fitness professional...it's easy for me to throw out that phrase often to impress would-be clients or customers to my fitness training products.
But
that's not the case. Understanding what your core is and how it plays a critical role in producing maximum power; injury prevention and even stability is very important. Once you know...you'll soon realize this may be your missing link to a great game.
This area (core) starts roughly at your belly button and goes up to the bottom of your sternum. It is the engine of your body and awareness of your core affects the most. Think of it as the link in the chain that needs to be the strongest, not the weakest.
Two simple core training exercises for that will quickly strengthen your core is ab crunches and back extensions. These would be your initial exercises to give you the strength to move onto rotational exercises that put a little more stress on your spine if the muscles aren't conditioned enough.
Once you've accomplished the above exercises, you can move on to a crunch with a twist and a back extension with a twist. This will hit your rotational strength right away...which will quickly equate to greater power output and distance.
You can then progress up to standing on your feet doing several different variations of rotational movements with a single dumbbell, standing upright and also in your posture.
Core exercises for are very effective when you get into motions with rotation, resistance and balance. This is called specific training, and is the only way to go if you want to see improvement in your swing and overall performance.
Now that you have a basic understanding of core exercises...you hopefully will see how important it is in your overall improvement plan. Next time you hear that phrase on the television, you'll know what core exercises are.
