Golf Training

A growing number of our members are keen golfers so we thought it would be a good idea to offer you the opportunity of some specific golf training and to tell you about Simon Watson, our very own in-house golf fitness expert. Simon is a keen golf player himself so understands the issues facing golfers.

As a member of the gym team and a keen golfer, Simon has identified an exciting opportunity to develop a players fitness and ultimately their game through the following areas:

Core stability
Fitness levels
Flexibility
Strength (range of movement)

All of the above will improve game play by helping to lower handicap and increase the players ability to play for longer.

This will also benefit players of all abilities, from those with a low handicap to those wanting to ‘up’ their game to the next level.

In addition these simple training techniques can help to reduce common golfing injuries, or where these do occur, reduces the amount of time before a player is fit to return to the course.

Core stability

This is everything based around your trunk (back, sides & stomach). Working on these areas helps to keep the body still when rotating and allows the player to transmit body weight through to their legs more evenly – creating greater stability. In addition, a stronger back improves posture, which in turn promotes goods health.

Fitness levels

Individuals’ fitness levels are assessed through a series of tests: blood pressure, resting heart rate (RHR), weight, height, body fat percentage, and a fitness test (usually carried out on an exercise bike). As a qualified fitness consultant Simon is able to analyse these results and identify specific means of improving a players fitness levels through a structured fitness programme, which is tailored to their individual needs.

Flexibility

Flexibility is the amount of movement a person has when moving their body, movement around the shoulders etc. We can see improvements through flexibility assessments. Increased flexibility reduces the amount of injury, reduces back pain and extends mobility into old age.

Strength

Improving a player’s muscle strength enables them to be strong through the whole range of movements needed for golf, improving swing and complimenting core stability with power. In addition this maintains bone strength, lowers body fat percentage and improves posture.

These four areas of fitness are key to promoting good health and enabling golf players to optimize their game. Offering golf players individually tailored and informed fitness programmes is a fast emerging area within the golf industry and therefore the YMCA is delighted to offer Simon’s specialist service. Simon can be contacted via the gym reception.

Simon also arranges Golf Away Days throughout the year.