PILATES FOR GOLF - Does and can Pilates help with Golf?
Golf is principally all about alignment technique and follow through. If the body alignment is not correct to start with the swing plane will not be so accurate, plus there is a good chance back problems will develop.
Pilates works on each part of the body individually whilst looking at the overall position of the rest of the body. Pilates starts with positioning the head, then the shoulders and finally the core muscles which will protect the back.
Most of the well known golfers, both men and women, use Pilates in their fitness regime and it works for them.
Golfers are fanatical are about the game. They’ll look for any kind of an edge that will make them better. This is where Pilates comes in.
It is well-documented fact the Pilates benefits of body length, strength and agility can help increase athletic performance. It is rapidly becoming a crucial strength and conditioning regime for top-level athletes, footballers, rugby players and golfers worldwide. These athletes are finding that they can run greater distances or hit the ball farther - and do it while reducing the risk of injury.
The synergy between golf and Pilates revolves around the centre or ‘core’ (the trunk, shoulder girdle and pelvis) of the body. The Pilates method of exercise is based on building core strength, and the basis of most golf movements come from the core.
Golfers participating in Pilates will see improved hip rotation, range of motion in the shoulders, and back stability. In addition, Pilates can help both heal and prevent injuries that affect accuracy and stamina.
A golf shot puts a tremendous amount of torque on a golfer’s body. It is also repeating essentially the same move in the same direction over and over again. As a result some muscles become overused and others weaken, causing an imbalance. These muscle imbalances can affect the legs, hips, arms, shoulders, and the lower back, which will obviously have an effect on a golfer’s game, particularly for those over the age of 50. The lower back problem is probably the main ailment golfers face. A limited range of motion in the spine and hips area can cause stress to the lower back. The right Pilates exercises can develop the muscles that support these areas that are responsible for generating both accuracy and power. The core muscles will help maintain proper spine angle as well as balance which golfers need in order to perform their best.
In addition, many of the mind-body elements of Pilates - like enhanced breathing - can help heighten a golfer’s concentration level. All golfers know this is a major key to success on the course.
Pilates can and does help.
This information is based on articles from various Golf, Pilates and Sports magazines printed throughout the world.