weight training is it recomended?

[framer]

what is everone's opinion on lifting weights for golf improvment?
are there any muscles we should avoid or work on and why?
I found that i compleatly fell apart on the course after working out, so i stoped and i'm playing better now.:)

[dks_34]

I think that weight training can help but I don't think you want to go overboard and look like Arnold! For myself, I've found that weight training of building my upper body and core muscles has really helped my golf game.

But you have to find what works for you.

[pudubny]

what is everone's opinion on lifting weights for golf improvment?
are there any muscles we should avoid or work on and why?
I found that i compleatly fell apart on the course after working out, so i stoped and i'm playing better now.:)

One should keep in mind that "coincidence does not mean causation".

The majority of touring pros now build strength by working out. Not just cardio workouts. Most golfers benefit from added stength. Perhaps the working out was not so much the problem as the time between working out and golfing. Muscles need time to recover.

[Mule56]

what is everone's opinion on lifting weights for golf improvment?
are there any muscles we should avoid or work on and why?
I found that i compleatly fell apart on the course after working out, so i stoped and i'm playing better now.:)
You don't want to bulk up so avoid heavy weights. Try Tai Chi or yoga as well. Working your legs and core can not hurt you as they are two of the main driving forces of swing speed and balance.
Mule

[Grass Roots Tour]

Unless your taking steroids you can lift as heavy and often as you can manage and it will only improve your game.

A few years back I didn't have the best physical shape so I spent the entire winter in the gym. Lost 40 lbs and put on 6lbs of muscle (I know this breakdown because of technology and testing). When summer rolled around I only had enough cash to play a few times that year.
I planned a round with a good friend of mine whos a good player at a course I had never seen. I went out twice that week to hit a bucket or two to try and prepare for the upcoming match.
The day finally arrived and I was so excited to finally be out playing a good course with another good player. (not just some hacker I got stuck with by the starter)
I went out in 32 with a 3putt on the second green and a missed putt on a par 3 from 6' away. I came home in 39 which sucked but I had made a few very small misses on the back and failed to get up and down.
Upon finishing and ordering some grub, I asked the pro what the course record was. He told me -6. I was -4 on the front.

So without any playing time to speak of and very little practice over the course of the season, I can only conclude that my physical conditioning was the defining factor in what still is my lowest ever 9 holes.

Get out and get in shape. You will not regret it.

[qboss]

Flexibility, core stability, and resistance training (for muscular endurance).

"Functional" training/sport specific training would be a good idea, meaning you focus on the muscles primarily used for golf. However, just dont forget about the rest of your body.

Just remember that your goal is not size but rather conditioning. Therefore moderate weight will do. Also dont forget to work on cardiovascular training since if youre not in the best of shape, fatigue can set in and affect play later in the round. Pretty obvious yes, but worth reminding.

If youre a pro, seek a strength and conditioning specialist....if youre just an average golfer looking to maximize your fitness level for improved play, a regular personal trainer will do.

[hammer]

I can tell you that back in high school I was national level powerlifter and I could eat courses up. I could hit a ball so much further it wasn't funny. I trained for strength not size which will make a difference but most importantly I was still very flexable. I could easily put may hands flat on the floor with my feet shoulder width apart and could get within 4 inches of full splits.

Golf is an athletic game so being fit will make a difference. Maybe, not to the extent that I used to be, and I stress used to be, but being in shape will definitly help you game in the long run, not to mention you life in general.

I found that about 3 years ago when I dragged my self back to the gym for a while my game did suffer. I think because I started again during the season and I got stong again fast every thing got a little out of wack. I have never been one to practice so when you start hitting clubs farther during rounds alone you are going to add strokes until you adjust.

I too am in the process of getting back into shape for reasons beyond golf. I have been walking at least an hour a day for the last month and I am going to switch to running today. If my knees can't handle running I will switch to biking. I plan on getting back into the gym in July once I have a basic fitness level back. I would be more than happy to update how it affects my game.

[Focker Singh]

what is everone's opinion on lifting weights for golf improvment?
are there any muscles we should avoid or work on and why?
I found that i compleatly fell apart on the course after working out, so i stoped and i'm playing better now.:)
Framer,
Check out www.healthysteps.com (http://www.healthysteps.com), one of this sites sponsors. They specialize in golf conditioning. All the pro's use some sort of fitness program to help build and strengthen paritcular muscles for golf without making one arm bigger than the other. :D

[Grass Roots Tour]

Good luck Hammer and good on ya for having the nads to get back in shape. I know more than most how time constraining life is these days. It takes a lot to spend the few minutes / hours left in a day trying desperately to get your butt back in shape.

[golferboy]

Weight training will definitely help your golf game/swing. But it has to be done right. High reps and low weights, focus on trunk strength and upper body flexibility, and supplement with plenty of stretching.

[Flogger]

Strength and endurance training can definitely benefit your game. Worried about getting too big just look at Jason Zubeck :D .

As with anything make sure you do your homework. Do not blindly walk into a gym and start pumping iron. Not good. Most people either get hurt or just give up because they don't see results. This is because they don't really know how to work out. There are so many things to consider. No different than learning to play golf.

If you're really serious about physical fitness, talk to a trainer at least once.

I have a friend in the business and that I've have worked with on and off for a couple of years. Mostly off of late :( .

Definitely benefited my game. Felt strong, lots of energy and had high level of concentration. I could run across two fairways to chase down the bar cart, run back, hit my shot, chug back a beer and still make par without breaking a sweat :rofl: :rofl: .

[nadia b]

Framer,
Check out www.healthysteps.com (http://www.healthysteps.com), one of this sites sponsors. They specialize in golf conditioning. All the pro's use some sort of fitness program to help build and strengthen paritcular muscles for golf without making one arm bigger than the other. :D
Hi Framer
Golf conditioning is very important and beneficial to your game, but the key is to work with a conditioning pro who can identify your personal physical needs (taking into consideration any muscular imbalances or injuries) and design a program that helps to promote muscular balance, flexibility, coordination and strenght and a bit of weight loss if it is needed. It's very important that your fitness program be custom-tailored to you and your current physical state, not some generic cookie cuter program that could end up causing you more problems.
Golf Fit

[racmbs]

Hi Framer
Golf conditioning is very important and beneficial to your game, but the key is to work with a conditioning pro who can identify your personal physical needs (taking into consideration any muscular imbalances or injuries) and design a program that helps to promote muscular balance, flexibility, coordination and strenght and a bit of weight loss if it is needed. It's very important that your fitness program be custom-tailored to you and your current physical state, not some generic cookie cuter program that could end up causing you more problems. Golf Fit

Hi Nadia,

You need to read this first, before posting links to your personal business:

http://www.torontogolfnuts.com/advertise.php

Cheers,

[hogannut]

I do train for golf. I work out 3 days a week for about 2 hours each session. I split it into 3 categories: stretching, strength training and cardio. I would say in my humble opinion that flexibility is the most important aspect to golf followed by cardio. In terms of lifting weights, I only do low weight high reps as you are looking for strength not bulk. In fact I only lift weights in the winter and in the summer I bounce between rubber bands, push ups and shoulder dips and a rowing machine. Lifting heavy weights is not something I recommend. I also ride a stationary bike for 30 minutes each work out and I no longer get tired at the end of the round and I still carry my bag.

[Carlton]

That's a bit of a shallow thing to say, don't you think?

The golf ball doesn't know who or what club spanked 'em and couldn't care less how one was dressed or their physique. It doe not matter to me if you're short, obese, skinny, tall, missing an arm, blind, blad, balding or a combination of some, all and/or more of those mentioned so long as you love the game with a good attitude and take it for what it's worth.

[Golfbum]

[quote=PeterG]quote]

I suppose you have abs of steel? What a stupid statement you made about people being overweight. Do you think they want to be overweight? Some people have health issues they deal with, weight is one of them. Not everyone in this world is slim. Not everyone who is overweight eats constantly to get that way.

What about John Daly? Oh I bet you think you can whoop his butt on the course because he has a gut and you do not? Or how about you phone Pat Hurst of the LPGA, or Laurie Davis and challenge them to a match. Nooooooooo you better skip that phone call, you do not want to be embarrassed by someone with a blownout belly would you? :cookoo: