The Fitness for Golfers Handbook
Taking Your Golf Game to the Next Level
By Don Tinder
ISBN: 0-9701110-1-0
Price: $ 14.95 US / $ 19.95 CAN
128 pages
Taking Your Golf Game to the Next Level
By Don Tinder
ISBN: 0-9701110-1-0
Price: $ 14.95 US / $ 19.95 CAN
128 pages
This book will teach you fitness to reach the next level of golfing performance. Included:
exercises to help you achieve a more effective swing, cardio training, golfing nutrition,
injury prevention.
The following is excerpted from The Fitness for Golfers Handbook: Taking Your Golf
Game to the Next Level by Don E. Tinder and Rummel Wagner. Copyright © 1998.
Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved
From Chapter One--What Are the Pros Saying? Professional Golfers Talk About the Role of Fitness
In Golf.
How many times have you watched your favorite golfer smash a drive straight down the fairway or sink
an impossible putt on the 18th hole to win a championship? It's inspiring to watch these pros play with
such seemingly effortless skill and finesse. Ever wonder how they stay so consistent, hole after
challenging hole?
One major reason is many professional golfers are taking the time to stay physically fit. Pros like Tiger
Woods, Hale Irwin, Tom Kite, Gary Player, Davis Love III, Ernie Els, Nancy Lopez, Michelle McGann, to
name but a few, maintain a regular exercise regimen to give themselves the competitive edge and to
play at their very best. Along with instruction and practice, many of these pros are incorporating
stretching, strengthening, aerobics, and good nutrition into their golfing preparation. In fact, many
golfers are making fitness a daily part of their lives! Among the many benefits, these professionals
know that regular exercise can: 1) enhance strength and flexibility, 2) increase energy and endurance,
3) improve consistency and control, 4) increase self-confidence, 5) reduce the chance for injury, and,
let's not forget 6) improve muscle tone and weight control.
"My experience as an instructor and coach to some of the greatest players in golf history has
demonstrated to me that no matter how talented a player is, they will never reach their true potential
unless they are willing to take the necessary time to stay physically fit. Golf is like many other sports
that require the athlete to be in top condition BEFORE they play, not just when they perform poorly or
suffer injury." (Butch Harmon--Instructor to Tiger Woods)
"In the future, fitness is going to play a big part in golf. As a teacher, I believe in the holistic approach --
golfing technique, fitness, mental (preparation), and nutrition. I utilize it for the average golfer and
touring pro as well -- cardiovascular training, strength, and especially flexibility. I think fitness plays an
important part in mental discipline -- being tired coming down the last few holes can lead to letting a
few shots slip away. I think players who feel fit feel that they have the edge. I'm a big believer in fitness,
and if golfers take the time to stay fit they can reach their goals." (David Leadbetter--Instructor to Greg
Norman)
From Chapter Two-- Motivation-Getting At What Drives You!
Ask yourself this question, "Why do I enjoy playing golf?" Think about it for a few moments. Do you enjoy
the challenge of competing with yourself? Testing your skill? The camaraderie with others? The love of
the outdoors? Whatever your reasons for enjoying this game, they give you the incentive you need to
spend your afternoons and weekends out on the golf course. In other words, they provide you with the
motivation to golf.
Now ask yourself another question, "What would make me want to exercise regularly?" or if you are
already exercising, ask yourself, "What keeps me faithful to my workouts?" Is it the fact that a few
simple exercises can increase your ability to play golf with more energy, strength, flexibility and
confidence than ever before? Is it the short-term benefit of having more energy and reducing stress? Is
it the longer-term benefit of knowing that regular exercise helps you lose unwanted body fat, lowers
your blood pressure, or any number of other long-term health benefits?
Review your responses to these two questions. Think about your reasons for playing golf and
exercising. If you take the time to consider why you play golf, you'll begin to understand the factors that
motivate you to play. The same holds true for exercising. If you consider the many essential reasons for
taking the time to stay fit, you'll begin to realize the importance of making the commitment to regular
exercise.
Just the simple fact that you are reading this book shows a willingness to take the necessary steps to
achieve your goals. You are on the right track, you've taken the first step. I congratulate you! The hard
part is over. Now it's just a matter of staying "on course" and following the techniques and the keys to
motivation that I have outlined in this chapter and throughout this book. As you learn and apply these
concepts, you will be empowered to take the steps toward ultimate success, and you'll see some
exciting results as your golf game and fitness soar to the next level!
Keys to Motivation: 1. Make the DECISION to improve your golfing fitness. 2. Stay COMMITTED to your
goals. 3. Create a VISION of what you want to achieve. 4. RECORD your progress. 5. RENEW your
goals daily.
From Chapter Three--Golf Fitness Assessment-Turning Your Weaknesses Into Strengths
Many golfers tend to exhibit chronic tightness in the following areas of their body: lower back, front and
back of the thighs, hips, front shoulders, chest, neck. It's very important to stretch these "golfing
muscles" on a regular basis, particularly if you experience chronic tightness or limited range of motion
in your golf swing.
Before you embark on the rewarding journey toward a healthier body and a better golf game, you
should take the time to evaluate your present level of fitness; specifically, your level of flexibility and
strength. Assessing your levels of flexibility and strength will help you to identify any physical limitations
or weaknesses you may have in these two areas. These limitations and weaknesses can have a
negative impact on your ability to play your best golf.
The self-tests described in this chapter allow you to evaluate your: flexibility, range of motion, and
strength in the muscles, joints, and connective tissues involved in a typical golf swing. These three
elements (flexibility, range of motion, strength) play a major role in achieving and maintaining a
consistently effective golf swing. After you determine what parts of your body are weak or inflexible, you
can then perform effective stretching and strengthening exercises that target those weaker areas.
Stretching and strengthening your weaker areas will result in increased flexibility, range of motion, and
overall strength.
From Chapter Four-- Flexibility Training-Stretching Your Limits
Regular stretching 1) will result in less overall energy needed for you to perform at higher levels. This
conserves energy throughout the round and enhances your game. 2) Improves range of motion and
coordination. 3) Enhances muscular feedback - helps to improve muscular control and promotes the
awareness of discomfort, avoiding potential injuries. 4) Improves balance and posture - enhances the
development of maximum power in your swing. 5) Increases circulation of blood and nutrients to joints
and tissues. 6) Promotes muscular relaxation and reduces post-activity muscle soreness. 7)
Enhances your enjoyment of golf - a conditioned, flexible golfer will perform at higher levels and
maintain his or her energy for longer periods.
From Chapter Five--Strength Training-Play A Stronger Game of Golf
For many years, the thought of strength training as preparation for playing great golf was looked upon
with considerable skepticism. The thought of stiff, inflexible muscles clouded the minds of many
would-be strength trainers. Fortunately, times have changed and many golfers -- professionals,
amateurs, and "weekend warriors "alike -- are now reaping the benefits of increased muscular
strength and improved endurance for better golfing performance.
This chapter will provide you with a basic program of strength training exercises that can add power to
your swing, improve your range of motion and flexibility, enhance muscular endurance, and increase
your control and consistency. In addition, becoming stronger can help to you prevent injury.
exercises to help you achieve a more effective swing, cardio training, golfing nutrition,
injury prevention.
The following is excerpted from The Fitness for Golfers Handbook: Taking Your Golf
Game to the Next Level by Don E. Tinder and Rummel Wagner. Copyright © 1998.
Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved
From Chapter One--What Are the Pros Saying? Professional Golfers Talk About the Role of Fitness
In Golf.
How many times have you watched your favorite golfer smash a drive straight down the fairway or sink
an impossible putt on the 18th hole to win a championship? It's inspiring to watch these pros play with
such seemingly effortless skill and finesse. Ever wonder how they stay so consistent, hole after
challenging hole?
One major reason is many professional golfers are taking the time to stay physically fit. Pros like Tiger
Woods, Hale Irwin, Tom Kite, Gary Player, Davis Love III, Ernie Els, Nancy Lopez, Michelle McGann, to
name but a few, maintain a regular exercise regimen to give themselves the competitive edge and to
play at their very best. Along with instruction and practice, many of these pros are incorporating
stretching, strengthening, aerobics, and good nutrition into their golfing preparation. In fact, many
golfers are making fitness a daily part of their lives! Among the many benefits, these professionals
know that regular exercise can: 1) enhance strength and flexibility, 2) increase energy and endurance,
3) improve consistency and control, 4) increase self-confidence, 5) reduce the chance for injury, and,
let's not forget 6) improve muscle tone and weight control.
"My experience as an instructor and coach to some of the greatest players in golf history has
demonstrated to me that no matter how talented a player is, they will never reach their true potential
unless they are willing to take the necessary time to stay physically fit. Golf is like many other sports
that require the athlete to be in top condition BEFORE they play, not just when they perform poorly or
suffer injury." (Butch Harmon--Instructor to Tiger Woods)
"In the future, fitness is going to play a big part in golf. As a teacher, I believe in the holistic approach --
golfing technique, fitness, mental (preparation), and nutrition. I utilize it for the average golfer and
touring pro as well -- cardiovascular training, strength, and especially flexibility. I think fitness plays an
important part in mental discipline -- being tired coming down the last few holes can lead to letting a
few shots slip away. I think players who feel fit feel that they have the edge. I'm a big believer in fitness,
and if golfers take the time to stay fit they can reach their goals." (David Leadbetter--Instructor to Greg
Norman)
From Chapter Two-- Motivation-Getting At What Drives You!
Ask yourself this question, "Why do I enjoy playing golf?" Think about it for a few moments. Do you enjoy
the challenge of competing with yourself? Testing your skill? The camaraderie with others? The love of
the outdoors? Whatever your reasons for enjoying this game, they give you the incentive you need to
spend your afternoons and weekends out on the golf course. In other words, they provide you with the
motivation to golf.
Now ask yourself another question, "What would make me want to exercise regularly?" or if you are
already exercising, ask yourself, "What keeps me faithful to my workouts?" Is it the fact that a few
simple exercises can increase your ability to play golf with more energy, strength, flexibility and
confidence than ever before? Is it the short-term benefit of having more energy and reducing stress? Is
it the longer-term benefit of knowing that regular exercise helps you lose unwanted body fat, lowers
your blood pressure, or any number of other long-term health benefits?
Review your responses to these two questions. Think about your reasons for playing golf and
exercising. If you take the time to consider why you play golf, you'll begin to understand the factors that
motivate you to play. The same holds true for exercising. If you consider the many essential reasons for
taking the time to stay fit, you'll begin to realize the importance of making the commitment to regular
exercise.
Just the simple fact that you are reading this book shows a willingness to take the necessary steps to
achieve your goals. You are on the right track, you've taken the first step. I congratulate you! The hard
part is over. Now it's just a matter of staying "on course" and following the techniques and the keys to
motivation that I have outlined in this chapter and throughout this book. As you learn and apply these
concepts, you will be empowered to take the steps toward ultimate success, and you'll see some
exciting results as your golf game and fitness soar to the next level!
Keys to Motivation: 1. Make the DECISION to improve your golfing fitness. 2. Stay COMMITTED to your
goals. 3. Create a VISION of what you want to achieve. 4. RECORD your progress. 5. RENEW your
goals daily.
From Chapter Three--Golf Fitness Assessment-Turning Your Weaknesses Into Strengths
Many golfers tend to exhibit chronic tightness in the following areas of their body: lower back, front and
back of the thighs, hips, front shoulders, chest, neck. It's very important to stretch these "golfing
muscles" on a regular basis, particularly if you experience chronic tightness or limited range of motion
in your golf swing.
Before you embark on the rewarding journey toward a healthier body and a better golf game, you
should take the time to evaluate your present level of fitness; specifically, your level of flexibility and
strength. Assessing your levels of flexibility and strength will help you to identify any physical limitations
or weaknesses you may have in these two areas. These limitations and weaknesses can have a
negative impact on your ability to play your best golf.
The self-tests described in this chapter allow you to evaluate your: flexibility, range of motion, and
strength in the muscles, joints, and connective tissues involved in a typical golf swing. These three
elements (flexibility, range of motion, strength) play a major role in achieving and maintaining a
consistently effective golf swing. After you determine what parts of your body are weak or inflexible, you
can then perform effective stretching and strengthening exercises that target those weaker areas.
Stretching and strengthening your weaker areas will result in increased flexibility, range of motion, and
overall strength.
From Chapter Four-- Flexibility Training-Stretching Your Limits
Regular stretching 1) will result in less overall energy needed for you to perform at higher levels. This
conserves energy throughout the round and enhances your game. 2) Improves range of motion and
coordination. 3) Enhances muscular feedback - helps to improve muscular control and promotes the
awareness of discomfort, avoiding potential injuries. 4) Improves balance and posture - enhances the
development of maximum power in your swing. 5) Increases circulation of blood and nutrients to joints
and tissues. 6) Promotes muscular relaxation and reduces post-activity muscle soreness. 7)
Enhances your enjoyment of golf - a conditioned, flexible golfer will perform at higher levels and
maintain his or her energy for longer periods.
From Chapter Five--Strength Training-Play A Stronger Game of Golf
For many years, the thought of strength training as preparation for playing great golf was looked upon
with considerable skepticism. The thought of stiff, inflexible muscles clouded the minds of many
would-be strength trainers. Fortunately, times have changed and many golfers -- professionals,
amateurs, and "weekend warriors "alike -- are now reaping the benefits of increased muscular
strength and improved endurance for better golfing performance.
This chapter will provide you with a basic program of strength training exercises that can add power to
your swing, improve your range of motion and flexibility, enhance muscular endurance, and increase
your control and consistency. In addition, becoming stronger can help to you prevent injury.
To Purchase This Title Online Click Here
Fitness For Golfers Handbook
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