"What's at the Core of Your Golf Swing?"
Submitted by Carson Now Reader on Mon, 05/11/2015 - 1:56pm
If you like to golf, then you know that golf season is here. Many golfers are gearing up to enjoy a full season on the green. Golfers of all levels must maintain strength, flexibility, and fitness to prevent injuries for a satisfying season of day to day play. Here are some occupational therapy tips for your success.
Golf injuries affect 15-20% of golfers each year. The most common are back injuries and result from poor core strength, lack of flexibility, and overuse. The explosive power needed for driving off the tee stresses on joints and tendons. This repetitive stress can lead to an unsatisfying game due to soreness or worse a serious injury for the de-conditioned golfer.
Protecting and conditioning your body for full golfing enjoyment begins with understanding the muscle groups involved with your swing. Dr. Sergio Marta of the University of Lisbon has studied the anatomy of the golf swing. As you may guess, the key muscles involved are the gluteus maximus, your butt, the latissimus dorsi, your back, the pectoralis major, your chest, and the forearms.
What directs this anatomical symphony that you play out on the green with each swing? Your core! The abdominal and back muscles that make up your core provide the force and rotation needed for a smooth effective swing. Strenthening your core and using it correctly in the golf swing is what links the upper to the lower body and provides a strong swing that prevents unnessecary injury.
Starr Nixdorf, ATRIC, aquatic fitness professional states, "The most important part of the body for all golfers to focus on strengthening is the core. The most effective and efficient way to do this is by performing specific exercises in the water." Aquatic exercise is proven to prevent injury, increase muscle strength, and cardiovascular fitness.
The benefits of aquatic exercise are derived from the buoyancy and resistance of water. In the pool, the golfer works more effectively on balance and core strength, isolating core muscle groups. Additional resistance can be gained with the use of aquatic drag and resistance equipment to further engage the core and condition the back.
Starr Nixdorf has been a personal fitness trainer since 2004. Her background in teaching Gym Bootcamps, Reformer Pilates, Women’s Midlife Fitness, and Yoga has been a great foundation for her current work. Her AEA (Aquatic Exercise Association) certification has helped her develop fun, engaging and safe group classes. She is an ATRI (Aquatic Therapy & Rehab Institute) certified Aquatic Trainer. This certification is recognized by Physical Therapy boards across America as a leading provider of advanced aquatic therapy & rehab continuing education. This training allows her to better address individual concerns and requirements. She is able to follow a prescribed exercise routine from a medical professional, or create a customized routine for a client after they have been discharged from medical care. Additional Certifications & Education: Ai Chi Trainer (trained by Ruth Sova); with special emphasis on people with spinal fusions, scoliosis, as well as wounded veterans (trained by Mary Wykle, PhD).
Written by Marilyn Harber, OTR/L, Licensed Occupational Therapist in collaboration with and for Starr Nixdorf, ATRIC, of Paradise Salon and Day Spa.
References: Brody, Geigle, Aquatic Exercise for Rehabilitation and Training, Human Kinetics, 2009.
For more information: Paradise Salon Spa and Wellness, 3430 Executive Point Way, Carson City, NV. , Phone: 775-883-4434. Website: www.paradisesalonspawellness.com.
Written by Marilyn Harber, OTR/L, Licensed Occupational Therapist in collaboration with and for Starr Nixdorf, ATRIC, of Paradise Salon and Day Spa.
- Carson City
- America
- aquatic exercise
- Balance
- carson
- Carson City NV
- Certification
- City
- classes
- collaboration
- conditioning
- continuing education
- core strength
- day
- Driving
- equipment
- exercise
- fitness
- foundation
- fun
- Gym
- Health & Wellness
- information
- Injury
- May
- medical
- medical care
- NV
- performing
- Physical Therapy
- pilates
- play
- Prevents
- Rehabilitation
- Safe
- salon
- strength
- strong
- Swing
- symphony
- Teaching
- The Green
- training
- veterans
- water
- website
- Wellness
- yoga
- Education
- golf
