I got ahead of myself ...again !!!
On Friday we chatted about the benefits of lifting weights for golfers.
Getting stronger was the theme ...
(As well as addressing media trepidation around the way modern golfers are training).
We encountered some great reasons for a golfer to go about getting strong in the right places ...
Reduced injury risk and more club-head speed were two of the biggies ...
However ...I got ahead of myself ...again ...!!
There's a CRUCIAL step or two that comes well before jumping under a 100kg back-squat for 3 reps ...
Those steps: Mobility & Stability.
(Thanks to Golfer's Edge client Mark, who may even be more of a golf-nerd than me, for pointing out that a Golf Fitness book we are both reading highlights Mobility & Stability as being CRITICAL steps before Strength & Power ...)
Spot on Mark.
In terms of injury risk reduction or pain improvement Mobility & Stability are often the key pieces of the puzzle ...
And today I want to correct any confusion from Friday ...
So how do we address these two critical steps with YOU the golfer...
1- Screen them Both: Mobility & Stability
This is why the Level 1 Titleist Performance Institute (TPI) Screen is so useful and so important for golfers of all levels...
Because it tells us precisely what needs to be in the base of a golfer's program to form a strong foundation.
It tells us whereabouts you are stable and where you're not ...
And which joints & patterns have enough flexibility & which don't ...
This information is gold.
(Remember, you can get a FREE Screen by filling out the form here: Click here to request a complimentary Golf Fitness Consultation with Andrew. (In-person or via Skype. You choose.)
2- Address the Deficiencies: Prioritise & Program
Once a screening has been performed, Stability & Mobility issues can be prioritised and then a program written to address the top priorities ...
And it may take 2-4 of these types of 4-6 week programs before you can think about dead-lifting your body-weight ...
But take it from me. It is time well spent ...!!!
SOME EXAMPLES:
- If you fail the Toe-Touch Screen a barbell dead-lift would do you much more harm than good and so time and effort needs to go into correcting your Toe-Touch Pattern (note - this effort is likely to improve your back pain and golf along the way in any case...!!)
- If you fail the Lower Body Portion of the Deep Over-Head Squat Screen then you have some work to do before you jump under that barbell front squat if you want to keep your knees and lower back injury free
- If you fail the Lat Screen or the 90 90 Screen, getting weight over-head in the gym is going to have to take a back seat while you improve your upper back flexibility & your shoulder blade stability (again, like to cause swing improvements anyway ...)
So there you have it.
Correction made.
Mobility & Stability BEFORE Strength & Power.
Get Screened and a Safe Performance Program HERE: > Click here to request a complimentary Golf Fitness Consultation with Andrew. (In-person or via Skype. You choose.)
Cheers
Andrew "Foundation is Key" Ransom, The Golf Fitness PT