You have to really admire Vijay Singh and his ability to continue winning at the age of 46. He's got more wins than any player ever after the age of 40. Can you imagine this guy on the Champions Tour in a few years? Scary! Actually, he will likely split time between the two tours like Fred Funk does, only with greater success.
The following is a quote from Vijay on the importance of a working out and regarding his workout routine...
"It's very important, maybe even more important than people realize. I workout everyday and sometimes twice a day, using weights, bands and medicine balls. I think it's important to know what you're working out for. If you just go out and start lifting a ton of weights you can destroy your entire muscle structure. That's why a trainer is very helpful. They can help you develop a program based on your needs and also make sure you're form is correct so you don't hurt yourself. More than anything, golfers should focus on stretching though."
Notice at the end of this paragraph he mentions the importance of stretching? Flexibility is THE key for golfers who want to improve their game and add distance off the tee. You can make yourself as strong as you want, but if you don't have the flexibility to generate a full swing with a big shoulder turn, you simply won't be able to add much distance.
Scott Cole
www.powergolftraining.net
Monday, December 22, 2008
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Anthony Kim - Player
I don't know if he is going to win Tiger's tournament today in California, but one thing is for certain...Anthony Kim is one hell of a player. Out of all the top players in the world right now, he is the only one (maybe Padraig Harrington now) I see out there that seems capable of giving Tiger a challenge, even when Tiger is playing well. No, he does not have the overall skill level of Tiger, since he is essentially the best the game has ever seen. But, what he does have is tremendous confidence. We he gets on a roll, he can beat anyone, anytime, anywhere. I really can't say that about other players, because aside from Harrington last year, no one else has shown closing ability like Anthony Kim. When the prize is in his eyes, he reaches out and grabs it! And, he has done it on tough golf courses as well.
Keep an eye on Anthony Kim! When Tiger comes back, he may finally have someone who can challenge him a bit!
Scott Cole
www.powergolftraining.net
Keep an eye on Anthony Kim! When Tiger comes back, he may finally have someone who can challenge him a bit!
Scott Cole
www.powergolftraining.net
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Jamie Sadlowski Golf Swing
I had the opportunity to check out Jamie Sadlowski's world long drive championship form, and quite frankly, this kid's swing is amazing! He is not very big, and during his interview on ESPN today, he indicated he weighs only 155 pounds. But, the swing speed he generates with his swing is incredible. During the competition, he hit one drive 436 yards, and in the final, over 415 yards. For a man his size, that is pretty incredible!
I've included a video clip of his performance in the competition. You will note his very athletic stance at address. His swing is very long, even longer than John Daly. He has a very big shoulder turn and his hands get very high during the swing. I don't recall the name of the competitor he faced in the final, but that guy was much bigger and very muscular. He was clearly stronger than Jamie, but did not have nearly as big of a golf swing. As I have stated before, flexibility wins out over pure strength, and this is the best example I can find for that.
Anyhow, check out the video below!
Scott Cole
www.powergolftraining.net
http://www.pinnaclegolfblog.com/2008/10/29/jamie-sadlowski-in-the-2008-remax-finals/
I've included a video clip of his performance in the competition. You will note his very athletic stance at address. His swing is very long, even longer than John Daly. He has a very big shoulder turn and his hands get very high during the swing. I don't recall the name of the competitor he faced in the final, but that guy was much bigger and very muscular. He was clearly stronger than Jamie, but did not have nearly as big of a golf swing. As I have stated before, flexibility wins out over pure strength, and this is the best example I can find for that.
Anyhow, check out the video below!
Scott Cole
www.powergolftraining.net
http://www.pinnaclegolfblog.com/2008/10/29/jamie-sadlowski-in-the-2008-remax-finals/
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Golf Fitness Tip
As usual, I've spent a good bit of time in the last week browsing the other golf fitness sites online, as well as other fitness sites. One of the popular focal points of fitness training these days involves working your core. The core is essentially the mid to lower back, the abdominals and the muscles around the rib cage.
The primary importance of the core in the golf swing, and in other physical activities, is to provide stability to the spine. With that in mind, it is clearly an important group of muscles and all fitness trainers can agree with that.
What I disagree with is the importance of these particular muscles in the generation of power to your golf swing. I see quite a few exercises on these websites that involve some twisting motions in an effort to strengthen the core, with the idea that this will generate more power in your golf swing.
The problem is that these muscles are actually quite small compared to the bigger muscles in your legs and upper torso (chest, shoulders and upper back). Therefore, they play a very small role in the actual generation of power in your golf swing.
However, these trainers have a paid audience and want to show you an exercise you likely have not seen before. This is how they feel that they earn their money. Drawing you in with a "golf specific" exercise, which in the concept of the golf swing, does little to generate power.
If you have read my website and articles I have published to date, the most important exercises to generate power in your golf swing involve STRETCHING! In order to have a powerful golf swing, you must have the flexibility to make that full turn in your golf swing that allows you to swing with a wide arc. This will allow you to develop the centrifugal power in your swing that will allow you to hit those big tee shots.
After flexibility, the most important exercises for generating power in your swing will involve the legs. The legs are the platform for your golf swing, and involve the biggest and most powerful muscles of the body. And, after this, I would rank the core as the next most important group of muscles to exercise due solely to their importance in protecting your back.
As I've also stated on my website, you do not have to be a big, muscular person to hit the golf ball a long way. For example, take a look at Charles Howell III and his stats on PGATour.com. He stands 5'11 and weighs 155 pounds, yet his average driving distance on tour in 2008 was over 293 yards! So, not only is he not exceptionally tall, but he is not heavy, nor exceptionally strong. However, he has a big golf swing, and that is due to flexibility....you can see his swing on Youtube at the following link.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uG66HlzdG2k
Anyhow, in order to work your core muscles, there are plenty of normal exercises that require no equipment and you can do at home. I've got a whole host of exercises you can learn at PowerGolfTraining.net. Check it out!
Scott Cole
www.powergolftraining.net
The primary importance of the core in the golf swing, and in other physical activities, is to provide stability to the spine. With that in mind, it is clearly an important group of muscles and all fitness trainers can agree with that.
What I disagree with is the importance of these particular muscles in the generation of power to your golf swing. I see quite a few exercises on these websites that involve some twisting motions in an effort to strengthen the core, with the idea that this will generate more power in your golf swing.
The problem is that these muscles are actually quite small compared to the bigger muscles in your legs and upper torso (chest, shoulders and upper back). Therefore, they play a very small role in the actual generation of power in your golf swing.
However, these trainers have a paid audience and want to show you an exercise you likely have not seen before. This is how they feel that they earn their money. Drawing you in with a "golf specific" exercise, which in the concept of the golf swing, does little to generate power.
If you have read my website and articles I have published to date, the most important exercises to generate power in your golf swing involve STRETCHING! In order to have a powerful golf swing, you must have the flexibility to make that full turn in your golf swing that allows you to swing with a wide arc. This will allow you to develop the centrifugal power in your swing that will allow you to hit those big tee shots.
After flexibility, the most important exercises for generating power in your swing will involve the legs. The legs are the platform for your golf swing, and involve the biggest and most powerful muscles of the body. And, after this, I would rank the core as the next most important group of muscles to exercise due solely to their importance in protecting your back.
As I've also stated on my website, you do not have to be a big, muscular person to hit the golf ball a long way. For example, take a look at Charles Howell III and his stats on PGATour.com. He stands 5'11 and weighs 155 pounds, yet his average driving distance on tour in 2008 was over 293 yards! So, not only is he not exceptionally tall, but he is not heavy, nor exceptionally strong. However, he has a big golf swing, and that is due to flexibility....you can see his swing on Youtube at the following link.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uG66HlzdG2k
Anyhow, in order to work your core muscles, there are plenty of normal exercises that require no equipment and you can do at home. I've got a whole host of exercises you can learn at PowerGolfTraining.net. Check it out!
Scott Cole
www.powergolftraining.net
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Corey Pavin Named Ryder Cup Captain for 2010
The PGA named Corey Pavin as Ryder Cup Captain for the 2010 event in Wales. Pavin has had a long career on tour, with a notable victory in the 1995 U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills on Long Island, where he held off Greg Norman with his incredible 4-wood shot into the 18th hole in the final round. Overall, he has had 15 wins on tour.
I have no problem with this choice, as he was probably next in line for the job after Paul Azinger. What I am noticing, however, is a trend over the past decade of shorter and shorter resume for our Ryder Cup captains. The fact is, besides Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson, professional golfers on both major tours just don't win much anymore. I have a sneaking suspicion that this is due to the huge amount of money these guys make on tour now. Maybe they just are not as hungry, or maybe the fields are just deeper, I don't know.
I will say this though, and I have said it many times before...there are fewer players on tour that really know how to win, and win consistently. I think the 1960's through the early 1980's was probably the Golden Era of golf. Look at how many truly outstanding players there were, and how often they won. Not only tour events, but majors. Let's specifically look at major winners. Obviously you start with Nicklaus and his 18 professional majors, then you have Gary Player (9), Tom Watson (8), Arnold Palmer (7), and Lee Trevino (6). Seve Ballesteros and Nick Faldo came on at the end of this period and had 5 and 6 majors respectively.
Back during that period, the list of winners is littered with players that won more than one major. From 1960 to 1983, the list of major championship winners is dominated by repeat major championship winners. Since 1990, besides Tiger Woods, there have only been a handful of winners who have gone on to win another major. Among today's players, Tiger has 13 major victories, and his nearest contemporary competitors all have just 3 (Mickelson, Singh, Els and now Harrington).
What I have noticed in recent years is that the only player who goes out and really wins a major without backing into it, is Tiger Woods. In all 3 of his majors, Ernie Els essentially survived while is competitors fell apart. Mickelson did well to win his three, and so have Harrington and Singh. Otherwise, we have not seen any major brilliant displays such as Nicklaus' 65 at Augusta in 1986, Player's 64 at Augusta in 1978, or the splendid battle between Nicklaus and Watson at Turnberry in 1977. And to top the list, Johnny Miller's 63 at Oakmont in 1973.
The point is, going forward, unless either Tiger Woods or Phil Mickelson is the captain of the Ryder Cup team, the resume of the captain of the U.S. side will be pretty thin in the foreseeable future. Most of the great players from the 1990's just have one major victory (Love and Couples). Payne Stewart should be mentioned here, he had 3. And, in the last five years, only four Americans have won majors (Woods, Mickelson, Todd Hamilton and Zach Johnson).
Somehow, our players need to learn how to win!
Scott Cole
www.powergolftraining.net
I have no problem with this choice, as he was probably next in line for the job after Paul Azinger. What I am noticing, however, is a trend over the past decade of shorter and shorter resume for our Ryder Cup captains. The fact is, besides Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson, professional golfers on both major tours just don't win much anymore. I have a sneaking suspicion that this is due to the huge amount of money these guys make on tour now. Maybe they just are not as hungry, or maybe the fields are just deeper, I don't know.
I will say this though, and I have said it many times before...there are fewer players on tour that really know how to win, and win consistently. I think the 1960's through the early 1980's was probably the Golden Era of golf. Look at how many truly outstanding players there were, and how often they won. Not only tour events, but majors. Let's specifically look at major winners. Obviously you start with Nicklaus and his 18 professional majors, then you have Gary Player (9), Tom Watson (8), Arnold Palmer (7), and Lee Trevino (6). Seve Ballesteros and Nick Faldo came on at the end of this period and had 5 and 6 majors respectively.
Back during that period, the list of winners is littered with players that won more than one major. From 1960 to 1983, the list of major championship winners is dominated by repeat major championship winners. Since 1990, besides Tiger Woods, there have only been a handful of winners who have gone on to win another major. Among today's players, Tiger has 13 major victories, and his nearest contemporary competitors all have just 3 (Mickelson, Singh, Els and now Harrington).
What I have noticed in recent years is that the only player who goes out and really wins a major without backing into it, is Tiger Woods. In all 3 of his majors, Ernie Els essentially survived while is competitors fell apart. Mickelson did well to win his three, and so have Harrington and Singh. Otherwise, we have not seen any major brilliant displays such as Nicklaus' 65 at Augusta in 1986, Player's 64 at Augusta in 1978, or the splendid battle between Nicklaus and Watson at Turnberry in 1977. And to top the list, Johnny Miller's 63 at Oakmont in 1973.
The point is, going forward, unless either Tiger Woods or Phil Mickelson is the captain of the Ryder Cup team, the resume of the captain of the U.S. side will be pretty thin in the foreseeable future. Most of the great players from the 1990's just have one major victory (Love and Couples). Payne Stewart should be mentioned here, he had 3. And, in the last five years, only four Americans have won majors (Woods, Mickelson, Todd Hamilton and Zach Johnson).
Somehow, our players need to learn how to win!
Scott Cole
www.powergolftraining.net
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
How to Add Power to Your Golf Swing
When I've played with a lot of amateur golfers over the years, the one way they tried to hit the golf ball further off the tee is simply by swinging as hard as they can. Unfortunately, most of the time, they lose their balance in the process, which defeats the whole purpose of the effort.
Most amateurs with a handicap over 10 simply do not have a golf swing that is capable of generating a lot of power. Those that do, generally have no idea where the ball is going when they do hit it hard. Usually, the problem lies with a major flaw in the golf swing. No matter what you may read online in most golf fitness websites, improving your strength will not do the trick.
The single most important factor to hitting the golf ball a long way is maintaining your balance. You see, if you lose contact with the ground during your swing, or you do not have the appropriate weight shift, you will lose power. Have you ever seen any of the big hitters falling over after they hit a tee shot? No, their swing ends with a perfect finish with the weight on the left foot. Even when Tiger Woods goes at it hard, he finishes with perfect balance.
My first suggestion for adding power to the swing is to first have a good stance. If you are crouched over too much, or too upright, too close, or too far from the ball, you will not maintain a good enough balance to drive the ball a long way. The same can be said if your feet are too close together or too far apart (about shoulders width, or slightly wider is proper). Your weight should not be on the toes, nor on the heels. The stance should also not be too open or too closed.
Work on this at home... Take off your shoes and socks and look for the area on the bottom of the foot, in the area we refer to as the ball of the foot, where there is a depression between the two big pads, and where there is a shape of an upside down V. If you press hard on that spot (you may need to search for it a bit), you will get a bit of pain. If you do, you found the right spot. Now, stand yourself up and stand on one foot, and focus on that spot on the bottom of your foot. Try to really feel that spot as the tightest to the ground. Now switch feet and try to get that feeling with the other foot. Finally, get into a proper golf stance and try to get that feeling in both feet.
This is your beginning point for learning how to draw energy from the earth to help generate more power into your golf swing. This is a basic concept in the art of Kung Fu for learning how to generate power in our techniques, and it applies well to the golf swing as well.
Scott Cole
www.powergolftraining.net
Most amateurs with a handicap over 10 simply do not have a golf swing that is capable of generating a lot of power. Those that do, generally have no idea where the ball is going when they do hit it hard. Usually, the problem lies with a major flaw in the golf swing. No matter what you may read online in most golf fitness websites, improving your strength will not do the trick.
The single most important factor to hitting the golf ball a long way is maintaining your balance. You see, if you lose contact with the ground during your swing, or you do not have the appropriate weight shift, you will lose power. Have you ever seen any of the big hitters falling over after they hit a tee shot? No, their swing ends with a perfect finish with the weight on the left foot. Even when Tiger Woods goes at it hard, he finishes with perfect balance.
My first suggestion for adding power to the swing is to first have a good stance. If you are crouched over too much, or too upright, too close, or too far from the ball, you will not maintain a good enough balance to drive the ball a long way. The same can be said if your feet are too close together or too far apart (about shoulders width, or slightly wider is proper). Your weight should not be on the toes, nor on the heels. The stance should also not be too open or too closed.
Work on this at home... Take off your shoes and socks and look for the area on the bottom of the foot, in the area we refer to as the ball of the foot, where there is a depression between the two big pads, and where there is a shape of an upside down V. If you press hard on that spot (you may need to search for it a bit), you will get a bit of pain. If you do, you found the right spot. Now, stand yourself up and stand on one foot, and focus on that spot on the bottom of your foot. Try to really feel that spot as the tightest to the ground. Now switch feet and try to get that feeling with the other foot. Finally, get into a proper golf stance and try to get that feeling in both feet.
This is your beginning point for learning how to draw energy from the earth to help generate more power into your golf swing. This is a basic concept in the art of Kung Fu for learning how to generate power in our techniques, and it applies well to the golf swing as well.
Scott Cole
www.powergolftraining.net
Monday, December 8, 2008
PGA Tour Qualifying School
Harrison Frazar finished off an impressive performance at the PGA Tour Q School today, with an 8 shot victory. Q School is probably the most nerve wracking and grueling event a pro can go through besides trying to with the U.S. Open. Six rounds of golf in six days, and any bad round can ruin your chances. Personally, I was pulling for Geoff Sisk, whom I remember played for Temple when I was in college, over 20 years ago! Unfortunately, after four solid rounds, Sisk shot 77 in the 5th round, and needed a spectacular round today to qualify. Unfortunately, his 69 left him 5 shots short. A 71 in that 5th round to go with his other rounds, all in the 60's, would have done that job.
Still cold as hell here in PA! No end in sight to this dreary weather. I am resigning myself to the fact that it will likely be a long winter here, especially since we have had three mild winters in a row. Will need to head south at some point.
In February, I am heading to Texas to attend a teaching seminar taught by none other than Hank Haney! Hank is Tiger Woods' current coach, and clearly in a class with Butch Harmon and David Leadbetter. He puts on this seminar once every year, so it is not often you get the chance to pick the brain of one of the leading teachers in the game. Looking forward to it!
Scott Cole
www.powergolftraining.net
Still cold as hell here in PA! No end in sight to this dreary weather. I am resigning myself to the fact that it will likely be a long winter here, especially since we have had three mild winters in a row. Will need to head south at some point.
In February, I am heading to Texas to attend a teaching seminar taught by none other than Hank Haney! Hank is Tiger Woods' current coach, and clearly in a class with Butch Harmon and David Leadbetter. He puts on this seminar once every year, so it is not often you get the chance to pick the brain of one of the leading teachers in the game. Looking forward to it!
Scott Cole
www.powergolftraining.net
Saturday, December 6, 2008
Golf Gadgets
The more I browse the internet golf sites and in particular, golf fitness related sites, on the internet, the more gadgets I am finding for sale. Yes, I am sure there are a lot of people out there that are willing to buy the latest and greatest gimmick. Hopefully, some people will read this note and begin to think twice about buying one of these gimmicks.
One interesting gadget I have noticed lately is a weighted medicine ball. I've seen these priced anywhere from $30 to $90. The purpose of this gadget is mainly to do some rotational exercises to strengthen your core. These typically weigh from 4 to 8pounds, or between 2 and 4 kilos.
I think you might be able to make some initial improvement in your core strength by working with one of these, but ultimately, I would bet that this gadget will end up in the bottom of the closet.
What you are better off doing is learning some Yoga or some martial arts, which play key roles in my fitness routines. The exercises I have learned can be done any time, anywhere, and require no gadgets.
So, before wasting your money on one of these gadgets, no matter who you've seen endorse them, use some common sense, and learn some exercises you can do at home with no gadgets.
Scott Cole
www.powergolftraining.net
One interesting gadget I have noticed lately is a weighted medicine ball. I've seen these priced anywhere from $30 to $90. The purpose of this gadget is mainly to do some rotational exercises to strengthen your core. These typically weigh from 4 to 8pounds, or between 2 and 4 kilos.
I think you might be able to make some initial improvement in your core strength by working with one of these, but ultimately, I would bet that this gadget will end up in the bottom of the closet.
What you are better off doing is learning some Yoga or some martial arts, which play key roles in my fitness routines. The exercises I have learned can be done any time, anywhere, and require no gadgets.
So, before wasting your money on one of these gadgets, no matter who you've seen endorse them, use some common sense, and learn some exercises you can do at home with no gadgets.
Scott Cole
www.powergolftraining.net
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Golf Fitness
As the winter weather continues here in Pennsylvania, I continue to reflect on ways to improve my game, and the game of my students while the golf clubs are stuck in the garage.
One of the popular physical fitness terms to pop up in recent years is "core fitness." In the old days, the only exercise we did to work on our stomach was the good old fashioned sit-up, and the old fashioned crunch.
Now, however, we realize that to truly work your core, you must engage all of the muscles around the mid-section, including the back, the obliques, and those muscles that connect the ribs. In other words, there is a lot more to a strong core than just having a nice six-pack of abs.
One exercise I learned this year that works well to hit most of these areas is the Mason Twist. You can perform this in your home with no equipment as follows.
Sit down on the floor with your knees bent in a sit-up position, feet flat on the floor. Interlock your hands and place them in your lap. Now, lift your feet off the floor. The exercise is then done by twisting your body, and touching your interlocked hands to the floor on the side of the body you are twisting toward. Then twist to the other side until the hands touch the floor on the other side of the body. In other words, when you twist to the left, the back of your left hand will touch the floor to the left of your body, and when you twist to the right, the back of your right hand will touch the floor to the right of your body.
You want to do this exercise as quickly as possible with this full range of motion, and as many times as possible. This is a killer exercise when you do it at the end of a full abdominal routine. If you can't do the full range of motion (you will have more difficulty if you have a big belly!) go as far as you can to each side before turning to the other side. Do as many as you can, and work your way up to 50 reps if possible!
This exercise will help your body get used to the type of hip and shoulder turn you are looking for in your golf swing!
Scott Cole
www.PowerGolfTraining.net
One of the popular physical fitness terms to pop up in recent years is "core fitness." In the old days, the only exercise we did to work on our stomach was the good old fashioned sit-up, and the old fashioned crunch.
Now, however, we realize that to truly work your core, you must engage all of the muscles around the mid-section, including the back, the obliques, and those muscles that connect the ribs. In other words, there is a lot more to a strong core than just having a nice six-pack of abs.
One exercise I learned this year that works well to hit most of these areas is the Mason Twist. You can perform this in your home with no equipment as follows.
Sit down on the floor with your knees bent in a sit-up position, feet flat on the floor. Interlock your hands and place them in your lap. Now, lift your feet off the floor. The exercise is then done by twisting your body, and touching your interlocked hands to the floor on the side of the body you are twisting toward. Then twist to the other side until the hands touch the floor on the other side of the body. In other words, when you twist to the left, the back of your left hand will touch the floor to the left of your body, and when you twist to the right, the back of your right hand will touch the floor to the right of your body.
You want to do this exercise as quickly as possible with this full range of motion, and as many times as possible. This is a killer exercise when you do it at the end of a full abdominal routine. If you can't do the full range of motion (you will have more difficulty if you have a big belly!) go as far as you can to each side before turning to the other side. Do as many as you can, and work your way up to 50 reps if possible!
This exercise will help your body get used to the type of hip and shoulder turn you are looking for in your golf swing!
Scott Cole
www.PowerGolfTraining.net
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Golf Specific Exercise?
As I have conducted my research into the golf fitness ideas presented on the internet, I am struck by the number of sites that offer "golf specific" exercises, as if these are the magic bullets to hitting the ball as far as Tiger but with the accuracy of Fred Funk. Sorry, but that is pure bunk. But, a lot of us are on the internet to sell something, so maybe that is one way to go for some people.
However, you should consider this when doing your own research into a fitness program to improve your golf game: the golf swing utilizes the ENTIRE body, so, doesn't it make sense that you need to work out your entire body if you see it as a way to improve your golf game? What possible "golf specific" exercise could work out the legs, back, shoulders, arms and core all at once? Hopefully, you came to the same conclusion as I have that the answer is NONE!
I've also noticed some exercises on these websites that target ONE muscle or one small muscle group. Again, that is nonsense and a complete waste of your time. But, most of the people selling those types of exercise programs do not have another job that occupies their entire day, like most people do. And, the fact is, most golfers want to work on their game, rather than work on their body.
That is why I developed a program that you can do in as little as 15 minutes a day if that is all the time you have, and you can do it from your own home. It hits all the major muscle groups, and requires absolutely no equipment. You can even do it on days that you have to go to work before you head out to the golf course to get that 9 holes, or even 18 holes in during the late afternoon, evening hours in the summer.
So, keep all this in mind when you are checking out the various golf fitness websites out there on the internet.
Scott Cole
www.powergolftraining.net
However, you should consider this when doing your own research into a fitness program to improve your golf game: the golf swing utilizes the ENTIRE body, so, doesn't it make sense that you need to work out your entire body if you see it as a way to improve your golf game? What possible "golf specific" exercise could work out the legs, back, shoulders, arms and core all at once? Hopefully, you came to the same conclusion as I have that the answer is NONE!
I've also noticed some exercises on these websites that target ONE muscle or one small muscle group. Again, that is nonsense and a complete waste of your time. But, most of the people selling those types of exercise programs do not have another job that occupies their entire day, like most people do. And, the fact is, most golfers want to work on their game, rather than work on their body.
That is why I developed a program that you can do in as little as 15 minutes a day if that is all the time you have, and you can do it from your own home. It hits all the major muscle groups, and requires absolutely no equipment. You can even do it on days that you have to go to work before you head out to the golf course to get that 9 holes, or even 18 holes in during the late afternoon, evening hours in the summer.
So, keep all this in mind when you are checking out the various golf fitness websites out there on the internet.
Scott Cole
www.powergolftraining.net
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Winter Golf Conditioning
As I stressed in a recent post, for those of us who live in cold winter climates, this time of year does not need to go to waste when it comes to improving your golf game. In fact, you can actually make great strides toward improving your game when the season arrives again by improving your fitness and conditioning.
At PowerGolfTraining.net, I present a workout plan based upon the principles of Kung Fu. It is a plan that does not require you to join a gym, and you do not need ANY equipment whatsoever. That plan focuses primarily upon strength training, flexibility and relaxation techniques.
One aspect of golf conditioning I presently do not stress at PowerGolfTraining.net is aerobic conditioning. If you need to shed a few pounds, aerobic conditioning must play an important role in your workout regimen. Aerobic conditioning can involve something as simple as jogging, cycling and swimming, or something more complex such as kickboxing.
One of the best aerobic workouts I have come across in recent years is the Plyometrics workout in the P90X series of workouts promoted by Tony Horton. You can see the P90X infomercials running quite often every weekend. Their site is beachbody.com.
The Plyometrics workout is a somewhat high impact aerobic workout involving jump training. So, this workout is generally for people in decent shape already, and who do not have knee, back or ankle issues. The workout lasts for about 50 minutes altogether, and will help improve your cardiovascular conditioning quite rapidly if you do the workout consistently a couple days per week. It will also help to improve your leg strength, agility and balance.
So, for the serious golfer looking to kick things up a notch, I highly recommend the entire P90X workout, but the Plyometrics workout in particular.
Scott Cole
www.PowerGolfTraining.net
At PowerGolfTraining.net, I present a workout plan based upon the principles of Kung Fu. It is a plan that does not require you to join a gym, and you do not need ANY equipment whatsoever. That plan focuses primarily upon strength training, flexibility and relaxation techniques.
One aspect of golf conditioning I presently do not stress at PowerGolfTraining.net is aerobic conditioning. If you need to shed a few pounds, aerobic conditioning must play an important role in your workout regimen. Aerobic conditioning can involve something as simple as jogging, cycling and swimming, or something more complex such as kickboxing.
One of the best aerobic workouts I have come across in recent years is the Plyometrics workout in the P90X series of workouts promoted by Tony Horton. You can see the P90X infomercials running quite often every weekend. Their site is beachbody.com.
The Plyometrics workout is a somewhat high impact aerobic workout involving jump training. So, this workout is generally for people in decent shape already, and who do not have knee, back or ankle issues. The workout lasts for about 50 minutes altogether, and will help improve your cardiovascular conditioning quite rapidly if you do the workout consistently a couple days per week. It will also help to improve your leg strength, agility and balance.
So, for the serious golfer looking to kick things up a notch, I highly recommend the entire P90X workout, but the Plyometrics workout in particular.
Scott Cole
www.PowerGolfTraining.net
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Winter Golf
Here in Southcentral Pennsylvania, we have a couple leagues where you can play a tournament round of golf at least once a week. Pros and amateurs are invited to play, and, unless there is a lot of snow on the ground, or the course is unplayable, a good number of golfers will brave the elements.
Personally, I've been more of a fair weather player, and prefer temperatures at least above 45 degrees. If you are similar to me, there is no need to waste your golf down time.
With that in mind, winter is a great time to work on your body, because a more fit body will help your game immensely. If you are carrying some extra weight, winter time is a good time to shed those extra pounds. I guarantee it will help your golf game as it will be more easy to swing the golf club, not to mention get around the golf course.
I recommend a program that combines the three primary elements of fitness: aerobic conditioning, flexibility training, and strength training. In as little as 15-20 minutes each day, you can accomplish quite a bit, particularly if you combine fitness training with positive changes in your diet, if indeed your diet needs changes!
Don't let your time away from golf be a waste! Even without your clubs in hand, you can make improvements to your golf game!
Scott Cole
www.PowerGolfTraining.net
Personally, I've been more of a fair weather player, and prefer temperatures at least above 45 degrees. If you are similar to me, there is no need to waste your golf down time.
With that in mind, winter is a great time to work on your body, because a more fit body will help your game immensely. If you are carrying some extra weight, winter time is a good time to shed those extra pounds. I guarantee it will help your golf game as it will be more easy to swing the golf club, not to mention get around the golf course.
I recommend a program that combines the three primary elements of fitness: aerobic conditioning, flexibility training, and strength training. In as little as 15-20 minutes each day, you can accomplish quite a bit, particularly if you combine fitness training with positive changes in your diet, if indeed your diet needs changes!
Don't let your time away from golf be a waste! Even without your clubs in hand, you can make improvements to your golf game!
Scott Cole
www.PowerGolfTraining.net
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Staying in touch with your game during the cold months
Well, here in Pennsylvania, we are in the midst of our first cold spell of the season, with temperatures forecast in the 30's and low 40's for the next ten days. As a result, few golfers will be venturing to the golf course, except for the diehards of course! However, this doesn't mean you need to let go of your game.
As most of us know, the toughest part of the game to get back when the new season begins is the short game. In those first couple of rounds of the season, we may even hit the ball pretty well, since we have no expectations. But, we miss a few chip shots and the putter just doesn't feel right in our hands.
However, this does not have to happen! The easiest part of the short game to work on at home is your putting. Now is a good time to groove that stroke, and one way to do that is to pick up a Pelz Putting Track. This tool will help you groove a pure putting stroke through a bit of practice. You can find this product at www.pelzgolf.com. 50-100 strokes per day within the putting track is all you need to groove your stroke.
To those of you who live in the warmer climates, I am jealous! But, my goal is to join you one day! To the rest of you like me, stay warm and keep in touch with your game!
Scott Cole
www.PowerGolfTraining.net
As most of us know, the toughest part of the game to get back when the new season begins is the short game. In those first couple of rounds of the season, we may even hit the ball pretty well, since we have no expectations. But, we miss a few chip shots and the putter just doesn't feel right in our hands.
However, this does not have to happen! The easiest part of the short game to work on at home is your putting. Now is a good time to groove that stroke, and one way to do that is to pick up a Pelz Putting Track. This tool will help you groove a pure putting stroke through a bit of practice. You can find this product at www.pelzgolf.com. 50-100 strokes per day within the putting track is all you need to groove your stroke.
To those of you who live in the warmer climates, I am jealous! But, my goal is to join you one day! To the rest of you like me, stay warm and keep in touch with your game!
Scott Cole
www.PowerGolfTraining.net
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Today's Golf Thought
I checked out J.B. Holmes' website last night. If you recall, he was one of the star performers in the recent Ryder Cup victory for the U.S. over Europe. He is number 2 in driving distance on the PGA Tour this year, even though is under 6 feet tall.
David Leadbetter has a commentary on Holmes' golf swing on the Holmes website, which reads as follows:
"Stocky and barrel-chested, J.B. is an immensely strong and talented young man. He has huge forearms and plays with a strong left-hand grip, making the kind of compact action I think we'll move toward in the modern swing. His big upper-body turn, lower-body resistance and explosive first move down are the keys to his power. Starting down, his legs get into a squat position, which lets him use the ground as resistance and create an unbelievable energy flow from his legs, up through his shoulders and down into his arms and the club. His swing is simple but powerful--no wonder the driver is his favorite club. Combine strength, physics and solid technique, and you have not only distance, but good iron play."
As you can see, I have bolded a portion of this analysis regarding the function of the legs in J.B. Holmes swing. This is a key thought in the training of a martial artist as well, drawing the energy from the ground up through the legs and ultimately out through the hands. This is how a good martial artist generates significant power in his punches.
I learned these ideas and techniques when I trained at our Pai Lum Kung Fu school here in Harrisburg, PA, and they are a key component of the power generating ideas I present in my e-book "How to Improve Your Golf Power." Check it out!
Scott Cole
www.PowerGolfTraining.net
David Leadbetter has a commentary on Holmes' golf swing on the Holmes website, which reads as follows:
"Stocky and barrel-chested, J.B. is an immensely strong and talented young man. He has huge forearms and plays with a strong left-hand grip, making the kind of compact action I think we'll move toward in the modern swing. His big upper-body turn, lower-body resistance and explosive first move down are the keys to his power. Starting down, his legs get into a squat position, which lets him use the ground as resistance and create an unbelievable energy flow from his legs, up through his shoulders and down into his arms and the club. His swing is simple but powerful--no wonder the driver is his favorite club. Combine strength, physics and solid technique, and you have not only distance, but good iron play."
As you can see, I have bolded a portion of this analysis regarding the function of the legs in J.B. Holmes swing. This is a key thought in the training of a martial artist as well, drawing the energy from the ground up through the legs and ultimately out through the hands. This is how a good martial artist generates significant power in his punches.
I learned these ideas and techniques when I trained at our Pai Lum Kung Fu school here in Harrisburg, PA, and they are a key component of the power generating ideas I present in my e-book "How to Improve Your Golf Power." Check it out!
Scott Cole
www.PowerGolfTraining.net
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