Looking to add distance to shots. Which workout/excersize with enhance swing speeds?

[MaRx]

I really dont have a problem hitting the ball long, but would like to know what it would take to hit a little farther.. I live in MN, so each season I do notice that hit the ball a little farther. (get a little stronger from shoveling snow ) I am wanting to get to be really serious with golf after putting it off for a couple years. Looking for some exercises or some workouts that would directly contribute to more distance with all clubs. Thanks in advance!

[aquacooled]

anything to inprove your rotation and your forearm muscles..

[DDBowdoin]

many people here will push "golf" exercises on to you... personally I don't believe in that... target the important muscles, anything that works them develops and tones those muscles... you'll be stronger, stay light though because you want to remain flexible

depends on your situation, working from home or at a gym? if at a gym then you are golden... everything can be done SAFELY on a nautilus machine (you'd have to be a caveman not to be able to work these)

if at home, the best exercise is pull ups... it will stretch and develop your lats and back muscles, you'll have more strength in your rotation which will produce greater power (these are often considered "core" exercises) as much of your golf power comes from the core region

[iacas]

many people here will push "golf" exercises on to you... personally I don't believe in that... target the important muscles, anything that works them develops and tones those muscles... you'll be stronger, stay light though because you want to remain flexible

That's what those "golf" exercises do. They're exercises specifically designed to help with golf. A long-distance runner does different exercises than a sprinter. A golfer does different exercises than an outside linebacker.

if at home, the best exercise is pull ups... it will stretch and develop your lats and back muscles, you'll have more strength in your rotation which will produce greater power (these are often considered "core" exercises) as much of your golf power comes from the core region

I don't believe pull-ups are in the list of top 100 "core" exercises. They're great for your arms, they hit your lats a little bit, but your core isn't even engaged unless you keep your knees bent, and even then it's minimal.

Your core is "dick to nipples" as one trainer I've talked with liked to say (to men, clearly). As has been said, anything that improves your core is good, as are drills that strengthen your forearms and anything that improves flexibility. You'll also want to increase your "lag," but I'm not sure if you'd call such things "exercises" or just "practice." But the other ways to hit the ball further include making better contact and maximizing your launch conditions.

[rmgators]

hmmm, i can't think of too many effective exercises for the forearms

[UpandDown]

I agree with Erik's comments. Plus, flexibility is paramount, and your improvement in flexibility will pay nice dividends. Distance is not generated from swinging harder, or being stronger. It comes from good mechanics, timing, and intense proper contact. Consider Charles Howell III. He weighs about 150, wet; yet he drills the ball. If you train your muscles and joints to be more flexible, you can improve your upper body turn, while maintaining a stable, solid lower body.

I would start with hamstring exercises to increase flexibility, as well as shoulder stretches and exercises. A surgical tube tied to a solid object makes a good device to work on the shoulder/rotator-cuff. Check with a reputable source for some exercises.

Also, walk the golf course whenever possible. Your heart will benefit, your legs will get stronger, and you will have time to prepare for the next shot.

[rembrandt]

Get yourself a MOMENTUS and swing it a few dozen times a day. A pro told me recently that swinging it 5 times is like hitting a small bucket of balls. It runs about $25.00 at Wally World and it works!

[iacas]

Get yourself a MOMENTUS and swing it a few dozen times a day. A pro told me recently that swinging it 5 times is like hitting a small bucket of balls. It runs about $25.00 at Wally World and it works!

$25? The iron is about $79 and the driver a good bit more.

I've been looking to pick up a Momentus driver, but at $150 or so, I can't justify it. Not yet.

[rembrandt]

I'm refering to the iron (7) I believe and it weighs about 23lbs. I bought mine at Wal-Mart for $25.00 and it works great. It has the grip alignment thing and it really stretches out the muscles when you use it. You can hit balls with it or just swing it to build up your arm and wrist strength.

[FAHooGolfs]

You can hit balls with it or just swing it to build up your arm and wrist strength.

Are you sure you can hit balls with it? I was always under the impression that you couldn't hit balls with it for some reason... could've sworn it said on there not to hit balls. Maybe I'm missing something though?

[rembrandt]

What I have is an INTECH not a Momentus. maybe that will clear that up. My grandson has hit balls with it and it is super for warming up and getting the arms and wrists in shape. Sorry if I misled you on that.

[Jeepthrills]

As an Exercise Physiologist/Personal Trainer I get a lot of people who want the same thing. The advice that has been given so far is very good. You need to look at the entire body. We generally like to consider several components.

Strength: Legs are the foundation that the swing is built from. Squats, lunges and side step ups are all great. The core is huge here. This is where the power transfers from the legs to the upper body and ultimately the club. Soft abs will weaken your swing and increase your potential for injury. Break the abs into upper (crunches), lower (reverse crunches) and obliques (diagonal crunches). You can add a medicine ball or an inflateable fitball for more variety and intensity. The upper body is what connects our body to the club. Strong hands and forearms are a must. They are a real key in unlocking hidden power. One of the old wrist rollers is a great way to build those Popeye forearms. However, you need to address the chest, upper back, biceps, triceps and shoulders as well. Variety is a must. try to regularly change up your routine.

Flexibility: Range of Motion is the easiest way for the average golfer to gain distance. Most people are tight and can't make the full shoulder turn needed to really hit the ball far. Try to stretch daily. Hold all of your stretches for 15+ seconds at the point of pressure, not pain.

Cardio: Endurance can be the difference between a late round collapse and winning a match. Try to do 30 minutes or more at least 4-5 days a week. Try to get your heart rate up to 75% of your max (220-age). Walk the course when you can.

The Momentus and the Speedstik are also helpfull.

[cdriver]

It has the grip alignment thing and it really stretches out the muscles when you use it.

The grip alignment thing is a problem for us left-handers, so I just use a weight that slips onto any club. It is soft, filled with lead pellets and shaped to fit over an iron head. It has a velcro closure that seals it in place so it doesn't slip off.

It works pretty well.

[rembrandt]

The grip alignment thing is a problem for us left-handers, so I just use a weight that slips onto any club. It is soft, filled with lead pellets and shaped to fit over an iron head. It has a velcro closure that seals it in place so it doesn't slip off.

Seems lefties get a raw deal all the way around. In archery, left handed bows are hard to come by at dealers. Same is true with bolt rifles etc. The donut should work OK and what you have sounds great.

[MaRx]

I read everyone's posts, and I thank you all for taking some time to share some advice!

I did in fact see that weighted club at Wal-Mart the other night.. I didnt care for the grip it had.. I had my club slightly different, so i dont know how much i'd want to get that club, it may screw up my swing with a different grip...

I honestly dont know how much more I really should expect to hit, but Its always motivating to listen to people tell others how long I can hit. If I am not the longest hitter of the group, I feel almost inferior

Thanks again everyone, I will take all the advice into consideration!

[Jeepthrills]

I did in fact see that weighted club at Wal-Mart the other night.. I didnt care for the grip it had.. I had my club slightly different, so i dont know how much i'd want to get that club, it may screw up my swing with a different grip...

For about $5 you could regrip it yourself and have it match the ones in your bag. Just a thought.