Powerlifter to Golfer Need

[EasyJ86]

Hi, I am new to golf, but I was avid powerlifter for the past several years. I competed at 308lbs, I would say that I am not in poor shape, as I lift 6 days a week, but I wouldn't say I am the most fit. 

 

I recently went about a change in my lifting routine. I don't compete anymore, and don't plan to. I began a high intensity program that involves less weight more reps. 

 

My question is is that I want to get in better shape for golf. I could use help in the agility department. Also my swing is not as fast as I would like. I am undoubtedly strong. I could bench the golf cart, LOL! 

What kind of things can I do to better my swing?

[TN94z]

Flexibility. I used to power lift as well and I know that power lifters ( a lot of them anyway) almost cherish being tight. I would say flexibility would be a big help. I haven't focused on it really, but I could still use a lot of attention in that department.

[Piz]

I'm no expert; but I can say, without reservation, that getting better at anything requires doing the thing itself.  Every game utilizes our musculature in a unique fashion.  Getting into "golf shape" means, first and foremost, getting your golf swing into shape.  That process will help identify short-comings in balance, stability, flexibility, and to a lesser extent, strength.  Repetition is required.  One thing I've noticed about people who seldom, if ever, practice is that they haven't the stamina to keep their swing together for an entire round.  An elegant golf swing may not look, or seem, to require much effort...but it takes a toll.  Good luck.

[JCrane]

I can relate to you. I  lifted for about 25 years. I also did Power lifting. I also did a lot of other exercise routines, but for the last 20 years I have done and taught Yoga. Nothing I have done in the past compares to how this has changed my body for golf and anything else.

I know you will not like to hear this, but I found the weights trained my body to isolate the muscles instead of training them to work together as a unit.

I also believe it is important to strengthen the supportive muscle groups that are not necessarily used directly to perform a certain function. Example strengthen biceps to help support and protect the Triceps. But doing this as part of dynamic movement is one of the most powerful things I ever did.

I used to think having a strong core was putting a 25 lb weight behind my head and doing incline setups Now I believe a strong core is one that connects to the rest of the body and works in unison with the rest of the body.

Even with the Yoga I changed 10 years ago to  moving very slow but controlled in my movements. This has allowed me to created a connection in my body that is a strength that includes all the muscle groups working together. 

I remember when I started, the instructor would sometimes stop the class to ask if I was alright because I would be moaning from the release of all that tension I had built up in my body.

Today at 67 I play volleyball twice a week, swim everyday along with doing and teaching Yoga, and play golf whenever I can find a partner. Hope this helps 

[Braivo]

On 7/25/2017 at 11:05 PM, JCrane said:

I can relate to you. I  lifted for about 25 years. I also did Power lifting. I also did a lot of other exercise routines, but for the last 20 years I have done and taught Yoga. Nothing I have done in the past compares to how this has changed my body for golf and anything else.

I know you will not like to hear this, but I found the weights trained my body to isolate the muscles instead of training them to work together as a unit.

I also believe it is important to strengthen the supportive muscle groups that are not necessarily used directly to perform a certain function. Example strengthen biceps to help support and protect the Triceps. But doing this as part of dynamic movement is one of the most powerful things I ever did.

I used to think having a strong core was putting a 25 lb weight behind my head and doing incline setups Now I believe a strong core is one that connects to the rest of the body and works in unison with the rest of the body.

Even with the Yoga I changed 10 years ago to  moving very slow but controlled in my movements. This has allowed me to created a connection in my body that is a strength that includes all the muscle groups working together. 

I remember when I started, the instructor would sometimes stop the class to ask if I was alright because I would be moaning from the release of all that tension I had built up in my body.

Today at 67 I play volleyball twice a week, swim everyday along with doing and teaching Yoga, and play golf whenever I can find a partner. Hope this helps 

This is interesting. I have been doing a lot of powerlifting but it definitely lowers my flexibility. I would like to get into Yoga and get the muscles working together. 

[TN94z]

21 minutes ago, Braivo said:

This is interesting. I have been doing a lot of powerlifting but it definitely lowers my flexibility. I would like to get into Yoga and get the muscles working together. 

Being tight is good for powerlifting if you were planning on competing any.

[Braivo]

Just now, TN94z said:

Being tight is good for powerlifting if you were planning on competing any.

I don't plan to compete, so I really should move to a higher rep programs. Perhaps that would ease the tensions a bit. I really think muscle tension is the biggest hindrance to my golf game improving. 

[TN94z]

4 minutes ago, Braivo said:

I don't plan to compete, so I really should move to a higher rep programs. Perhaps that would ease the tensions a bit. I really think muscle tension is the biggest hindrance to my golf game improving. 

I understand that as I have not done any stretching, really, in years. There is nothing wrong with powerlifting and doing the yoga stuff. I wouldn't worry about it. I was just generally making that comment but it's more for competitors...just that little extra advantage.

[EasyJ86]

I have competed for years, and I still plan to hit a few charity events . Just not trying to go pro anymore. I need more flexibility. My swing suffers badly not enough hip rotation. I can bench press a golf cart, but I can't put my power into my swing. It's rather frustrating issue to have..

[JCrane]

5 hours ago, EasyJ86 said:

I have competed for years, and I still plan to hit a few charity events . Just not trying to go pro anymore. I need more flexibility. My swing suffers badly not enough hip rotation. I can bench press a golf cart, but I can't put my power into my swing. It's rather frustrating issue to have..

I know the feeling I lifted for 30 years. Wisconsin does not offer much time to golf so we tend to spend more time preparing than golfing. The problem with weights is they create an imbalance in the body.You need the muscles around your spine lengthened. I would like to help, but I am told I can not do self promotion on this site. There is a site called Yoga for golfers.by Katherine Roberts. Maybe you can find an instructor there who can help . In the meantime look up a video on youtube with an  exercise called Supine twist. Do this everyday for a few minutes. Go into the twist and take deep breaths. It will take time. Keep your shoulders tight to the floor. As men we tend to be drawn more toward strength exercises than flex exercises when actually they complement each other. Hope this helps