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There has been much discussion on this Forum about functional fitness and how it works better for golf than isolation training, so I thought I would introduce some exercises to test the core strength and balance of those who wish to feel what this is like. 

My thanks to Michael Reik, a scratch golfer from Milwaukee Wisconsin,who been doing a program I teach, for volunteering  to demonstrate these exercises and for proving that it is possible to gain strength, add mobility, and balance to your body using the bodies own weight and leverage. 

It is my experience that many people find it difficult to slow down and really feel what is going on inside their bodies and would rather use momentum to propel themselves past any weak areas to some predetermined goal.

Over the next 3 days I will post  three exercises that will test your balance and your core strength. They are divided into Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 Do the ones you can do with slow and controlled Movements. Stop when you get to one you can not do. Post a comment on this forum about what you felt, maybe even a video If nothing else it will give you some feedback.

First lets do some warm-ups. Mike is using a special club, but you can use any golf club.

59dfcb21ccdb1_ragdoll2.jpg.8a24c52b21f99ab5a785f5f487e2d3fb.jpg

 

Let the club hang loose and let your upper body release any tension you are feeling in it. You can sway the club back and forth, arms are loose. Bring your attention to your neck and ask yourself. Why am I holding my head up when I am upside down ? LOL

It is out of habit 

 

59dfcd9f21e6e_rollup1.jpg.9dfcd41bbe8d94140e1c57be945f762b.jpg

 

Suck your belly in to protect the lower back and start to lift up. If you feel any pain stop, otherwise continue to lift slowly using your core muscles, stacking each vertebrae one on top of the other.Let your core do the work not the arms 

Continue until your are standing

59dfcf410659c_backbend.jpg.29caee6283eca8530d6ea51847efabcf.jpg

 

Bring the Club overhead, reach to the ceiling  and take a gentle back bend

59dfd06f9eefb_foldforward.jpg.69735665507d233b6919b690a1c61a96.jpg

Suck the belly in as you Fold forward and let the club hang. 
Repeat this sequence a few times

NEXT WARMUP

59e0237c078c0_catcow.jpg.fbe96ae75dc411aaa7f354f588bd5d66.jpg

Bring the club behind you as illustrated, then take a deep breath as you lift the chest up and drop the head back

cat.jpg.0fe14f0302b689b30d89fbc39e609b4e.jpg

Then suck the belly in and round the back as you slowly exhale

Return to standing and repeat 3 times

59e0255e50f6c_backswing.jpg.79d2a00da1e34068a29bf7cc40c94581.jpg

Take your golfing stance at address. Place a ball down if you need to and with the club behind you slowly go into your back swing. When you feel the muscles tighten stop and take 3 deep breaths. 

59e027048fe97_followthrough.jpg.2c4f1ad7bcbc89d4bc4e159a747ff72a.jpg

Now go into your follow through until the muscles are tight then take 3 deep breaths.

Repeat this exercise 3 times 

EVERYTHING IS SLOW AND CONTROLLED

 

Now move on to the Challenge Level 1
 

 

 

 

 

  • Upvote 1

Level 1

Bring the club behind your back and secure it with your arms.

59e41d1121cbd_airplaneprep.jpg.d685501923a3531f9c63e627bf7bbdd1.jpg

 

slowly lift the right leg back behind you and hold it for 3 breaths if you can

airplane.jpg.2910f85772e7bd98f79ac2f456b6485b.jpg

then come back to standing

59e41d1121cbd_airplaneprep.jpg.d685501923a3531f9c63e627bf7bbdd1.jpg

Take all of the momentum out of these exercises if you can. Slow it down and feel your muscles working.

 

Now bring the left leg back and hold that for 3 breaths if you can. Just do what you can do.

59e41d59effbc_lsairplane.jpg.63b2ceb5ad21667d6be3165e6e612332.jpg

Return to standing

59e41d1121cbd_airplaneprep.jpg.d685501923a3531f9c63e627bf7bbdd1.jpg

Move on to Level 2


  • iacas changed the title to Challenge - Test Your Core and Balance

Jim- Looks like Level 1 and 2 got posted in reverse order. Not sure but we mods might be able to help you fix that if u like. Probably just hide the first Level 2 post above and let you repost it so it’s in correct order.  Your call. 

Also, mods wanna group the levels all together as one topic on challenge for core and balance so people can see them all at once and comment in one place. 

 

My Swing


Driver: :ping: G30, Irons: :tmade: Burner 2.0, Putter: :cleveland:, Balls: :snell:

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  On 10/16/2017 at 2:58 AM, RandallT said:

Jim- Looks like Level 1 and 2 got posted in reverse order. Not sure but we mods might be able to help you fix that if u like. Probably just hide the first Level 2 post above and let you repost it so it’s in correct order.  Your call. 

Also, mods wanna group the levels all together as one topic on challenge for core and balance so people can see them all at once and comment in one place. 

 

Expand  

yes, thanks for your input. I had all kinds of problems posting this. I wanted to have it all in one post. the program would not let me have more space. Then I tried putting it under quoted. Can you fix it or tell me the best way to fix it. I want to put out  the third and final challenge today I greatly appreciate your help

 

 


Repost Level 2 here below in this thread. Then I will hide the first Level 2 above.  

Then post Level 3. Voila - all in order again.

Not sure about the running out of space issue you mention. Maybe a limit of pictures? 

Good luck

 

 

My Swing


Driver: :ping: G30, Irons: :tmade: Burner 2.0, Putter: :cleveland:, Balls: :snell:

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Not trying to be an a-hole here, but this is just a few stock yoga moves done while holding a golf club.  I guess plus the twist stretch done in the golf address position.  Though I'd argue there are better ways to both strengthen and stretch the twisting core.

Matt

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  On 10/16/2017 at 6:17 PM, mdl said:

Not trying to be an a-hole here, but this is just a few stock yoga moves done while holding a golf club.  I guess plus the twist stretch done in the golf address position.  Though I'd argue there are better ways to both strengthen and stretch the twisting core.

Expand  

I posted this for people who are intered in testing their core and balance, with these three progressive moves.  then leaving a comment on how they did.  If you are not interested in doing that please go somewhere else


(edited)

 

Exercise Level 2

Hold the club over your head

 

Bring the upper torso parallel to the floor while reaching the club out in front of you.

59e62c0e42d83_warrior3prep2.jpg.4cac2537c520c84b99a676293eb64029.jpg

Now lift the right leg back slowly and bring yourself to parallel with the floor and hold for 3 breaths if you can.

59e629f5d11ee_warrior3rl.jpg.0301acfe7de33cbf5da2fbda06e73eee.jpg

Return to standing with the club overhead

59e64f5d4df52_warrior3prep.jpg.ff7566cc1fdf44543292cbf92d0b11e7.jpg

 

Once again bring your body to parallel with the floor

59e62c0e42d83_warrior3prep2.jpg.4cac2537c520c84b99a676293eb64029.jpg

Now slowly lift the left leg back behind you and parallel to the floor

59e62a5b4eb29_LLwarr3prep.jpg.0bc182e14ef2d7ef468a34cab34dd2b4.jpg

Release back to standing

Move on to Level 3

 

 

Level 3

Start in standing position with the club overhead

59e64f5d4df52_warrior3prep.jpg.ff7566cc1fdf44543292cbf92d0b11e7.jpg

Bring the Upper torso parallel to the floor 

59e62c0e42d83_warrior3prep2.jpg.4cac2537c520c84b99a676293eb64029.jpg

slowly lift the right leg back so the body is parallel to the floor.

59e629f5d11ee_warrior3rl.jpg.0301acfe7de33cbf5da2fbda06e73eee.jpg

Now drop the club just off of the floor as you lift the right leg up toward the ceiling and hold for 3 breaths.

59e64fb3eafff_crashingairplane.jpg.8b0696b097c17a7a249418cc0784b4de.jpg

now slowly with control, come all the way up without touching the floor bringing the knee to the chest and hold for 3 breaths.

59e65091482ed_kneetochest.jpg.9bc203ecf96d02f1bf39ff6fef48af0b.jpg

Now extend the leg for 3 breaths 

59e650376b19f_extendrL.jpg.5119a04e7799f4e12eacaaa90b11f846.jpg

Bring the knee back toward chest

59e65091482ed_kneetochest.jpg.9bc203ecf96d02f1bf39ff6fef48af0b.jpg

Release the leg to the floor

59e64f5d4df52_warrior3prep.jpg.ff7566cc1fdf44543292cbf92d0b11e7.jpg

upper torso to parallel with the floor ,

59e62c0e42d83_warrior3prep2.jpg.4cac2537c520c84b99a676293eb64029.jpg

slowly lift the left leg back. Head and leg form a straight line.

59e62a5b4eb29_LLwarr3prep.jpg.0bc182e14ef2d7ef468a34cab34dd2b4.jpg

drop the club just off the floor and lift the left leg up and hold for 3 breaths

59e652951be79_LLadvanced.jpg.e894044d93c39935f10ed722379cbcd9.jpg

now slowly bring the knee toward the chest without touching the floor and hold for 3 breaths

59e64fdbb0ead_advancedkneebent.jpg.566367eaf834291eabcdea10fa8d5d50.jpg

Now extend the left leg for 3 breaths

59e650b7549bb_LLextended.jpg.8f943b8ef6f387d6d0ef8aa975793e6b.jpg

return to bent position

59e64fdbb0ead_advancedkneebent.jpg.566367eaf834291eabcdea10fa8d5d50.jpg

Return to standing and have a beer 

59e64f5d4df52_warrior3prep.jpg.ff7566cc1fdf44543292cbf92d0b11e7.jpg

As a person who has done this program for 5 years, the thing I like most about Jim's golf exercise program is that it really focuses on the keys for improving your body for golf: 

body connection ,balance, and flexibility. Integrating a golf club into the practice really challenges both mind and body to become aware of your movements and discover the feeling of a fully integrated body that translates well to the golf course. This program is by no means easy, but if you put in the work you will soon realize the enormous benefits it produces. Not only will you build a more effortless, connected, and balanced golf swing, you'll experience fewer injuries and less soreness by having a stronger core and overall body.

Michael Riek
 

 

 

 

 

  On 10/16/2017 at 2:58 AM, RandallT said:

Jim- Looks like Level 1 and 2 got posted in reverse order. Not sure but we mods might be able to help you fix that if u like. Probably just hide the first Level 2 post above and let you repost it so it’s in correct order.  Your call. 

Also, mods wanna group the levels all together as one topic on challenge for core and balance so people can see them all at once and comment in one place. 

 

Expand  

ok, I hope I did it right this time. Please let me know. What I had to do was to post all of the text first, then add the pictures under each title. When I did that It gave me all the room I wanted.Thanks for your help

airplane.jpg

airplane prep.jpg

ls airplane.jpg

Edited by RandallT
Removed the quotes for readability

  On 10/17/2017 at 7:04 PM, JCrane said:

ok, I hope I did it right this time. Please let me know. What I had to do was to post all of the text first, then add the pictures under each title. When I did that It gave me all the room I wanted.Thanks for your help

Expand  

Looks good. Level 1 is now posted first. Then Level 2 and 3 above. I think it merged two of your posts into one, but that's ok. Tell Michael thanks for the note. 

I've been doing various stretches and yoga routines for the past month or two along with physical therapy on my neck, so I definitely find a lot of crossover in the exercises I've been doing with what you've posted. Generally, this stuff has really helped me feel so much more athletic, although I haven't been able to get up to full speed yet. 

My Swing


Driver: :ping: G30, Irons: :tmade: Burner 2.0, Putter: :cleveland:, Balls: :snell:

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  On 10/17/2017 at 7:16 PM, RandallT said:

Looks good. Level 1 is now posted first. Then Level 2 and 3 above. I think it merged two of your posts into one, but that's ok. Tell Michael thanks for the note. 

I've been doing various stretches and yoga routines for the past month or two along with physical therapy on my neck, so I definitely find a lot of crossover in the exercises I've been doing with what you've posted. Generally, this stuff has really helped me feel so much more athletic, although I haven't been able to get up to full speed yet. 

Expand  

good thanks for your help. I use a pump up neck pillow for my neck. It pumps up with air and stretches my neck. I use it with my inversion table and it keeps me stretched out  alone with the Yoga I do


  On 10/16/2017 at 6:17 PM, mdl said:

Not trying to be an a-hole here, but this is just a few stock yoga moves done while holding a golf club.  I guess plus the twist stretch done in the golf address position.  Though I'd argue there are better ways to both strengthen and stretch the twisting core.

Expand  

To me, it looked like Tai-Chi for golf. That being said, for a 65 year old (me) some of this stuff looked like it could be a challenge! It also looked like it might do some good. So, I'm going to give it a try.

Besides, with my joints, especially knees, I don't jog anymore. No sense pounding what little cartilage I have left into dust!

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  On 10/18/2017 at 12:49 AM, Buckeyebowman said:

To me, it looked like Tai-Chi for golf. That being said, for a 65 year old (me) some of this stuff looked like it could be a challenge! It also looked like it might do some good. So, I'm going to give it a try.

Besides, with my joints, especially knees, I don't jog anymore. No sense pounding what little cartilage I have left into dust!

Expand  

great analogy Tai-Chi for golf. I like it. I did fast Yoga for 10 years, then the last 10 slowed it down. You don't need to pound your body. I am 68 and I can do anything I did at 30, just not as often LOL


  On 10/19/2017 at 2:44 AM, yourgolfbuddyph said:

Interesting workout you have here. I suggest doing some hip opener exercise. It'll help activate your lower body and hit the ball further!

Expand  

My first question is . Did you do all three exercises and how did you do ?

This is meant as a fun test to see how ones' balance and core is. It is not meant to build anything. There are many exercises that progressively work up to addressing the entire body that help one hit the ball better, but that is not what this is all about.

Thanks for your input. 


  • 4 weeks later...
  On 10/18/2017 at 12:49 AM, Buckeyebowman said:

To me, it looked like Tai-Chi for golf. That being said, for a 65 year old (me) some of this stuff looked like it could be a challenge! It also looked like it might do some good. So, I'm going to give it a try.

Besides, with my joints, especially knees, I don't jog anymore. No sense pounding what little cartilage I have left into dust!

Expand  

a lot of people can run for years with no problems, but I have met many who have ruined their knees with the pounding on the joints. I would encourage anyone who has those type of problems to do something that is still challenging but does not put excessive pressure on the joints. thanks for your input 


Note: This thread is 2658 days old. We appreciate that you found this thread instead of starting a new one, but if you plan to post here please make sure it's still relevant. If not, please start a new topic. Thank you!

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