Basic Components For Improved Golf Fitness With Kettlebell Exercises

Golf fitness can be attained by applying several key concepts to the overall workout regimen. When considering the golf swing, it is important to find ways of increasing balance, flexibility and strength. There are very specific muscle groups involved in swing mechanics and this is where the focus should be when looking for improved performance on the course.

Kettlebells provide a fitness method that is easily applied to the golf swing while increasing physical performance for the entire body. The kettlebell itself comes in a variety of weights and is shaped much like a cannonball with a rounded handle attached. When performing exercises, the handle is gripped by one or both hands and the athlete swings the weight in a variety of motions. The unique swinging action makes these exercises perfectly adaptable to the golfing swing motion.

The golfer’s swing can be broken down into certain skills. Flexibility is needed for adequate rotation of hips and shoulders. Force is created by muscle strength. Balance helps keep the center of gravity steady while other parts of the body are moving the club. Club head speed and optimum distance are generated by force. These individual parts come together to produce proper contact with the ball.

The first action a golfer takes when addressing the ball is to grip the club. This requires hand strength. Kettlebells are geared toward developing a strong grip thanks to their innovative handle design. Even during warm-up exercises, an athlete will immediately feel muscles in hands and wrists being worked. A more powerful grip means better control over the club.

Flexibility applies to the golfer’s swing because tight muscles can adversely affect the range of motion possible. Being more flexible, especially in the hamstrings, means removing muscle tightness so that the body can rotate effectively. Swinging the kettlebell helps learn the activity of hip rotation or bending, and promotes hamstring stretching. The end result is more power with increased hip and shoulder turn.

One way to gain more balance is by applying exercises where swinging the kettlebell is done in a very controlled manner. The weight is moved along a plane slowly with control, or the action is stopped at various points. These movements help the body learn to maintain its center of gravity, and develop muscles needed for stability. This affects the golfer’s swing motion by helping keep the club on a correct swing plane and creating tempo.

A regimen of swing exercises over four to six weeks will greatly increase strength. By using the kettlebell, these strength moves are specifically targeted at golf specific muscles. The result is an increase in the body’s ability to generate significant force. When applying force, fast twitch muscle fibers are being worked. The ultimate goal when working on strength and force is more power for increased club head speed and distance.

The types of drills mentioned here involve power exercises that can be done safely and with minimal strain on back muscles and joints. This is important for getting into a regular golf fitness routine. Kettlebells are becoming a mainstay in the exercise community and will continue to show results for golfers who want to reach their performance goals.

Golf fitness is what it is all about. For those of you that are into golf, we have some tips for you.