Keep Moving: Exercises For Golfers

Joyce G. is a professional health blogger and writer. Her guest post focuses on choosing the right exercise and equipment to stay fit for golf.  (Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in 2010 but the information is valuable and worth repeating.)

Best Exercises For Golfers

When it comes to exercise and fitness, keeping your body healthy and strong is the goal. However, there are some workouts that are extra hard on your joints. For golfers, this can mean developing arthritis and other injuries that could impact their ability to play the game. Luckily, there are other exercises that can keep you fit without damaging the joints. These workouts will keep you looking great without sacrificing one of your favorite hobbies.

Certain exercises are considered high impact activities. These are great for maintaining fitness, but they are not the best choices for golfers who need healthy and pain free joints. High impact workouts can strain joints and are generally hard on the body. If both feet leave the ground at one time, a workout is considered high impact. Examples are jumping rope, running, and certain aerobics. These tend to have a higher chance of injury, especially for the ankle, hip, and knee. While they may help maintain bone health, low impact activities have the same benefit without the risk.

If golf is your passion, then low impact workouts might be a better choice for you. These will keep you healthy without putting pressure on your joints. They also have a lower rate of injury.

NordicTrack Elliptical Exercise EquipmentUsing an elliptical is an excellent option. These workout machines allow you to move in a fluid motion. The movement is similar to running, but without the crashing impact on your joints. Your feet are supported by two pedals, and your hands grip two moving handle bars. The other great thing about this machine is that it offers a whole body workout. Both the upper and lower body are working in order to propel the machine. By tightening the abdominal muscles, you can engage your core as well. There are different programs and difficulty levels, so as the workouts get easier the machine can adapt with you. Most ellipticals have some sort of computer built in so your progress can be logged. They can keep track of time and the levels at which you have worked out. The ability of the computer and tracking capabilities vary on each brand of elliptical. Some can even track your heart rate. One idea is to put together your own small workout area or gym in your home. An elliptical, exercise mat, and some other favorite pieces of workout equipment are all you need. Having your own space to workout in is certainly trendy; you can even invite friends over to workout with you.

Another low impact activity is yoga. This is a popular workout that can also help your golf game. Yoga helps strengthen muscles and develops a sense of balance. This increased body awareness is helpful for golfing. Many people also love yoga because it can help lower stress. There is a meditative aspect of the exercise that most other workouts lack. There are different levels of yoga that can fit into your current athletic needs. Intense types of yoga like Ashtanga are very difficult and work the body. Ananda, on the other hand, is very gentle. Choosing the right kind of yoga is important so you get the most out of it. You can go to an actual yoga class, or you can practice at home.

Being able to stay active on the golf course is important. These trendy and low impact activities are great for keeping you fit and healthy without ruining your joints. Using an elliptical will certainly result in a grueling workout without the risk of injury. Yoga is popular and can provide you with a stronger sense of balance and body awareness.

About the Author:
Joyce G. is a professional health blogger and writer.  She currently partners with Nordictrack.com in raising awareness about the importance of health and fitness. NordicTrack has come to symbolize the means for serious athletes and fitness-buffs alike to “get ready for adventure,” whatever that may be. Visit our website to know more about using ellipticals.

. . . . .

Do you have a regular exercise routine? Do you have a favorite? Leave your comments below.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *