10 Golf Fitness Tips

By: Robin Raven

Break Studios Contributing Writer

If you enjoy one of the most popular adult sports in America, you'll enjoy these 10 golf fitness tips. Golf is sometimes seen as more of a passive sport; however, any true golfer knows that playing a round of golf can provide quite a workout. Playing golf is a great way to enjoy the beauty of the day, get out into nature, hang out with friends and enjoy a great game. Keep these fitness tips in mind next time you try to work on reducing your golf handicap.

Stretch before you get on the course. Although it's not as much of a physical sport as others, you'll perform and feel better if you've properly stretched. Don't just focus on your upper body either. Full body stretching is best.
Drink plenty of fluids before playing golf. Bring several bottles of water or sports drinks with you on the course. Drink continuously during the day, especially if you anticipate a long game.
Walk throughout the course and skip the golf cart altogether. If a friend or rival opts to use a golf cart, you may want to ask if you can pop bottles of water or other personal belongings in the cart. You'll feel much better after the game is over and it may even keep you more alert to play your best game.
Work out regularly off the course. Although golf can be a nice exercise, it's also important to work out at least three times per week off the course to be in your best shape.
Try strength training. The National Strength and Conditioning Association recently released a study that stated how golfers benefit from strength training when it also includes plyometrics. Strengthen and build muscles to perform optimally.
Keep a golf diary. Write down what you do to prepare for your game, whether you stretched, the work-outs for the week as preparation, if you walked through the game, how you performed, what was your score, what were you're feeling and any other things that are related to your health and your game. This can help identify sources of strengths and causes of problems.
Use your core in the game of golf. A lot of people think of golf in more simple terms than is fair and true. Your core and its strength is a lesser known, yet important, factor in the game of golf. You'll strengthen your game by using and strengthening the core.
Take golf lessons regularly to work on your technique. Not only will this improve your scores, but it will improve your fitness for golf. You can also avoid strain or injury if you take lessons with an experienced professional. He'll be able to catch any errors you are making that could lead to harm. It will also help you get a fun and useful workout that's motivating to do.
Golf with friends who make you laugh. Laughter is good for your emotional, spiritual and physical health. It can also help you relax and takes the edge off of wanting to win. The competitiveness may be alleviated almost entirely and it can turn into an active and fun weekly even. Keep in mind that laughter burns calories and that can help little by little in your fitness goals.
Wear comfortable shoes. The wrong shoes can sabotage your stance, game and motivation. You're not likely to opt to walk; a cart is too tempting when you're wearing uncomfortable shoes. Wear comfortable shoes to take a small, important step toward optimal fitness for your health and golf game.