Newsletter  Spring 04:Improve Your Core Stability

Improve your core stability to improve your game!

How many times do you swing your club during a round of golf?  If you are Mike Weir and you shoot a 72, plus a minimum of one practice swing per shot, you are already at 144.  Now, include your practice swings before you start and you are easily over a couple hundred swings. 

The core muscles are the muscle groups of the back, abdomen, hips and pelvis.  These muscles keep us stabilized when we do simple activities such as running and walking.  By strengthening the core muscles to support the spine, overuse of the back and abdominal musculature is reduced.  In golf, it is these core muscles that are responsible for anchoring a swing.

Easy and effective core stabilizing exercises can be performed using an exercise ball, wobble board and/or a balance cushion.  

Exercise balls are a great way to increase flexibility, improve coordination and develop strength. 
Theraband exercise balls come in five different sizes which are based on body height and are colour coded for each different size.  When sitting on an exercise ball, it is important that the thighs lie parallel with the ground with the knees at a 90-degree angle.

Wobble boards and balance cushions are also effective tools used to improve core stability and balance.  These tools provide a challenging workout for the ankle, knee, hip and pelvis.  The balance cushion can also be used for sitting and lying exercises.

For additional literature on balance and stability exercises or ball exercises, please inquire at the reception desk at Athlete's Care.

By training your core stabilizing muscles you will notice increased strength, coordination, endurance and balance.