How can you expect to drive the ball further or have a consistent swing if your body lacks the proper foundation and fitness to swing the club and play the game?

Since Tiger Woods came onto the scene in 1996 and showed us what a difference strength, stability, and mobility make, those three attributes have been widely accepted aspects of the game of golf.

The first steps many golfers take to improve their game are to buy new equipment, play more golf, or get lessons. Although these are some possible solutions, there are many times our golf game is not a reflection of our skill as a golfer or the equipment we use as much as a reflection of our body’s physical limitations.

What does it take to get fit for golf?

Time and equipment availability are common challenges I have faced in working with both professional (PGA and LPGA) and amateur golfers.

These workouts were designed with minimal equipment requirements and are approximately thirty minutes in duration. They are scheduled for three times a week with a rest day in between. For example, you might train on Monday, Wednesay, and Friday each week.

There are three major cycles:

1. General preparation and conditioning
2. Strength and power
3. Complex power and speed

Be sure to read the Introduction to Strength and Conditioning for Golf article and consult your doctor if you have medical problems that could affect your ability to safely train or play.

Week 1

Day 1

1. Face-the-corner (wall) squat: 80% 1RM, 30 sec rest, 2-2-2 tempo

Note: thighs go just below parallel.

2. Push up: 80% 1RM, 30 sec rest, 2-2-2 tempo

If full push ups aren’t possible, try:

1. Push ups on your knees
2. 7-second planks

3. Pull up: 80% 1RM

Note: neck touches bar.

If full pull ups aren’t possible, try:

1. Chin up
2. Flexed-arm hang 10 sec
3. Eccentric-only 30 sec

4. Jump rope: 30 sec, then rest 30 sec

Note: repeat 2X

5. Run – bike – row: 1 mile – 1.5 miles – 500m

Day 2

1. Face-the-corner (wall) squat: 2 Rounds of 80% 1RM, 30 sec rest, 2-2-2 tempo

Note: thighs go just below parallel.

2. Push Up: 2 Rounds of 80% 1RM, 30 sec rest, 2-2-2 tempo

If full push ups aren’t possible, try:

1. Push ups on your knees
2. 7-second planks

3. Pull Up: 2 Rounds of 80% 1RM

Note: neck touches bar.

If full pull ups aren’t possible, try:

1. Chin up
2. Flexed-arm hang 10 sec
3. Eccentric-only 30 sec

4. Hanging leg raise: 5RM

Note: ankle hits bar with spine upright

If full hanging leg raises aren’t possible, try:

1. Knees to chest
2. Knees to waist height

Repeat #1-4 three times, then:

5. Jump rope: 30 sec, then rest 30 sec

Note: repeat 2X

6. Run – bike – row: 1 mile – 1.5 miles – 500m

Day 3

1. Face-the-corner (wall) squat: 80% 1RM, 30 sec rest, 2-2-2 tempo

Note: thighs go just below parallel.

Repeat 2X

2. Push up: 80% 1RM, 30 sec rest, 2-2-2 tempo

If full push ups aren’t possible, try:

1. Push ups on your knees
2. 7-second planks

Repeat 2X

3. Pull up: 80% 1RM

Note: neck touches bar.

Repeat 2X

If full pull ups aren’t possible, try:

1. Chin up
2. Flexed-arm hang 10 sec
3. Eccentric-only 30 sec

4. Hanging Leg Raise: 5RM

Note: ankle hits bar with spine upright

If full hanging leg raises aren’t possible, try:

1. Knees to chest
2. Knees to waist height

Repeat #1-4 three times, then:

5. Jump rope: 30 sec, then rest 30 sec

Note: repeat 2X

6. Run – bike – row: 1 mile – 1.5 miles – 500m

Click on the number below that corresponds to the week of training you’re in.

Week 2

Day 1

1. Leg lowering: 5 reps/leg, 10 sec rest

Note: grip a doorway to assist you as you lower if needed

2. Deadlift: 2 sets of 8 reps with 8RM load, 30 sec rest

3. Basketball face-the-corner wall squats: 50% 1RM, 30 sec rest

4. Basketball push ups: 50% 1RM, 30 sec rest, 2-2-2 tempo

If full push ups aren’t possible, try:

• Push ups on your knees
• 7-second planks

Note: repeat #1-4 2X

5. Pull up: 50% of 1RM

Note: neck touches bar.

If full pull ups aren’t possible, try:

• Chin up
• Flexed-arm hang 10 sec
• Eccentric-only 30 sec

6. Hanging leg raise: 5RM load, 30 sec rest

Note: Ankle hits bar with spine upright

If full hanging leg raises aren’t possible, try knees to chest oe knees to waist height.

7. Jump rope: 3 rounds – 30 sec jumping, 30 sec rest

Day 2

1. Leg lowering: 5 reps/leg, 10 sec rest

Note: grip a doorway to assist you as you lower if needed

2. Deadlift: 2 sets of 8 reps with 8RM load, 30 sec rest

3. Single leg deadlift: 2 sets of 4 reps/side with 4RM load, 30 sec rest

Note: If possible, use contralateral loading (weight in opposite hand from working leg); use ipsilateral (same side) loading as a regression if needed.

4. Reverse lunge: 2 sets of 4 reps per leg with body weight as the load, 30 sec rest

5. Push ups: 80% 1RM, 30 sec rest, 2-2-2 tempo

If full push ups aren’t possible, try:

• Push ups on your knees
• 7-second planks

6. Pull up: 50% of 1RM

Note: neck touches bar.

If full pull ups aren’t possible, try:

• Chin up
• Flexed-arm hang 10 sec
• Eccentric-only 30 sec

6. Hanging leg raise: 5RM load, 30 sec rest

Note: Ankle hits bar with spine upright

If full hanging leg raises aren’t possible, try knees to chest or knees to waist height.

7. Run – bike – row: 1 mile – 1.5 miles – 550m

Day 3

1. Leg lowering: 5 reps/leg, 10 sec rest

Note: grip a doorway to assist you as you lower if needed

2. Deadlift: 2 sets of 8 reps with 8RM load, 30 sec rest

3. Single leg deadlift: 2 sets of 4 reps/side with 4RM load, 30 sec rest

Note: If possible, use contralateral loading (weight in opposite hand from working leg); use ipsilateral (same side) loading as a regression if needed.

4. Reverse lunge: 2 sets of 4 reps per leg with body weight as the load, 30 sec rest

5. Basketball push ups: 2 sets of 50% 1RM, 30 sec rest, 2-2-2 tempo

If full push ups aren’t possible, try:

• Push ups on your knees
• 7-second planks

Note: repeat #1-5 2X

6. Pull up: 50% of 1RM

Note: neck touches bar.

If full pull ups aren’t possible, try:

• Chin up
• Flexed-arm hang 10 sec
• Eccentric-only 30 sec

7. Hanging leg raise: 5RM load, 30 sec rest

Note: Ankle hits bar with spine upright

If full hanging leg raises aren’t possible, try knees to chest oe knees to waist height.

8. Jump rope: 2 rounds – 30 sec jumping, 30 sec rest

9. Run – bike – row: 70-80%

Click on the number below that corresponds to the week of training you’re in.

Week 3

Day 1

1. Arm bar: 3 reps/side, 10 sec rest

Note: comfortable range of motion for 3-5 breaths

2. Single leg deadlift: 1 sets of 8 reps per leg with 8RM load, 30 sec rest

3. Reverse lunge: 1 set of 8 reps per side, 30 sec rest

4. Basketball push ups: 2 sets with 50% 1RM, 30 sec rest, 2-2-2 tempo

If full push ups aren’t possible, try:

• Use a step stool or other elevated surface instead of a basketball
• Push ups on your knees
• 7-second planks

5. Tall kneel isometric rotation: 1 set of 5 reps per side, 3 sec holds, 30 sec rest

6. Half kneel isometric rotation: 1 set of 5 reps per side, 3 sec holds, 30 sec rest

7. Pull up: alternating grip, 50% of 1RM

Note: neck touches bar.

If full pull ups aren’t possible, try:

• Chin up
• Flexed-arm hang 10 sec
• Eccentric-only 30 sec

8. Jump rope: 3 rounds – 30 sec jumping, 30 sec rest

Day 2

1. Arm bar: 3 reps/side, 10 sec rest

Note: comfortable range of motion for 3-5 breaths

2. Reverse lunge: 1 set of 8 reps per side, 30 sec rest

3. Basketball face-the-corner wall squats: 50% 1RM, 30 sec rest

4. Reverse lunge: 2 sets of 4 reps per leg with body weight as the load, 30 sec rest

5. Low row, bilateral: 4 reps, 30 sec rest, with theraband

6. Low row, unilateral: 4 reps per side, 30 sec rest, with a theraband

Perform two rounds of #1-6.

7. Tall kneel isometric rotation: 1 set of 5 reps per side, 3 sec holds, 30 sec rest

8. Half kneel isometric rotation: 1 set of 5 reps per side, 3 sec holds, 30 sec rest

Perform 2 rounds of #7-8.

9. Hanging leg raise: 5RM load, 30 sec rest

Note: Ankle hits bar with spine upright

If full hanging leg raises aren’t possible, try knees to chest or knees to waist height.

10. Run – bike – row: 1 mile – 1.5 miles – 550m @70-80%

Day 3

1. Arm bar: 3 reps/side, 10 sec rest

Note: comfortable range of motion for 3-5 breaths

2. Reverse lunge: 1 set of 8 reps per side, 30 sec rest

3. Low row, bilateral: 4 reps, 30 sec rest, with theraband

4. Low row, unilateral: 4 reps per side, 30 sec rest, with a theraband

5. Tall kneel isometric rotation: 1 set of 5 reps per side, 3 sec holds, 30 sec rest

6. Half kneel isometric rotation: 1 set of 5 reps per side, 3 sec holds, 30 sec rest

Perform 2 rounds of #1-6.

5. Basketball push ups: 2 sets of 50% 1RM, 30 sec rest, 2-2-2 tempo

If full push ups aren’t possible, try:

• Push ups on your knees
• 7-second planks

8. Jump rope: 2 rounds – 30 sec jumping, 30 sec rest

9. Run – bike – row: 1 mile – 1.5 miles – 550m @70-80%

Click on the number below that corresponds to the week of training you’re in.

Week 4

Day 1

1. Leg lock hip lift: 5 reps per side, 10 sec rest

2. Single leg deadlift: 1 set of 8 reps per side, 30 sec rest

Preferred: weight in hand opposite working leg (contralateral).

Regression: weight in hand on the same side as working leg (ipsilateral).

3. Reverse lunge: 8 reps per leg with body weight as the load, 30 sec rest

5. Low row, bilateral: 8 reps, 15 sec rest, with theraband

6. Low row, unilateral: 8 reps per side, 15 sec rest, with a theraband

7. Tall kneel isometric rotation: 1 set of 5 reps per side, 3 sec holds, 15 sec rest

8. Half kneel isometric rotation: 1 set of 5 reps per side, 3 sec holds, 15 sec rest

9. Basketball push ups: 5 reps per side, 15 sec rest, 2-2-2 tempo

If full push ups aren’t possible, try:

• Use a step stool or other elevated surface instead of a basketball
• Push ups on your knees
• 7-second planks

Perform two rounds of #1-9.

10. Pull up: alternating grip, 50% of 1RM

Note: neck touches bar.

If full pull ups aren’t possible, try:

• Chin up
• Flexed-arm hang 10 sec
• Eccentric-only 30 sec

11. Forward-backward crawl: 15 yards, 15 sec rest

12. Jump rope: 30 sec, 30 sec rest

13. Shuttle sprints: 15 yards, 30 sec at maximum speed with contralateral arm reach (touch the outside foot with the opposite hand when changing direction.)

Day 2

1. Leg lock hip lift: 5 reps per side, 10 sec rest

2. Single leg deadlift: 1 set of 8 reps per side, 30 sec rest

Preferred: weight in hand opposite working leg (contralateral).

Regression: weight in hand on the same side as working leg (ipsilateral).

3. Basketball face-the-corner wall squats: 5 reps/side, 30 sec rest

Perform two rounds of #1-3.

4. Low row, bilateral: 8 reps, 15 sec rest, with theraband

5. Low row, unilateral: 8 reps per side, 15 sec rest, with a theraband

6. Tall kneel isometric rotation: 1 set of 5 reps per side, 3 sec holds, 15 sec rest

7. Half kneel isometric rotation: 1 set of 5 reps per side, 3 sec holds, 15 sec rest

8. Basketball push ups: 5 reps per side, 15 sec rest, 2-2-2 tempo

If full push ups aren’t possible, try:

• Use a step stool or other elevated surface instead of a basketball
• Push ups on your knees
• 7-second planks

Perform two rounds of #4-8.

9. Forward-backward crawl: 15 yards, 15 sec rest

10. Lateral crawl: 15 yards, 15 sec rest

11. Run – bike – row: 1 mile – 1.5 miles – 550m @70-80%

Day 3

1. Leg lock hip lift: 5 reps per side, 10 sec rest

2. Single leg deadlift: 1 set of 8 reps per side, 30 sec rest

Preferred: weight in hand opposite working leg (contralateral).

Regression: weight in hand on the same side as working leg (ipsilateral).

3. Reverse lunge: 8 reps per leg with body weight as the load, 30 sec rest

4. Basketball face-the-corner wall squats: 5 reps/side, 30 sec rest

Perform two rounds of #1-4.

5. Low row, bilateral: 8 reps, 15 sec rest, with theraband

6. Low row, unilateral: 8 reps per side, 15 sec rest, with a theraband

Perform two rounds of #5-6.

7. Tall kneel isometric rotation: 1 set of 5 reps per side, 3 sec holds, 15 sec rest

8. Half kneel isometric rotation: 1 set of 5 reps per side, 3 sec holds, 15 sec rest

9. Basketball push ups: 5 reps per side, 15 sec rest, 2-2-2 tempo

If full push ups aren’t possible, try:

• Use a step stool or other elevated surface instead of a basketball
• Push ups on your knees
• 7-second planks

Perform two rounds of #7-9.

10. Hanging leg raise: 5RM load, 30 sec rest

Note: Ankle hits bar with spine upright

If full hanging leg raises aren’t possible, try knees to chest or knees to waist height.

11. Forward-backward crawl: 15 yards, 15 sec rest

12. Lateral crawl: 15 yards, 15 sec rest

Perform two rounds of #10-12.

13. Jump rope: 30 sec, 30 sec rest

14. Shuttle sprints: 15 yards, 30 sec at maximum speed with contralateral arm reach (touch the outside foot with the opposite hand when changing direction.)

Click on the number below that corresponds to the week of training you’re in.

Week 5

Day 1

1. Deadlift: 3 sets of 1 rep @ 1RM load, rest 1 min

2. Split stance cable bar chest press: 8 reps/side with 8RM weight, rest 30 sec

note: altnernate side of resistance and split stance on round 2

3. Split stance cable bar rows: 8 reps/side with 8RM weight, rest 30 sec

note: altnernate side of resistance and split stance on round 2

Perform two rounds of #1-3.

4. Split stance cable bar chop: 8 reps/side with 8RM weight, rest 10sec

note: alternate side of resistance and split stance on round 2

5. Split stance cable bar lift: 8 reps/side with 8RM. rest 10 sec

note: altnernate side of resistance and split stance on round 2

Perform two rounds of #4-5.

6. Split stance squat: 3 sets of 8 reps/side with 8RM, rest 10 sec

7. Crawl forward and backward: 15 yards 10 sec

8. Crawl laterally: 15 yards, rest 10 sec, fo both left and right

Perform two rounds of #6-8.

Day 2

1. Crawl forward, backward, and laterally: 2 sets of 15 yards each direction, 10 sec rest between sets

2. Square stance cable bar chest press: 8 reps/side eith 8RM weight, rest 30 sec

note: altnernate side of resistance on round 2

3. Square stance cable bar rows: 8 reps/side with 8RM weight, rest 30 sec

note: alternate side of resistance on round 2

Perform two rounds of #1-3.

4. Deadlift: 8 rep with 8RM

5. Square stance cable bar chop: 8 reps/side with 8RM weight, rest 10 sec

note: alternate side of resistance on round 2

6. Square stance cable bar lift: 8 reps/side with 8RM weight, rest 10 sec

note: alternate side of resistance on round 2

7. Goblet squat: 8 reps with 8RM weight, rest 10 sec

Perform two rounds of #4-7.

8. Farmer’s carry/walk: 2 sets of 20 sec work, 10 sec rest

Day 3

1. Basketball push ups: 8 Reps/side, rest 15 sec

2. Square stance cable bar chest press: 8 reps/side eith 8RM weight, rest 30 sec

note: altnernate side of resistance on round 2

3. Square stance cable bar rows: 8 reps/side with 8RM weight, rest 30 sec

note: alternate side of resistance on round 2

Perform two rounds of #1-3.

4. Deadlift: 8 rep with 8RM

5. Square stance cable bar chop: 8 reps/side with 8RM weight, rest 10 sec

note: alternate side of resistance on round 2

6. Square stance cable bar lift: 8 reps/side with 8RM weight, rest 10 sec

note: alternate side of resistance on round 2

Perform two rounds of #1-6.

7. Goblet squat: 8 reps with 8RM weight, rest 10 sec

8. Medicine ball clean: 10 reps, rest 15 sec

Perform two rounds of #7-8.

9. Shuttle sprints: 15 yards, 30 sec at maximum speed with contralateral arm reach (touch the outside foot with the opposite hand when changing direction.)

Click on the number below that corresponds to the week of training you’re in.

Week 6

Day 1

1. Square stance cable bar chest press: 5 reps/side with 5RM weight, rest 30 sec

note: alternate side of resistance on round 2

2. Single leg 2-arm cable chest press: 8 reps/side with 8RM weight, rest 30 sec

note: alternate balance leg on round 2

Perform two rounds of #1-2.

3. Square stance cable bar rows: 5 reps/side with 5RM weight, rest 30 sec

note: alternate side of resistance on round 2

4. Single-leg 2-arm cable row: 8 reps/side with 8RM weight, rest 30 sec

note: alternate balance leg on round 2

Perform two rounds of #3-4.

5. Single-leg deadlift patterning: 2 sets of 5 reps/side, rest 15 sec

note: patterning with no weight; alternate reach hand on round 2

6. Single-leg chop: 8 reps/side with 8RM weight, rest 15 sec

note: alternate balance leg on round 2

7. Single-leg lift: 8 reps/side with 8RM weight, rest 15 sec

note: alternate balance leg on round 2

Perform two rounds of #5-7.

8. Basketball face-the-corner wall squats: 8 reps/side, 30 sec rest

9. 400m run

Day 2

1. Battling ropes: work 1 min, rest 30 sec, 2 hands + 2 ropes

2. Single-leg 2-arm cable chest press: 8 reps/side with 8RM weight, rest 15 sec

note: alternate balance leg on round 2

3. Single-leg 2-arm cable row: 8 reps/side with 8RM weight, rest 15 sec

note: alternate balance leg on round 2

Perform two rounds of #1-3.

4. Single-leg deadlift patterning: 2 sets of 5 reps/side, rest 15 sec

note: patterning with no weight; alternate reach hand on round 2

5. Single-leg chop: 8 reps/side with 8RM weight, rest 15 sec

note: alternate balance leg on round 2

6. Single-leg lift: 8 reps/side with 8RM weight, rest 15 sec

note: alternate balance leg on round 2

Perform two rounds of #4-6.

7. Medicine ball clean: 2 sets of 10 reps, rest 15 sec

8. Sprints: 3X 50 yards, rest 1 min between

Day 3

1. Jump rope: 1 min

2. Supine unilateral floor chest press: 2 sets of 8 reps/side with 8RM weight, rest 15 sec

3. Split stance 2-arm cable chest press: 2 sets of 8 reps/side with 8RM weight, rest 15 sec

note: alternate split stance on round 2

4. Hanging leg raise: 5 reps knees to chest or knees to waist, rest 30 sec

5. Split stance 2-arm cable row: 8 reps/side with 8RM weight, rest 30 sec

note: alternate balance leg on round 2

6. Split stance cable bar chop: 8 reps/side with 8RM weight, rest 10sec

note: alternate side of resistance and split stance on round 2

7. Split stance cable bar lift: 8 reps/side with 8RM. rest 10 sec

note: altnernate side of resistance and split stance on round 2

Perform two rounds of #1-7.

8. Split stance squat: 2 sets of 8 reps/side with 8RM weight, rest 15 sec

note: alternate sides on round 2

9. Skip: 2 rounds of 30 sec work, 10 sec rest at max tempo/speed

Click on the number below that corresponds to the week of training you’re in.

Week 7

Day 1

1. Skip rope: 60 seconds

2. Single leg 2-arm cable chest press: 8 reps/side with 8RM weight, rest 60 sec

note: alternate balance leg on round 2

3. Split stance cable bar chest press: 8 reps/side with 8RM weight, rest 60 sec

note: alternate side of resistance on round 2

Perform two rounds of #2-3.

4. Single-leg 2-arm cable row: 8 reps/side with 8RM weight, rest 60 sec

note: alternate balance leg on round 2

5. Split stance 1-arm cable rows: 8 reps/side with 8RM weight, rest 60 sec

note: alternate side of resistance on round 2

Perform two rounds of #4-5.

6. Single-leg stance cable lift: 2 sets of 8 reps/side, rest 10 sec

7. Single-leg stance cable chop: 8 reps/side with 8RM weight, rest 10 sec

note: alternate balance leg on round 2

Perform two rounds of #6-7.

8. Split stance cable lift: 8 reps/side, rest 10 sec

9. Split stance cable chop: 8 reps/side with 8RM weight, rest 10 sec

note: alternate balance leg on round 2

Perform two rounds of #8-9.

10. Basketball face-the-corner wall squats: 8 reps/side, 30 sec rest

11. Split stance squat: 8 reps per side with 8RM weight, rest 30 sec

Perform two rounds of #10-11.

12. Shuttle sprints: 15 yards/30 seconds then rest 30 seconds, 2 rounds

Day 2

1. TGU: 1 rep per side with 50% 1RM

2. Square stance 1-arm cable chest press: 8 reps/side with 8RM weight, rest 60 sec

note: switch arm on round 2

3. Square stance 1-arm cable row: 8 reps/side with 8RM weight, rest 60 sec

note: switch arm on round 2

Perform two rounds of #2-3.

4. 1-arm deadlift: 5 reps with 5RM weight per arm, rest 10 sec

5. Square stance cable lift: 8 reps/side with 8RM weight, rest 10 sec

note: alternate balance leg on round 2

6. Square stance cable chop: 8 reps/side with 8RM weight, rest 10 sec

note: alternate balance leg on round 2

Perform two rounds of #5-6.

7. 1-arm square stance squat: 8 reps with 8RM weight, rest 10 sec

note: switch arm on round 2

8. Farmer carry/walk: 20 sec work, 10 sec rest, do 2 rounds

9. Shuttle sprints: 15 yards/30 seconds with a contralateral reach at the turnaround. rest 30 sec, do 2 rounds

Day 3

1. TGU: 1 rep per side with 50% 1RM

2. Square stance 1-arm cable chest press: 8 reps/side with 8RM weight, rest 60 sec

note: switch arm on round 2

3. Square stance 1-arm cable row: 8 reps/side with 8RM weight, rest 60 sec

note: switch arm on round 2

Perform two rounds of #2-3.

4. 1-arm deadlift: 5 reps with 5RM weight per arm, rest 10 sec

5. Square stance cable lift: 8 reps/side with 8RM weight, rest 10 sec

note: alternate balance leg on round 2

6. Square stance cable chop: 8 reps/side with 8RM weight, rest 10 sec

note: alternate balance leg on round 2

Perform two rounds of #5-6.

7. 1-arm square stance squat: 8 reps with 8RM weight, rest 10 sec

note: switch arm on round 2

8. Farmer carry/walk: 20 sec work, 10 sec rest, do 2 rounds

9. Shuttle sprints: 15 yards/30 seconds with a contralateral reach at the turnaround. rest 30 sec, do 2 rounds

Click on the number below that corresponds to the week of training you’re in.

Week 8

Day 1

1. TGU: 1 rep per side with 50% 1RM

2. Crawl: forward, backward, and laterally, 30 seconds each, rest 30 seconds

3. Plank: 30 seconds, rest 30 seconds

Perform two rounds of #1-3.

4. Single-leg 1-arm cable chest press: 8 reps/side with 8RM weight, rest 60 sec

5. Single-leg 1-arm cable row: 8 reps/side with 8RM weight, rest 60 sec

note: alternate balance leg on round 2

Perform two rounds of #4-5.

6. Single-leg deadlift: 2 sets of 8 reps/side with 8RM weight, rest 30 sec

note: alternate reach hand on round 2

7. Single-leg cable lift: 8 reps/side with 8RM weight, rest 10 sec

note: alternate balance leg on round 2

8. Single-leg cable chop: 8 reps/side with 8RM weight, rest 10 sec

note: alternate balance leg on round 2

Perform two rounds of #7-8.

9. Basketball face-the-corner wall squats: 8 reps/side, 30 sec rest

10. Shuttle sprints: 15 yards/30 seconds, rest 30 seconds, repeat 3X

Day 2

1. TGU: 1 rep/side with 50% 1RM

2. Tall knee med ball slam chop pattern: 5 reps, rest 10 sec

3. Tall knee med ball slam lift pattern: 5 reps, rest 10 sec

note: alternate side on round 2

Perform two rounds of #2-3.

4. Box jump: 15 reps, rest 60 seconds

5. 2-handed kettlebell swing: 10 reps with 10RM weight

6. Burpee: 7 reps, rest 15 sec, 3 rounds

7. Crawl forward: 20 seconds, rest 10 seconds

8. Crawl backward: 20 seconds, rest 10 seconds

9. Crawl left: 20 seconds, rest 10 seconds

10. Crawl right: 20 seconds, rest 10 seconds

Perform #7-10 at maximum tempo.

Day 3

1. TGU: 1 rep/side with 50% 1RM

2. Tall knee med ball slam chop pattern: 5 reps, rest 10 sec

3. Tall knee med ball slam lift pattern: 5 reps, rest 10 sec

note: alternate side on round 2

Perform two rounds of #2-3.

4. Box jump: 15 reps, rest 60 seconds

5. 2-handed kettlebell swing: 10 reps with 10RM weight

6. Burpee: 7 reps, rest 15 sec, 3 rounds

7. Crawl forward: 20 seconds, rest 10 seconds

8. Crawl backward: 20 seconds, rest 10 seconds

9. Crawl left: 20 seconds, rest 10 seconds

10. Crawl right: 20 seconds, rest 10 seconds

Perform #7-10 at maximum tempo.

Click on the number below that corresponds to the week of training you’re in.

Week 9

Day 1

1. TGU: 1 rep/side with 50% 1RM

2. Half kneel med ball slam chop pattern: 5 reps, rest 10 sec

3. Half kneel med ball slam lift pattern: 5 reps, rest 10 sec

note: alternate side on round 2

Perform two rounds of #2-3.

4. Box jump: 10 reps, rest 30 seconds

5. Medicine ball clean to squat: 10 reps, rest 30 seconds, 2 rounds

6. Battle rope slamming: 20 seconds, 10 seconds rest, 2 rounds

7. 2-handed kettlebell swing: 10 reps with 10RM weight, rest 10 seconds

8. Sprints: 15 yards/20 seconds, rest 10 seconds, repeat 2X at maximum tempo

Day 2

1. TGU: 1 rep/side with 50% 1RM

2. Half kneel med ball slam chop pattern: 5 reps, rest 10 sec

3. Half kneel med ball slam lift pattern: 5 reps, rest 10 sec

note: alternate side on round 2

Perform two rounds of #2-3.

4. Skip for height: 20 seconds, rest 10 seconds, 2 rounds

5. Battling ropes slam: work 20 seconds, rest 10 sec, 2 hands + 2 ropes

6. Battling ropes speed: work 20 seconds, rest 10 sec, 2 hands + 2 ropes, alternating pattern

Perform two rounds of #5-6.

7. Medicine ball toss for height: 5 reps, toss for max height from a squat stance

8. Medicine ball clean: 5 reps

Perform two rounds of #7-8.

9. Sprints: 20 seconds, rest 10 seconds, repeat 2X at maximum tempo

Day 3

1. Jump rope: 2 min

2. Skip for speed: 20 seconds, rest 10 seconds

3. Skip for height: 20 seconds, rest 10 seconds

Perform two rounds of #2-3.

4. Battling ropes slam: work 20 seconds, rest 10 sec, 2 hands + 2 ropes

5. Battling ropes speed: work 20 seconds, rest 10 sec, 2 hands + 2 ropes, alternating pattern

Perform two rounds of #4-5.

6. Half kneel med ball slam chop pattern: 5 reps, rest 10 sec

7. Half kneel med ball slam lift pattern: 5 reps, rest 10 sec

note: alternate side on round 2

Perform two rounds of #6-7.

8. Crawl forward: 20 seconds, rest 10 seconds

9. Crawl backward: 20 seconds, rest 10 seconds

10. Crawl left: 20 seconds, rest 10 seconds

11. Crawl right: 20 seconds, rest 10 seconds

Perform #8-11 at maximum tempo.

12. Sprints: 20 seconds, rest 10 seconds, repeat 3X at maximum tempo

Click on the number below that corresponds to the week of training you’re in.

Week 10

Day 1

1. TGU: 1 rep/side with 50% 1RM, 2 rounds

2. 1-handed kettlebell swing: 10 reps with 10RM weight, 4 rounds

3. Medicine ball clean to slam: 8 reps, rest 30 seconds, 2 rounds

4. Medicine ball toss for height: 5 reps, toss for max height from a squat stance, 2 rounds

5. Crawl forward: 20 seconds, rest 10 seconds

6. Crawl backward: 20 seconds, rest 10 seconds

7. Crawl left: 20 seconds, rest 10 seconds

8. Crawl right: 20 seconds, rest 10 seconds

Perform #5-8 at maximum tempo, do 2 rounds, resting 60 seconds between rounds

9. Sprints: 20 seconds, rest 10 seconds, repeat 3X at maximum tempo

Day 2

1. Crawl forward: 10 seconds

2. Crawl backward: 10 seconds

3. Crawl left: 10 seconds

4. Crawl right: 10 seconds

Perform #1-4 at slow to moderate tempo.

5. Crawl forward: 20 seconds, rest 10 seconds

6. Crawl backward: 20 seconds, rest 10 seconds

7. Crawl left: 20 seconds, rest 10 seconds

8. Crawl right: 20 seconds, rest 10 seconds

Perform #5-8 at maximum tempo, do 2 rounds, resting 60 seconds between rounds

9. Pushup with clap: 10 reps, rest 30 seconds, 2 rounds

10. TGU: 1 rep/side with 50% 1RM, 2 rounds

11. 1-handed kettlebell swing: 10 reps with 10RM weight, 2 rounds

12. Medicine ball toss: 5 reps/side (over left, then over right shoulder), 2 rounds

13. Pull up: 50% 1RM

14. Jump rope: 60 seconds

15. Sprints: 20 seconds at maximum tempo

Day 3

1. TGU: 1 rep/side with 50% 1RM, 4 rounds

2. Medicine ball toss: 5 reps/side (over left, then over right shoulder), 2 rounds

3. 1-handed kettlebell swing: 10 reps with 10RM weight, 2 rounds

4. 2-handed kettlebell swing: 15 reps with 15RM weight, 2 rounds

5. Battle rope slam: 15 seconds, 20 seconds rest – 2 hands, 1 rope

6. Battle rope speed: 15 seconds, 20 seconds rest – 2 hands, alternating pattern

7. Battle rope slam: 15 seconds, 20 seconds rest – 2 hands, alternating pattern

Repeat #5-7 for 4 rounds.

8. Shuttle sprints: 15 yards/20 seconds, rest 10 seconds, max tempo, 2 rounds

Click on the number below that corresponds to the week of training you’re in.

Week 11

Day 1

1. Crawl forward 10 seconds, slow/moderate tempo

2. Crawl backward 10 sec, slow/moderate tempo

3. Crawl left 10 sec, slow/moderate tempo<

4. Crawl right 10 sec, slow/moderate tempo

5. Crawl forward 20 sec, rest 10 sec, max speed/tempo

6. Crawl backward 20 sec, rest 10 sec, max speed/tempo

7. Crawl left 20 sec, rest 10 sec, max speed/tempo

8. Crawl right 20 sec, rest 10 sec, max speed/tempo

9. Push up with clap, 10 reps, rest 30 sec, 2 rounds

10. Turkish get up with ~50% RM weight, 2 rounds of 1 rep/side

11. One-handed kettlebell swing 10 reps with 10RM weight, rest 10 sec, 2 rounds

12. Medicine ball toss 5 reps/side rest 30 sec, 2 rounds. Use a square stance and lateral toss at belt height, Alternate toss side on round 2.

13. Pull up 50% RM

14. Jump rope 1 minute

15. Sprint 20 sec, rest 10 sec, max tempo

Day 2

1. TGU: 1 rep/side with 50% 1RM, 4 rounds

2. Medicine ball toss: 5 reps/side (over left, then over right shoulder), 2 rounds

3. 1-handed kettlebell swing: 10 reps with 10RM weight, 2 rounds

4. 2-handed kettlebell swing: 15 reps with 15RM weight, 2 rounds

5. Battle rope slam: 15 seconds, 20 seconds rest – 2 hands, 1 rope

6. Battle rope speed: 15 seconds, 20 seconds rest – 2 hands, alternating pattern

7. Battle rope slam: 15 seconds, 20 seconds rest – 2 hands, alternating pattern

Repeat #5-7 for 4 rounds.

8. Shuttle sprints: 15 yards/20 seconds, rest 10 seconds, max tempo, 2 rounds

Day 3

1. Crawl forward 10 seconds, slow/moderate tempo

2. Crawl backward 10 sec, slow/moderate tempo

3. Crawl left 10 sec, slow/moderate tempo

4. Crawl right 10 sec, slow/moderate tempo

5. Crawl forward 20 sec, rest 10 sec, max speed/tempo

6. Crawl backward 20 sec, rest 10 sec, max speed/tempo

7. Crawl left 20 sec, rest 10 sec, max speed/tempo

8. Crawl right 20 sec, rest 10 sec, max speed/tempo

9. Turkish get up with ~50% RM weight, 2 rounds of 1 rep/side

10. Kettlebell swing 20 reps with 20RM weight, rest 30 sec, 3 rounds

11. Battle rope slam: 15 seconds, 20 seconds rest – 2 hands, 1 rope

12. Battle rope speed: 15 seconds, 20 seconds rest – 2 hands, alternating pattern

13. Battle rope slam: 15 seconds, 20 seconds rest – 2 hands, alternating pattern

14. Medicine ball toss 5 reps/side rest 30 sec, 2 rounds. Use a square stance and lateral toss at belt height, Alternate toss side on round 2.

15. Pull up 50% RM

16. Sprint 20 sec, rest 10 sec, max tempo

17. Shuttle sprints 15 yards, sprint 20 sec, rest 10 sec, contralateral reach

Click on the number below that corresponds to the week of training you’re in.

Week 12

Day 1

1. TGU: 2 rep/side with 50% 1RM, 4 rounds

2. Push up with clap: 10 reps

3. Pull up

4. Half-kneel isometric rotation: 8 reps per side, rest 30 seconds, 2 rounds

5. Half-kneel med ball slam, chop pattern: 5 reps, rest 10 seconds

6. Half-kneel med ball slam, lift pattern: 5 reps, rest 10 seconds

repeat 5 and 6 4X

7. Deadlift: 5 reps, rest 10 seconds, 2 rounds

8. Hand to hand KB swing: 10 reps with 10RM weight, rest 10 seconds

9. Two-handed KB swing: 20 reps with 20RM weight, rest 10 seconds, 2 rounds

10. Medicine ball clean: 12 reps, rest 30 seconds, 2 rounds

11. Jump rope: 60 seconds

12. Shuttle sprints: 15 yards each direction for 30 seconds, rest 10 seconds

Day 2

1. Goblet squat: 10 reps with 10RM weight, 2 second hold at bottom of each rep

2. Medicine ball clean: 12 reps, rest 30 seconds, 2 rounds

3. Hand-to-hand KB swing: 10 reps with 10RM weight, rest 10 seconds, 2 rounds

4. Two-hand KB swing: 20 reps with 20RM weight, rest 10 seconds, 2 rounds

5. Crawl forward: 20 seconds, rest 10 seconds

6. Crawl backward: 20 seconds, rest 10 seconds

7. Crawl left: 20 seconds, rest 10 seconds

8. Crawl right: 20 seconds, rest 10 seconds

Perform #5-8 at maximum tempo, do 2 rounds, resting 60 seconds between rounds

9. Skip for height and speed: 20 seconds on, 10 seconds off, 2 rounds

10. Jump rope: 60 seconds

Day 3

1. TGU: 2 rep/side with 50% 1RM, 2 rounds

2. Goblet squat: 10 reps with 10RM weight, 1 round

repeat #1&2 2X

3. Battle rope slam: 15 seconds, 20 seconds rest – 2 hands, 1 rope

4. Battle rope speed: 15 seconds, 20 seconds rest – 2 hands, alternating pattern

5. Battle rope slam: 15 seconds, 20 seconds rest – 2 hands, alternating pattern

Rest 1 minute, repeat #3-5 for 4 rounds.

6. Box jump: 8 reps, rest 30 seconds, 2 rounds

7. Medicine ball toss: 5 reps/side, rest 30 seconds

8. 1-handed kettlebell swing: 10 reps with 10RM weight, 2 rounds

9. Skip for height and speed: 20 seconds on, 10 seconds off, 1 round

10. Shuttle sprints: 15 yards/20 seconds, rest 10 seconds, max tempo, 2 rounds

The post Get Strong to Bring Your Golf Game to the Next Level appeared first on Breaking Muscle.

Golfers often seek to improve their game by buying new equipment, playing more golf, or taking lessons. Although these are some possible solutions, there are many times our golf game is not a reflection of our skill as a golfer or the equipment we use. It is actually a reflection of our body’s physical limitations.

Click Here to Get Started With the Golf Fitness Program!

Golfers often seek to improve their game by buying new equipment, playing more golf, or taking lessons. Although these are some possible solutions, there are many times our golf game is not a reflection of our skill as a golfer or the equipment we use. It is actually a reflection of our body’s physical limitations.

How can someone expect to drive the ball further or have a consistent swing when his or her body lacks the proper foundation to swing the club and play the game?

A New Approach to Being a Better Golfer

Traditionally, most golfers believed there were a few key components to address for the building the ultimate golfer: instruction/shot making, equipment, mental preparation, and course management. When Tiger Woods hit the scene in 1996, two new components of emphasis emerged: physical conditioning and the team approach.

Since then, we have all become more accustomed to the idea of working out to become a better golfer. The question is, how do we work out and what parts of the body do we train to play better golf? What exercises and muscle groups help the golf swing? Can certain exercises and muscle groups hinder the golf swing? What’s the optimum balance of flexibility (mobility) and strength (stability)? How can someone assess this quality? How and when do we implement all this knowledge? Is there a different routine for different types of golfers?

The Physical Limitations of Amateur Golfers

According to Titleist Performance Institute (TPI), some of the most common swing limitations amateur golfers have are:

• Loss of Posture (64.3%) – any significant alteration from the body’s original set up angles during the golf swing
• Flat Shoulder Plane (45.2%) – when the shoulders turn on a more horizontal plane than the axis of the original spine angle
• Early Extension (64.3%) – when the hips and spine start to go into extension or straighten up too early on the downswing
• Casting/Early Release/Scooping (55.9%) – any premature release of the wrist angles during the downswing and through impact
• Over-the-Top (43.5%) – when the club is thrown outside of the intended swing plane with the club head approaching the ball in an out-to-in motion

Golf swing technique can easily contribute to these statistics, but some physical reasons may also play a part. These include:

• Inability to separate the upper and lower body
• Inadequate core stability
• Lack of shoulder and hip flexibility, mobility, and/or stability
• Lack of thoracic spine mobility
• Lack of glute and/or abdominal strength
• Wrist flexibility
• Limited overhead deep squat

The Team Approach

In my opinion, prior to starting a golf fitness routine for the specific goal of playing better golf, a team approach should be implemented. Budgeting time for golf instruction, in-season play, and practice time must also be paramount. In some cases, even medical considerations should be added. Considering that this training series will be released in the heart of golf season for most of the United States, the program will serve primarily as an in-season golf fitness program that will target the five aforementioned swing characteristics.

Time, equipment (or lack thereof), golf instruction, and practice are typical challenges that I have had in working with both professional (PGA and LPGA) and amateur golfers. These workouts were designed with minimal equipment requirements and are approximately thirty minutes in duration. They are scheduled for a three-time-a-week frequency, with a rest day in between. The workouts have three cycles:

1. General preparation and conditioning
2. Strength and power
3. Complex power and speed

Assessment, Screening, and Inventory

In general, it is a good idea to take some sort of inventory before starting any training program. Screening can act as a guide to prevent injury and also track improvement. A typical TPI golfer evaluation (pro or amateur) usually consists of complete array of tests and screens to check dynamic movement, flexibility, stability, and mobility as it relates to their golf swing and body.

These screens are designed by the TPI to assess a total picture of the body, the swing, and their relation to one another. Based on these results, a custom program is integrated into an existing PGA or LPGA professional’s instruction and golf plan to optimize the golfer’s performance.

This is one of the most widely used screens for golf fitness specifically. For general fitness, many fitness professionals use the Functional Movement Screen (FMS). You can find a certified professional at My TPI or Functional Movement Systems. As for this series, we will be using a simplified, hybrid, user-friendly version.

Assessment and Screening

To complete the assessment, provide yes/no answers to the following questions:

• Pelvic Tilt Test: Set-up in five-iron posture with the arms across the chest. Tilt the pelvis anteriorly/forwards and tilt the pelvis posterior/backwards. Is there clear ability to do both motions?
• Toe Touch Test: Stand with the feet together and toes pointing forwards. Bend down from the hips forwards and try to tough the ends of the fingers to the tips of the toes, without bending the knees. Can the hands touch the feet?
• Bridge with Leg Extension: Starting supine with the knees bent, feet flat, knees and feet together, and arms extended out over the chest. Lift the pelvis up off the ground. Keeping the belt line parallel to the floor, try and extend the right leg from the knee. Repeat the test on the other side. Can the test be performed for ten seconds on each side with no change in posture?
• Lying Shoulder Mobility: Lie on your back with the arms in ninety/ninety position. Make a fist with your thumbs up. Do both of your thumbs touch the ground?
• Trunk Rotation: Start by sitting on the corner of a square chair or stool with knees and feet together, body in an upright and erect posture and arms across the chest. You can use two golf clubs on the ground to make/extend the two 45-degree angles of the chair. Rotate the thorax both to the right and to the left as far as possible. Is the rotation 45-degrees equal on both rotations?
• Single Leg Balance Test: Stand facing away from the corner of the wall. The shoulders should barely touch the wall and arms are down by the side of the body. Elevate one leg until the thigh is parallel with the ground. Once stable, close the eyes and see how long balance is maintained. Any repositioning of the foot and/or body (shoulders) touching the wall is considered loss of balance. Can balance be maintained on both sides for 25 seconds?

Fitness Inventory

Before you begin the workouts, complete this inventory to get some baseline fitness markers.

Push Ups:

• Males 10, Females 5
• Elbows have to be at ninety degrees

Bodyweight Squat:

• 25 with two-second pause at the bottom position
• Thighs have to hit parallel to the ground

Pull Ups:

• Males 5, Females 30-second bar hang

Aerobic (choose one):

• 1 mile run
• 1.5-mile bike
• 500m row

Coordination/Footwork:

• Jump Rope Test – 1 minute maximum reps

Establishing baselines allows us to revisit them as each cycle begins as way to gauge the golfer’s fitness progress, and also how his or her golf game has (hopefully) improved. This also can give the golfer’s team some feedback.

Click Here to Get Started With the Golf Fitness Program!

Photos courtesy of Shutterstock.

The post A New Approach to Fitness for Golfers: 12-Week Workout Program appeared first on Breaking Muscle.