Basic Components For Better Golf Fitness With Kettlebell Exercises

The main considerations for anyone looking to improve golf fitness is to incorporate a program that addresses strength, balance and flexibility. These key factors are the core mechanics of the golf swing. To see improvement, an effective workout regimen needs to focus on the muscle groups the body uses in the action of swinging.

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.

To get good rotation through hips and shoulders during the a golfer's swing, adequate flexibility and mobility are crucial. Balance must be maintained throughout the motion and the body's center of gravity must be held in place. Strength is needed for generating force. Power is what generates overall club head speed resulting in more distance. All of these components working together in harmony create a successful golfing motion.

An important consideration is the golfer's grip. Since kettlebells are gripped by the handle, hand strength is easily isolated. An example might involve simply holding the weight by the handle and moving it in a figure-eight motion around both calves, or passing it in a circle around the waist. These are good warm-up routines which strengthen the grip at the same time.

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.

Controlling the kettlebell swing requires the ability to maintain center of gravity. As balance is maintained in these exercises, the body is being trained to strengthen posture and increase overall stability. This translates perfectly to the golf swing for keeping the club on proper swing plane. Proper balance also helps with spine angle and tempo. V:1

Golfers often look for ways to increase strength and may be considering a weight lifting program. Kettlebell workouts over a series of weeks provide an excellent way to gain strength quickly while targeting the appropriate muscles for golf. Fast twitch muscle fibers needed for power are trained. Core abdominal muscles are also trained. This type of strength work equates to additional force for club head speed and adding length to golf shots.V:1

The exercises described here provide the means for executing power drills safely and with little risk for back, joint, or shoulder strain. Less chance of injury or strain allows for more frequency of training. In the future, kettlebells will prove to be one of the best methods for improving golf fitness. They provide the means for targeting the right muscles and movements, and can help golfers find their best performance.