Healthy Habit: Play

7/27/2020

I always encourage my adult students to arrive at least 10 minutes early for their lesson to warm-up but most arrive just on time or late leaving no time for this important activity. While juniors typically adapt easier to physical activity, I believe it is important to develop the habit of warming-up early which is why we usually start each class with some kind of warm-up activity.

I usually observe while another coach or even a junior golfer leads the activity. It always impresses me when they youngest golfers are able to do the movements better than some of the older golfers. While this could be due to disinterest, it could also mean that they are lacking coordination.

Simple exercises practiced over time will help with coordination. The videos below offer exercise routines that can be incorporated into your day.

First Tee Healthy Habit: Play
A variety of energizing play can help the body stay strong, lean and fit, and
be fun in the process. Sleep and other forms of “re-charging” allows one to
engage in play on a daily basis

Over the last week, I have had increased conversations about exercise with my students. Exercise and fitness are just as important in golf as in any other sport. If you just gave me a raised eyebrow, I can understand why, but I would like to remind you that I am not referring to the casual golfer that you may encounter in your everyday lives.

I have junior students that are playing tournaments and have aspirations of playing in college. I also have adult students that want to improve their handicap. In order to be competitive, every aspect of the game must be explored and that includes physical fitness. I am not expecting them to become a gym rat, but I do want to know how many push ups and pull ups they can do. Then we may talk about setting goals to do more to increase strength among other things.

Click here to see how Scott Stallings encourages his family to stay fit and then evaluate your own fitness with the PGA Golf Fitness Challenge or try the classic Presidential Fitness Challenge.