power – Method golf

The Fitness Strategy Of PGA Champ Justin Thomas

I’m writing this the day after Justin Thomas has just won the PGA Championship, The whole golfing world views his distance from the tee as an anomaly, he stands only 5’10” and weighs just 66kg or 145lbs!

He manages to AVERAGE 310 yards from the tee! That is incredible!

I wanted to discuss Justin and his powerful golf swing today because I think you can learn a lot from his approach to fitness.

We hear all too often that modern golfers are ‘overdoing it’ in the gym and putting on too much muscle (a pretty tough feat if you’ve been trying for any length of time!)

Justin’s approach is to forget most of the ‘power’ and ‘muscle building’ exercises, his main aim in the gym is to increase flexibility / mobility and make sure his body is moving properly and efficiently, not what you were expecting right?!

Golf has become such a power sport that many people neglect the fact that mobility is ultimately going to determine how efficient your swing is, Justin has managed to squeeze every last drop of efficiency out of his body and the numbers don’t lie!

His main reasons behind this strategy are a couple of back injuries he sustained early on in his career, he learned the hard way that his body needed a helping hand coping with the stresses of his golf swing.

He learned with the help of his trainer Tyler Parsons, that his back pain was caused by tight hips (what have I been telling you?!) and as soon as he worked on hip flexibility and mobility the back pain disappeared and he gained yards on the golf course, without lifting a single weight.

Now I’m not telling you that training to gain muscle and strength is bad for golf but im using his case as an example that its not the only piece of the puzzle. Golf is a complex sport and it requires a lot of different skills (big glutes help on the tee box but on the green, the hole doesn’t care if work out or not)

Don’t neglect your mobility work, I will upload a mobility routine soon so keep an eye out for that or better yet subscribe to the mailing list and never miss an article!

Please leave a comment below on your thoughts and any topics you want me to cover.

Thanks for reading!

5 Exercises For A Better Backswing

The role of the right arm in the golf swing is massively underrated by some, it can provide control and serious power when moved effectively but equally it can lead to wild shots and sap power if its in bad positions.

This article will show you 5 exercises you can do to give you the proper feeling and strength / flexibility to get that right arm working properly in your golf swing and hopefully lead to some better shots!

Check out the accompanying video on my YouTube channel – 5 Exercises for better arm action in the golf swing – while you are there make sure to subscribe!

Exercise 1

Barbell Over Head Press / Dumbbell Shoulder Press

Moving your right arm properly starts at the shoulder and building up enough strength in the joint to be able to handle the proper movement is essential. The Barbell / Dumbbell press is amazing for overall shoulder development as it incorporates all three parts of the deltoid, the rotator cuff and all the small muscles around the shoulder blade.

For the technique check out this article – GOLF FITNESS – SHOULDER POWER & STABILITY WORKOUT

Exercise 2

Shoulder Rotations

The importance of the small muscles often gets overlooked. This exercise will actively target the muscles responsible for the rotation of your shoulder and arm and will help you achieve a better position in the golf swing.

Start with a LIGHT dumbbell or weight plate, hold it at shoulder height with your arm bent at a 90 degree angle so your shoulder, elbow and the weight are all on the same level. SLOWLY rotate your shoulder upwards making sure to keep your shoulder and elbow aligned.

This exercise can really help to injury-proof your shoulders when done correctly and i highly recommend starting with a light weight!

Exercise 3

Face Pulls

If you have read any of my articles before, chances are that you know that i love facepulls! they are great for posture, shoulder strength, flexibility and muscle balance!

I wont go into too much detail as i cover it in-depth in this article – Best Golf Exercise Ever? Your Shoulders Will Think So! – Go check it out, do them and thank me later!

Exercise 4

Resistance Band Backswings

Resistance Band Backswings will really help you to get the right feeling of the proper movement in the backswing, loop a band around your trail arm (right for me as im a right handed golfer) and loop the other end of the resistance band under your lead foot (left for me) now make some backswings and notice how the band keeps your elbow pointing downwards and infront of your body, this is a great position in the golf swing!

Hold the top position (as far as you can comfortably go, usually around a 3 quarter backswing) for a few seconds and then relax before holding again. this will ensure you get the correct feeling, stretch the muscles and strengthen the ones which hold the arm in place!

Exercise 5

Wall Assisted Static Sholder Stretch

This is a really simple stretch which im sure you have come across before, sometimes simple is the key! This stretch will mobilise the shoulder joint and allow that prefered backswing position. Just dont over-do it, the shoulder is a complex joint!

Give these exercises a try and hopeflly you will be using that trail arm properly in your golf swing!

Please leave a comment below letting me know if you have any topics you would like me to cover in an article or video!

If you don’t have a resistance band, why not? They are really cheap and super versatile, get one from here – Resistance Bands

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Deadlifts For Golf – Power, Distance & Control In One Move!

Deadlifts are one of the best exercises for any sport, golf is no exception! Watch the video on our YouTube channel where I discuss the conventional deadlift including technique and tips to perform it safely!

Deadlifts For Golf – Watch Here!

Golf Fitness – 3 Deadlift Variations To Bring Some Power To Your Game!

Before we get to gaining yards I have some exciting news! I have been working hard on a beginner golf training program! Its going to be awesome and will take you all the way from a complete novice to training specifically for better performance on the course, increasing power, building strength, core stability and speed! I’m really excited to share it with you, it will be available as an E-book and is almost ready! Make sure you are subscribed to the Method Golf Mailing list so you stay up to date with the release and get a special, subscriber only discount!! Now that’s out of the way – on with the article!

Watch the video version of this article here!

Training for distance is a popular subject, golf is so much more fun when you are playing well but even more fun when you are playing well and feel like you can really take on the course, hitting it long and creating opportunities for birdies and eagles!

In this article I will show you 3 awesome deadlift variations that are sure to increase your strength and inject some power into your golf swing!

The first exercises on the list has to be the Classic Deadlift! The standard deadlift is one of the best tools available to anyone training for sport, golf is no exception. Synonymous with power lifters and strongmen, the deadlift can sometimes be seen as a brutish exercise, it is one of the best overall strength builders however and you should drop any preconceived thoughts you have about the deadlift immediately, I mean, if Mcilroy and virtually every other tour pro think its good for their golf game, there must be something to it!

The Deadlift builds your ability to move powerfully from a dead stop, as the name implies! This makes the deadlift fairly unique as it is one f the few exercises where momentum cant be used to ‘cheat’ the weight up, so if its too heavy for you, its not going anywhere! The dead stop and heavy nature of the move means it builds strength like no other, meaning speed in your golf swing and yards out on the course.

The form for the deadlift and all other variation is fairly simple, the most important thing is to start of light and build up slowly so you get used to the movement before you try and test yourself!

Make sure to start with feet shoulder width apart (personal preference but start there and adjust as you see fit)
The bar should sit in line with the middle of your foot and you should grab the bar where your arms comfortably hang.
Brace your core meaning breath in and force down and out into your stomach.
Drop your hips slightly and then, keeping your back in a nice neutral position, push through your heels, thrust your hips forwards and extend your whole body to the finish.
Make sure to lower the weight slowly and under control, never perform a ‘touch and go’ rep, always set the weight down and start from a dead stop.

The deadlift is a strength move so to get the most out of it I usually recommend sets of no more than 5 reps, usually for 3 – 5 sets.

The next variation is The Stiff Leg Deadlift This is one of my favourite golf exercises, it is a deadlift but without using any leg extension, this limits the amount of weight you can use but builds strength in the hamstrings, glutes and lower back, perfect for your golf swing. The form is virtually the same as a standard deadlift but the hips stay high, the knees have a small bend in them and this is maintained throughout the exercise.

The stiff leg deadlift is always great in any golf workout because it has another benefit that helps almost all golfers, it is an amazing way to stretch and mobilise the hamstrings and hips! Almost everyone spends a good portion of the day sat down and as a result can have tight hips, hip flexors and tight, weak hamstrings, this exercise will help guard against all of those!

Perform these for 3 – 4 sets of up to 8 reps as this will be a lighter exercises and going to heavy on this doesn’t bring the best results!

The final variation may seem strange to you but trust me, it builds power and lot of it! The Deficit Deadlift. This variation is a standard deadlift but with your feet elevated, this means the bottom part of the lift is much harder and again, you probably wont be able to use as much weight as the standard deadlift. This is an awesome golf exercise because it builds strength but also will help you lift more weight in the standard deadlift, meaning even more strength!

The form is the same as the standard deadlift but you are standing on a stable weight plate or platform, as you progress you can move to 2 weight plates to make the exercise even more challenging. As with the standard deadlift, I like to perform these for 3 – 5 sets of no more than 5 reps.

make sure to watch the video version of this article on YouTube here and while your their, subscribe to the channel for more golf fitness videos!

If you enjoyed this then check out more of my exercise , workout and distance articles and leave me a comment below to let me know your thoughts and if you tried any of these exercises for yourself, I would love to hear how you got on!

If you liked this then make sure to Subscribe to the Method Golf Fitness mailing list so you never miss an article plus get 3 FREE Golf Workouts as a thank you and subscriber exclusive content!

Like Method Golf Fitness on facebook and follow on twitter and instagram for workout videos, posts and motivation – all linked at the bottom or to the side of this page.

If you have any requests for topics or questions please don’t hesitate to leave a comment below or contact me on social media, I am always happy to help!

Golf Fitness – Medicine Ball Full Body Workout!

One workout, one piece of kit, train your whole body and develop a powerful golf swing!

The medicine ball is a great bit of kit, it is so versatile! Below is a great full body workout compiled of my favourite medicine ball exercises for golf, if you don’t have a medicine ball I highly recommend that you get one, you can find one of my favourites and least expensive in this amazon link – Gold Coast Professional 3KG-10KG Double Handle Grip Medicine Ball – For Weights Training Exercise Fitness MMA Boxing | Free 2 Year Warranty

So here is the workout!

1. Explosive Power – Medicine Ball Slam!

These are as fun as they sound and look!

Stand with feet just outside shoulder width holding the medicine ball in both hands.
Extend your body upwards as you reach as high as possible with the med ball.
Slam the med ball as hard as you can into the ground!
Aim to slam the med ball so it bounces straight back up and you can catch it on the bounce.

3-4 sets of 8 reps

2. Full Body Strength – Squat to Press

Stand in your normal squat stance with the med ball in both hands, resting on your chest (like a goblet squat)
Squat down maintaining a neutral spine and keeping your chest up.
As you push back up and almost reach the start position, begin pressing the med ball overhead finishing fully extended.
Return to the start position.

3 sets of 15 reps

3. Upper Body Strength – Rolling Press-up

Start in press-up position but with one hand on the med ball.
Perform a press-up in this position and then roll the med ball towards the other hand.
Receive the med ball with the other hand and perform another press-up

3 sets of 8-12 reps depending on current strength levels (reps are per press-up not per side unless your strength permits)

4. Shoulder & Full Body Bracing – Front Raise

Stand with feet shoulder width and med ball in both hands, arms straight.
Brace your whole body as you raise the med ball, still with extended arms
Stop when you reach shoulder height or a couple of inches past
Slowly return to the start position.

3 sets of 12 reps

5. Core Rotational Strength – Low to High Wood Chop

This is basically an upper body rotation with the med ball and chest aligned at all times, going from low to high.

Stand with feet shoulder width, med ball in both hands, arms extended.
Squat slightly and rotate to the right and face your chest slightly downwards, keep the med ball in front of your chest.
Keeping your arms extended and the med ball in front of your chest, rotate and extend your legs as you bring the med ball round and up.
End with the med ball above shoulder level still in front of your chest and rotated fully to the left

3 sets of 12 reps per side

6. Abdominal Strength – Med Ball Crunch

Lay on your back with med ball in both hands, arms fully extended above your shoulders and legs in the air, bent to form 90 degree angle.
Maintain extended arms as you crunch up, hold for a moment and return to start

3 sets of 15 reps

This workout is guaranteed to get your heart pounding and strengthen your whole body with one piece of kit! Perform 3 times per week with at least one rest day between workouts for best results.

Watch the video version of this post on YouTube here and don’t forget to subscribe to the channel!

Give it a try and then leave a comment below to let me know how you got on!

If you liked this then make sure to Subscribe to the Method Golf Fitness mailing list so you never miss an article plus get 3 FREE Golf Workouts as a thank you and subscriber exclusive content!

Like Method Golf Fitness on facebook and follow on twitter and instagram for workout videos, posts and motivation – all linked at the bottom or to the side of this page.

If you have any requests for topics or questions please don’t hesitate to leave a comment below or contact me on social media, I am always happy to help!

Golf Fitness – 4 Awesome Lower-Body Exercises

The lower body is extremely important in the golf swing, a strong and stable lower half is needed if you want to make powerful swings. Below are 4 awesome exercises that build strength, power & stability in the lower body.

1. DUMBBELL / KETTLEBELL GOBLET SQUAT

Make sure to keep your chest up throughout the movement and a neutral spine this will translate well to your posture in the golf swing. The Goblet Squat builds leg and glute strength & power, it also hits your core as it has to work overtime to keep the upper body stable whilst holding the weight.

2. DUMBBELL / KETTLEBELL LUNGE

Again, make sure to keep the chest up and core braced, drop until your trailing knee is about 1-2 inches from the ground. This is much harder than the regular dumbbell lunge with the weights down by your side as you have to really work hard to maintain balance.

3. DUMBBELL / KETTLEBELL LUNGE WITH ROTATION

Begin the rotation as soon as you start to drop down, turn over your lead leg and aim for as close to 90 degrees of turn as possible. This can be a really hard exercises when you first try it so begin without any weight and build from there. Your balance will improve very quickly.

4. SINGLE LEG, STIFF LEG DEADLIFT

Make sure to keep a slight bend in your knee and a neutral spine. Lower the weight slowly until you feel a decent stretch in your hamstrings and then push your hips forwards as you return to the top position. These are excellent for low back, hamstring and glute strength.

Give these exercises a try, they will really help your game and you will feel more balanced and powerful after only a few sessions.

Watch the video version on YouTube Here.

Please leave a comment below to let me know if you found this useful or to request topics. If you like this then check out this golf shoulder workout.

If you liked this then make sure to Subscribe to the Method Golf Fitness mailing list so you never miss an article plus get 3 FREE Golf Workouts as a thank you and subscriber exclusive content!

Like Method Golf Fitness on facebook and follow on twitter and instagram for workout videos, posts and motivation – all linked at the bottom or to the side of this page.

If you have any requests for topics or questions please don’t hesitate to leave a comment below or contact me on social media, I am always happy to help!

GOLF FITNESS – SHOULDER POWER & STABILITY WORKOUT

Golf asks a lot of your shoulders, as the anchor points of the arms and ultimately the golf club, they take almost all of the responsibility of keeping the club moving in time with your body. Training your shoulders for power and stability is a great way of improving their movement in the golf swing, increasing distance and avoiding injury along the way!

This article will give you 3 great exercises to achieve this, they can be performed together for an effective all-round shoulder workout.

Exercise 1 – The Power Move – Barbell Press – 6-8 reps x 3 sets

The Barbell Press hits all three heads of the deltoid (shoulder muscles) and is great for training power and force production. This exercise requires strict form and should be done light to start off. Make sure to press the bar in a straight line, this is done by moving the head, not by excessively leaning back! As you finish the movement allow your shoulders to shrug slightly and always keep your elbows directly under the bar.

Exercises 2 – The Isolation Move – Resistance Band Side Raise 10-12 reps x 3 sets (each side)

Side raises isolate the side deltoid more than the front or rear. I prefer the resistance band to dumbbells on these because you can keep tension on the muscle and they work more of the small stabilising muscles too. Make sure to bend slightly from the hips as this protects the joint, helps to activate the side deltoid the most and replicates the movement of the shoulder in the golf swing as it brings the arms and club in front of the body. Keep a slight bend in the elbow and try to keep the thumb side of your hand slightly higher than the other throughout the movement as this keeps the shoulder in a safer position.

Exercise 3 – The Stability Move – Resistance Band Face Pull 15 reps x 3 sets

The face pull is one of the best exercises for your shoulder health, it trains all 3 heads of the deltoid with a large emphasis on the much neglected rear deltoid. It moves the joint through retracting and rotating movements and therefore strengthens the small stabilising muscles very effectively, rotator cuff muscles included. This will help injury proof your shoulders and allow you to use them to their full strength potential.

I would highly recommend getting a resistance band, not just for these shoulder exercises but for a whole host of muscle groups and movements, it will be one of your best investments towards the improvement of your golf fitness! They are inexpensive too which makes them ideal, you can get one from Amazon here – Exercise Bands

Check out the YouTube Video to accompany this article – Shoulder Workout For Golf and subscribe to our channel for more great golf fitness videos!

Please leave a comment below to let me know how you found this article and if you tried the workout, how did you get on?

If you liked this then make sure to Subscribe to the Method Golf Fitness mailing list so you never miss an article plus get 3 FREE Golf Workouts as a thank you and subscriber exclusive content!

Like Method Golf Fitness on facebook and follow on twitter and instagram for workout videos, posts and motivation – all linked at the bottom or to the side of this page.

If you have any requests for topics or questions please don’t hesitate to leave a comment below or contact me on social media, I am always happy to help!