How to Maintain General Fitness
By Bryan Rose
Golf is one of those unique sports that combines both aerobic health and muscle strength to play at a high level. While participating in golf can work both of these areas, putting in time to get in shape before hitting the course can lower your score and make your round more enjoyable.
Instructions
Difficulty: Easy
Walk or run at least 20 minutes three to four times a week to improve cardio health. Most experts agree that to increase cardiovascular health, the heart rate needs to be elevated for at least 20 minutes. Increasing cardiovascular health and getting the legs used to moving, will help the golfer have more stamina when playing, meaning a better chance of keeping good form in the later holes.
Lift weights two to three times a week. The amount of weight is determined by what the golfer can handle. Many gyms and fitness centers have golf-specific programs that golfers can sign up for. The key when working with weights is to not over- due it. Start with light weights and work up to lifting heavier amounts.
Stretch every day. Golf is a game that requires muscle flexibility because repeatedly swinging the club puts pressure on joints and tendons. By keeping muscles loose and flexible, the golfer can avoid injury and increase stamina where those who do not stretch may become tired and fatigued.
Schedule workouts regularly. The number one deterrent to any fitness program is not enough time. Scheduling workout sessions like meetings or other engagements has been shown to keep the participant on track and committed to his or her workout. Another good way to stay engaged is to keep a journal to chart progress.
Mix it up. Boredom is another killer of workout routines. Mixing up the types of exercises and routes walked or ran will keep the golfer interested in the workout routine. It also is better for the golfer as more muscles are involved in the workout process when different exercises are employed.
Tips & Warnings
Many people get discouraged if they miss a day exercising or cannot do a workout that day. But skipping a workout can sometimes be a good thing to give muscles an unscheduled rest and a break in the routine. The key is to make sure to return to the exercise activity the next day.
As with any physical-fitness regimen, it is important to consult a doctor to make sure the golfer is healthy enough to participate.
About The Author
Bryan Rose is an experienced journalist and web writer, spending nearly 12 years in the publishing industry. Rose works for a variety of Demand Studios websites, writing mostly for ehow.com and Golflink.com. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in History degree from the University of Wisconsin.
