Best Core Exercises For Golf

By Patrick Foley

Everyone in golf is always looking to add distance to their shots on the course, and will try anything to do so. Golfers will alter their swings and do countless drills looking to add any extra distance. One thing many people overlook and fail to see is strengthening the core muscle group of their body. The core muscles are essential to a strong and well balanced golf swing. Strengthening these muscles will add yards to a golf swing without even having to swing a club. The core muscles consist of the lower back, abdominal and oblique muscles. There are many ways to strengthen these areas but with just a basic few exercises, the power of a person's golf swing will greatly increase.

Abdominal Crunches

Abdominal crunches are one of the most common abdominal exercises, but at the same time are one of the most effective and simple. In this exercise you lay on the floor with your feet tucked to your body and knees pointing to the air. Then you simply raise your chest up to your knees. When completing this exercise, focus on the contraction of the lower abs to increase the intensity and strength benefits. Keep your hands by your ears during this exercise and do not pull them behind your neck because this may lead to neck strains. Complete in sets of three with 15 to 25 reps depending on strength levels.

Russian Twists

Russian twists are an extremely powerful abdominal and oblique workout that can be beneficial to a golf swing. In Russian twists, you sit on your upper butt and very lower back with the upper back off the ground as well as your legs. You then tuck the legs in more towards the chest to contract the abdominal muscles and increase the intensity of the workout. Then with a medicine ball in hand you move your arms side to side touching the ball on the ground. This exercise targets the obliques as well as the lower abs. The movement of the exercise is much like the rotation of a golf swing and will increase power dramatically. This exercise can be done for three sets with 25 reps. If it becomes overly difficult, a medicine ball is not necessary.

Supermans

Supermans are a simple exercise that develop the back muscles necessary for a golf swing. In this exercise you lay on you stomach and lift your legs and chest of the ground. This leaves your stomach on the floor and the rest of your body about 6 to 12 inches off the ground. When doing this exercise focus on the contraction of the lower back. Complete three sets for 10 to 15 reps.

About the Author

Patrick Foley is a writer from Phoenix, AZ. He is a sports fanatic and loves football, golf, and track. He has been writing for Golf Link for almost a year. He is a college football player at the University of Pennsylvania. He is enrolled in the Wharton Business School.He has have a wide set of skills in writing and marketing.