Previously, most amateur golfers relied on golf lessons, practice, play and more practice to improve their game, but now because they read about Tiger Woods’conditioning program more golfers are looking for specific body conditioning.

Studies comparing the golf swing of amateurs and professions, it was found that amateurs produce 80% greater peak lateral bending and shear forces and 50 % more torque at the spine than professionals. When you consider that this action may be performed 30-40 times over the course of 18 holes, you can understand why four out of every five golfers, regardless of level, suffer low back pain. Other vulnerable areas include the wrist, elbow and shoulder joints from poor muscular control and swing technique errors.

While it may be true that a person who is out of shape can still play and enjoy golf, over time playing with poor mechanics and decreased fitness may cause any stress related injuries to become arthritic.

It has been estimated that 50% of golf related injuries can be prevented by consistent conditioning programs. If injury does occur, healing times can be reduced up to 70% for those involved in exercise programs. The core strengthening accessed in Pilates has proved very popular with golfers. Not only the conditioning of the transverse abdominals, the pelvic floor and back muscles but the neuromuscular re-programming results in a mind body connection. Accessing, controlling and co-ordinating the muscles and bones during a fast, complex movement such as a golf swing is just as much about the mind as it is body.

 Golf requires coordination, rhythm, balance, stability and control and an emphasis on strength and flexibility. And thats where Golf and Pilates are very compatible.