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Pilates Helps Putters
by: AndreaDow
Total views: 1185
Word Count: 352
November 20th, 2006
As many golfers head indoors for the winter season, a wise choice would be to consider a pilates class instead of the weight bench to stay in peak shape like the pros. One of the most common complaints from golfers is lower back pain. Pilates is an excellent way to combat low back pain by improving posture (which will undoubtedly help your swing) and strengthening the core (abdominals, back, butt and upper legs). Although pilates classes are typically female dominated, smart men will jump into the class so they can lower their handicaps come spring. You do not need to be coordinated, able to work the conga line at the family wedding or as flexible as a contortionist. Just get to a class and you will get results.
Don't believe me? A recent article in the Wall Street Journal by John Paul Newport discusess not only the benefits of pilates for golfers, but the number of pros who are turning to the Pilates method for results. Professional golfer, Rich Beems practiced Pilates prior to his win at the 2002 PGA Championship. Rocco Mediate and Camilo Villegas also use Pilates to hone their golf game. Newport notes that according to Sean Cochran, Phil Mickelson's personal trainer, Pilates techniques like working from the core are being incorporated into the mat and weight-lifting exercise regimes used by elite players like Phil. Pilates can dramatically improve rotation and muscles along the spine that maintain the back's position througout the swing. Newport also interviewed Dave Phillips, the co-founder of the Titleist Performance Institute in California. Phillips commented that "the best golfers have strong, stable lower bodies and flexible, mobile upper bodies. Their swings progress from the lower body to the trunk, the shoulders and lastly the arms". This is another example of working from the core outward to the periphery...one of Pilates main goals!
Hit the mat at your local Pilates studio or check out the beginner mat video/DVD from Power Pilates. Click the link for more information.
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