Congratulations

Congratulations to all Upper Great Lakes Figure Skaters for a great 2010 regional competition.  For those who have made it through, a double congratulations to you.  Keep up the hard work of your in season off – ice training.

For those of you who didn’t make it through you will begin your active rest season.  This is the four-week time period during which you take 1-3 weeks off from skating and you also significantly decrease the intensity of any off – ice activity.  The primary objective of this active rest period of time is rest and recovery.  This an excellent time to have any injuries, however mild they seem, evaluated and treated.  Any off – ice activity or exercising should be mild and very different from what you normally do.  A few examples of different activities might be swimming and rock climbing.

You also need to be planning the next year of off – ice training.  I recommend having an off – ice coach/trainer who will change and progress your programs based on the timing of the season and the results of your assessments.  Always discuss your plans with your on ice head coach!

Again, congratulations to all UGL competitors and good luck next season!!

So how’d you golf this year?

The leaves are about to start to change and most of us will put away the clubs for a while and dream of better shots next season.  Instead of dreaming of better shots why don’t you do something about it.  What can you do this winter to potentially golf better next year?  Improve club head speed, improve control, or improve consistency are a couple of ideas? 

Strength and conditioning for golfers is not a new idea, most of the pros do it as well as nearly all collegiate players, so why don’t you?  Consider this, chest strength and total body rotational power were found to be significantly correlated with improved club head speed in experienced male golfers. (1)  An off season strength and conditioning routine can improve chest strength and total body rotation power. 

There are plenty of resources on the web, in the bookstore, and at many fitness centers that can guide you in your training.  Your success is dependant on deciding which approach is right for you.  If you are a self learner and very self motivated you may find you will succeed on your own using a book or website as your guide.  You may prefer to have an expert progress your routine in which case you will benefit from working at a fitness center with a strength and conditioning specialist who specializes in golf fitness.

However you intend to improve your strength and conditioning you have to remain consistent with your participation.  You must also progress your exercises throughout the off season.  This will keep you from getting bored and will allow your body to adapt to training as it prepares for next year’s golf season.

 So how well will you golf next season?

Bryan

 

1.  Gordan BS, Moir GL, Davis SE, Witmer CA, Cummings DM.  An investigation into the relationship of flexibility, power, and strength to club head speed in male golfers.  J Stength Cond Res. 2009;23:1606-1610.