Golf
is an ageless game, appealing to the young and
the young at heart. And while you may
not equate traditional golfers with today's gym rats, studies have shown that
following a strength training routine can help players on all levels improve
their performance. Today, we focus on the legs and how they'll help increase your power off the tee.
Add Some Weight to Your Leg Muscles
Most
often golfers are hesitant to lift weights at the gym, because they think the
added muscle will somehow hinder their swing. However, the experienced golfer
knows that this is not true at all—in fact, more muscle equals more distance;
more strength (from the legs specifically) can help power the ball farther than
ever.
“I feel
a lot more stable in my golf swing. I’m the same weight as I was when I
started, but I’ve gained muscle, I’ve gained mass.”
–Rory
McIlroy, World’s #1 Golfer, Men’s Health
It’s
common for golfers to have back problems due to the rotational nature of the
sport, but with strength training you not only add distance to your drive, you also
build the right muscles to reduce your risk for injury. With that said, we suggest you use your leg
muscles for boosted power and balance.
Why? Well, it will:
- Increase
your drive distance
- Improve
stability in your swing
3 Leg Builders to Try
- Leg
Press: 3 sets of 6-10 reps at an RPE of 7 to 9.
- Cable
Hip Extension: 3 sets of 6 - 10 reps at an RPE of 7 to 9.
- Hip
Abductor: 3 sets of 6 – 10 reps at an RPE of 7 to 9.
“A sport-specific program trains your body specifically for your golf game. When you improve functional strength, you have more control and balance, which will improve your feel. Strength training involves body awareness, muscular control, and coordination. These are all key elements for enhanced golf. –Mike Pedersen, “Lift Weights to Play Your Best Golf”