Virginia Golfer November / December 2023 | Page 39

1 SQUAT 2
CHOP
PARTNER SQUAT AND CHOP
Griffiths said this exercise works the whole body , but most importantly , focuses on transverse plane stability which many people forget is extremely important for golfers .
1 . Start with each partner holding the opposite end of a resistance band , standing side by side , a few feet apart , so that the band does not have any slack in it .
2 . Hold your arms centered in front of you ( bent or straight ) and take turns doing a squat and then a full body chop ( rotating as you would in a golf swing but keeping arms straight and maintaining good upright posture ). Be sure to engage your abdominal muscles before rotating . Make sure to squat at a comfortable level that avoids discomfort . If you don ’ t know how to do a proper squat , ask a fitness professional .
ILLUSTRATIONS BY MELANIE SCHUMACHER
For us , there ’ s no time like the present . Griffiths said a solid golf conditioning program should address a golfer ’ s individual personal deficits in mobility and stability , then strength and power . A golf fitness professional can help you assess each of these , so you ’ ll know where best to begin .
“ Many folks gain a little weight over the winter . This extra weight , while it may have been enjoyable putting on , will rob you of your endurance on the course ... and that is no fun ,” she said . “ You can easily avoid this by staying active . After all , your glutes were not made for sitting , they were made for getting up off the chair and getting your body in motion .”
Teaming up with your favorite golf partner in the offseason can make workouts
easier , more consistent , and more fun . Some tips for you and your partner :
• Set common goals : Before you start exercising together , talk to your partner about your fitness goals and what you want to accomplish next season . This will help you to stay motivated and accountable .
• Develop a workout plan : Once you know your fitness goals , you should develop a workout plan together . This should include a variety of exercises that target all the major muscle groups , and that vary in intensity . When you create your plan , you should also include a schedule that will keep you and your partner consistent .
• Be supportive : Encourage each other and help each other to stay motivated . If one of you is having a tough day , be there to help them push through it .
• Make it fun : Exercise should be enjoyable . If you ’ re not having fun , you are less likely to stick with it . Try to find exercises that you both enjoy and that challenge you at the same time .
“ Find someone with similar goals and commit to holding each other accountable ,” she continued . “ When you work out with a friend , you not only receive the benefits of exercise ; you get the joy and satisfaction of knowing that you helped someone else improve their quality of life , too .
“ All golfers want to play better and enjoy the game more — it ’ s a common goal we all share ,” Griffiths said . “ You can buy as many new golf clubs as you like , but your body does the swinging … and you only get one of those .”
vsga . org N OVEMBER / D ECEMBER 2023 | V IRGINIA G OLFER 37