Reactivate Physiotherapy & Massage
905.231.1418
FITforeGOLF™
HOW TO STOMACH A GOOD SWING
By David Lindsay PT MSc
The golf swing involves virtually a full rotation of the body. The main muscles responsible for twisting
the trunk from side to side, are the abdominals, in particular the oblique and transverse abdominal
muscles. The abdominal are some of the strongest muscles in the body. Increasing their role in the golf
swing can help increase clubhead speed. In addition to rotating the trunk, contracting the abdominals has
the additional benefit of bracing the spine thus protecting it from injury. The POWER and PROTECTION
offered by the abdominal muscles makes them the most important golf muscles in the body. While every
golfer uses their abdominal muscles to some degree, learning to use these muscles more effectively is
very important for optimal performance.
An effective way of training the abdominal muscles during the golf swing is by using an inexpensive
exercise device such as the FITforeGOLF Swing Trainer. The Swing Trainer is a loop of elastic tubing
attached to a normal golf grip. The elastic tubing provides resistance against which the abdominal
muscles contract during the back- and downswings.
In addition to these exercises, it is important to practice using your abdominal muscles when hitting golf
balls. To increase the amount of abdominal activity during the golf swing, gently tighten your abdominal
muscles just before starting your backswing. Your low back and pelvis SHOULD NOT MOVE when the
stomach muscles contract. The correct contraction should feel as though you are lightly drawing in your
belly button towards your spine. This contraction reduces the amount of stress on the spine as well as
pre-sets these muscles to fire on the downswing and follow-through.
For more information visit our web site (www.fitforegolf.com) or contact your FITforeGOLF™
Physical Therapy Clinic:
81 Middlecote Drive
Ajax ON, L1T 0K3
www.reactivatephysiotherapy.com