The importance or core strength and stability in golf

Core strengthening is more than just achieving a six-pack. The core (also referred to as the trunk) consists of all the muscles that surround and help support the spinal column and center section of the body. Strengthening the core muscles is essential in protecting the spinal column and aiding in core stability. With improved stability the control of position and motion of the trunk over the pelvis improves, allowing optimum transfer and control of force and motion. The core acts as a bridge between upper and lower limbs, with greater core strength and stability we can gain better trunk control and isolation whilst maintaining planted legs and feet.

A strong core improves performance and protects the body for many athletes not just golf enthusiast. When our core stability is weak the body compensates and channels unnecessary pressure and motion through vulnerable areas (knees, ankles, upper back , shoulders, neck …...).

One of the main areas of compensation is in the back. It is important that all core muscles are strong for injury prevention in the spine. For example the abs are the front anchor of your spine, if they are weak, then the other structures supporting your spine (your back muscles, for example) will have to work harder.

Problems can be as simple as strained muscles to more extreme issues such as spinal disc problems. There is an enormous list of terminology used to describe disc-related pain, such as a pinched nerve, degenerated disc, slipped disc, herniated disc, bulging disc, and so on. But for those who have experienced any of the problems above they are not problems to be taken lightly they are often very debilitating and extremely painful.

So why do these injuries occur?

For most golf professionals it is the repetitive nature of the game that induces problems and aggravates existing one, For us mere mortals it is the lack of flexibility and strength in the muscles and poorly aligned positioning.

The golf swing involves repetitive, high-velocity movement of the neck, shoulders, spine, elbow, wrist, hips, knees, and ankles.

Good flexibility will help the spine move safely, it helps support the spine in motion and returns the spine smoothly back to it's starting position. Good core stability aids in isolating movement in the trunk whilst remaining rooted and balanced through the legs. It will also helps strength and stability run through the shoulders. Good spinal flexibility helps increase the range of motion (ROM)

Competitive golf is no longer seen as a lazy Sunday on the course It has led to a change in how the game is now being approach. Players train like athletes physically and mentally. Many of the top players now consist of daily gym sessions, meeting with professional consultants, personal trainers and sports psychologists.

OK so we can't all be Rory Mcilroy our everyday lives don't allow us to train at that level. But there are practices we can be introducing in to our game that will help produce remarkable results.

If you talk to any professional they will tell you the importance of a warming up before tee off. Chris Gill (professional at Newquay Golf Club) strives to educate the importance of pre match warm up. 'The amount of people running to the first tee just out of bed with the shoes untied..... who then complain after play about their performance is huge' He says ' warming up not only prepares the body but also prepares your mental clarity as well'.

A good warm up is essential before play. It can be as simple as increasing the heart rate to warm the muscles and improve oxygen intake, followed by and all over stretch (paying particular attention to the spine and shoulders and arms).

It is easy to introduce a more solid regime just by altering exercise routines in the gym or participating in weekly yoga classes.

Physically yoga can change your body by giving strength and increasing flexibility in your muscles, Yoga aids in a good metabolism, weight and blood pressure regulation, bone density, joint stability and muscle sculpting Have you noticed how much worse your performance is when you are stressed or if you have thing running through your mind? Yoga teaches the body endurance but more importantly the regular practise of yoga teaches your mind endurance