60 replies to this topic

[Gbyeball]

russc, on 19 November 2012 - 07:53 AM, said:

Gbyeball, on 19 November 2012 - 06:59 AM, said:

Golf Ball Wacker Guy, on 19 November 2012 - 02:20 AM, said:

Push ups will not hinder your golf swing. Maybe if you have some general soreness the next day or something. But I've played my best rounds with extreme muscle soreness. I like to think it keeps me from over swinging.

Left all the weights you want. Just make sure you use full range of motion and proper form. Invest in a foam roller and learn self miofascial release techniques. AND STRETCH AFTERWARDS EVERY TIME. Greater range of motion will gain more distance and club speed than than any new club.

I'm a NASM Golf Fitness Specialist in Houston TX. If anyone has questions or anything feel free to message me

Thanks for chiming in,  I always apprieciate it when someone that is quailfied adds to the discussion.

I am curious about foam rollers, just heard about them a few months ago on this site. Because I don't know much about them can you recommand a certain type and were I would find information on how to use them.

Sorry for thr thread jack. I agree that push ups can't hurt particulary if you activate your core to stabilize your midsection, similar to planks

I use two sizes ,one  for self myofascail release and one for spinal mobility.I have had problems with tight ITbands,so much so that i incorrectly thought i needed a hip replacement .These  foam rollers were almost a miracle cure .At the start it was very painful to roll over my IITband and my quads,but in time it became much less painful.The smaller , less dense size is excellent for spinal mobility,an important but little talked about requirement in a  proper golf swing

  

Wow Russc that is incredible thinking you may need a hip replacement and the rollers helping you so much. I have had back issues for 35 years and will give the rollers a try. Thanks again for the feedback

[lawrencedc1]

Push-up unless done correctly "which is very rare for most individuals" will reak havoc on your golf swing. Not only will it put undue strain on your rotator cuff, but it can lead to tight pecs and an overall restricted thoracic extension which is crucial for a sound swing

[Jeembo]

I worked out my shoulders, arms, core and chest pretty diligently for about 6 months at one point and it did affect my golf swing but not my score so much.  I was pretty skinny and could hit the ball quite a ways although never real straight off the tee.  I wanted to bulk up to keep me from going past parallel and give me a little less range of motion so I could get my swing to be less 'armsy'.  It did everything I was hoping it would but it also screwed up my release and made it way too hard to come from the inside.  I've since lost basically all the muscle I gained and between the variation in my body shape and this infuriating dequervain's tendonitis, I'm more inconsistent than I've ever been.

tl;dr Don't bulk up if you're going to be too lazy to maintain it.

Edited by Jeembo, 19 November 2012 - 08:27 PM.

[Rosco1216]

lawrencedc1, on 19 November 2012 - 08:09 PM, said:

Push-up unless done correctly "which is very rare for most individuals" will reak havoc on your golf swing. Not only will it put undue strain on your rotator cuff, but it can lead to tight pecs and an overall restricted thoracic extension which is crucial for a sound swing

Highly disagree.

[GooseHook]

The trick: BALANCE.

If you're going to do pushups, that's great. But to put it simply, make sure you have a "pull" in your routine.  Focusing on certain muscle groups can eventually throw you out of balance, especially in the legs.

I've been lifting for 15 years and never once has it seemed detrimental.  It does help for shots out of thick rough though!

Edited by GooseHook, 20 November 2012 - 09:59 AM.

[cardoustie]

RUSSC needs to release a golf workout routine DVD, he sounds like he has Schwarzenegger strength

I gotta try one of those rollers myself.  A bud of mine swears by his

[Stryker]

Just picked up a roller last week and have been doing the roller exercises they have on tpi. Anyone know of any good resources for rollers or care to offer any tips as to how often you should use them?

[Rosco1216]

Bottomline, doing some pushups aren't going to hurt you.  Lifting heavy weights won't hurt you either so long as you do total body and a balanced routine.  I'm 30 now and have lifted heavy weights since I was in highschool and college for football.  I'm 6'1" 185(was 165 in highschool), I've put on a lot of muscle since then.  The only affect that working out and lifting weights will have on your swing or your game is if you don't stretch enough before and after and lose flexibility and/or you don't swing the golf club regularly.  For example if you workout 4 months over the winter and never pick up a golf club and then come out in the spring and haven't swung a club in months and your body is compeltely different.

That has been my experience.  I lift weights 5 days a week and if I go 2 or 3 weeks without hitting balls or swinging the club I will feel a little out of sink when I finally do get to play.

[russc]

CARDY, on 20 November 2012 - 11:09 AM, said:

RUSSC needs to release a golf workout routine DVD, he sounds like he has Schwarzenegger strength

I gotta try one of those rollers myself.  A bud of mine swears by his

Hardly!.I am small,5'6",140 lbs and like to work out.Smaller people have a mechanical advantage in  exercises like pullups and chinups. And I read that Annika Sorenstrum does pullups with 25 lbs on her feet.A number of years ago i got bored with regular pushups and changed to pylometric(clap hands) and one arm pushups.One arm pushups are not that hard if you follow the progression of starting out by pushing against a vertical board and then slowly changing the angle of the board. One arm pullups ,on the other hand, are in the  unbelievable category .
The better question is what exercise program is best for golfers.I do not think that anyone has a really convincing answer as evidenced by discussions on this board.Some golfers swear by Olympic lifts,others by explosive  plyometrics like using ropes or the tornado ball,others by squats and dead lifts,others by a emphasis on core using yoga and palates,others by kettlebells,etc.I really do NOT know what is most effective .I do know that the foam roller has been very helpful in helping me stretch my quads and IT band ,even when normal strecthing ,whether  it be static or dynamic has not .
And because many golfer have compromised  spinal mobility,using a less dense and smaller roller can help in restoring normal spinal mobility.Of course ,golfers with back problems should consult their DR.before starting any such program

Edited by russc, 20 November 2012 - 12:21 PM.

[cb24]

Miscue, on 06 January 2012 - 11:01 AM, said:

I agree with Timanator.  Your better off doing lower weight with higher amounts of reps.  Builds lean muscle mass instead of bulk.

I was doing 300 pushup in 10 set of 30 pushup and damaged my shoulder which severely affected my golfswing.  Outside of that, the pushups were really helping my upper body strength and stability, was definitely hitting it further too.

[lawrencedc1]

Rosco1216, on 20 November 2012 - 09:38 AM, said:

lawrencedc1, on 19 November 2012 - 08:09 PM, said:

Push-up unless done correctly "which is very rare for most individuals" will reak havoc on your golf swing. Not only will it put undue strain on your rotator cuff, but it can lead to tight pecs and an overall restricted thoracic extension which is crucial for a sound swing

Highly disagree.

How can you disagree with science and fact.  I mean someone can believe fire will not burn them, but that doesn't mean its true.  Again,  not to be an ego on here but I have written several peer reviewed articles on this very subject.  As an avid golfer and having a doctorate in rehabilitation and biomechanics It is well documented that push-ups and for fact any exercise that creates forced adduction of the shouder ie) push-ups, rows, dips and bench press is severely detrimental to the shoulder complex.

Edited by lawrencedc1, 20 November 2012 - 07:22 PM.

[tom93084]

lawrencedc1, on 20 November 2012 - 07:14 PM, said:

Rosco1216, on 20 November 2012 - 09:38 AM, said:

lawrencedc1, on 19 November 2012 - 08:09 PM, said:

Push-up unless done correctly "which is very rare for most individuals" will reak havoc on your golf swing. Not only will it put undue strain on your rotator cuff, but it can lead to tight pecs and an overall restricted thoracic extension which is crucial for a sound swing

Highly disagree.

How can you disagree with science and fact.  I mean someone can believe fire will not burn them, but that doesn't mean its true.  Again,  not to be an ego on here but I have written several peer reviewed articles on this very subject.  As an avid golfer and having a doctorate in rehabilitation and biomechanics It is well documented that push-ups and for fact any exercise that creates forced adduction of the shouder ie) push-ups, rows, dips and bench press is severely detrimental to the shoulder complex.

You think its science and fact that push ups are bad for your shoulders? So you think bench pressing is bad in all cases?

[lawrencedc1]

Its a direct correlation if they are performed incorrectly.  Which in MOST cases they are.  As for the bench press, ask any professional CSCS or PT in the MLB, that train top level pitchers and they will all tell you that empty can exercises or exercise that incorporates internal rotation coupled with adduction of the shoulder will put a tremendous strain on the rotator cuff.  Will it happen to everyone? NO
but dependant on the angle of your acromian, whether it is a type 1 or type 2, push-ups, bench press, dips, and upright rows are all outdated per the top respected doctors and professionals in the country. So if you are concerned at all with the health of your rotator cuff and the longevity of you game you would be much better served substituting those exercises with a flexibilty and core program rather than just implementing the antiquated methods of years ago.  I promise you Rory, Tiger or any high level pitcher does not partake in an exercise regimen of push ups and bench presses. As said above Russc was pretty much spot on.  Spinal mobility "flexibility" is crucial in golf.

Not to be one who argues a point with out a solution.  Below is a link of one of the brightest minds in shoulder rehabilitation today. With that said IF you want to crush the ball and save your joints...as "feminine" as it sounds, Pilates reformer will put most men down and have them praying for mercy.  The exercises and methods are excellent for golf.

https://rotatorcuff.net/

Edited by lawrencedc1, 20 November 2012 - 08:45 PM.

[Rosco1216]

lawrencedc1, on 20 November 2012 - 07:14 PM, said:

Rosco1216, on 20 November 2012 - 09:38 AM, said:

lawrencedc1, on 19 November 2012 - 08:09 PM, said:

Push-up unless done correctly "which is very rare for most individuals" will reak havoc on your golf swing. Not only will it put undue strain on your rotator cuff, but it can lead to tight pecs and an overall restricted thoracic extension which is crucial for a sound swing

Highly disagree.

How can you disagree with science and fact.  I mean someone can believe fire will not burn them, but that doesn't mean its true.  Again,  not to be an ego on here but I have written several peer reviewed articles on this very subject.  As an avid golfer and having a doctorate in rehabilitation and biomechanics It is well documented that push-ups and for fact any exercise that creates forced adduction of the shouder ie) push-ups, rows, dips and bench press is severely detrimental to the shoulder complex.

Ummm I'm not disagreeing with science and fact. No kidding its well documented that doing ANY exercise with too much weight and/or incorrectly can cause injury and shoulder and/or rotator cuff injury is most common.  But that isn't the argument you were making and thats not what I'm disagreeing with.  You seemed to be implying that pushups and those exercises will DIRECTLY cause havoc and screw up your swing and that is what I highly disagree with.  

Edited by Rosco1216, 20 November 2012 - 08:38 PM.

[lawrencedc1]

Rosco1216, on 20 November 2012 - 08:37 PM, said:

lawrencedc1, on 20 November 2012 - 07:14 PM, said:

Rosco1216, on 20 November 2012 - 09:38 AM, said:

lawrencedc1, on 19 November 2012 - 08:09 PM, said:

Push-up unless done correctly "which is very rare for most individuals" will reak havoc on your golf swing. Not only will it put undue strain on your rotator cuff, but it can lead to tight pecs and an overall restricted thoracic extension which is crucial for a sound swing

Highly disagree.

How can you disagree with science and fact.  I mean someone can believe fire will not burn them, but that doesn't mean its true.  Again,  not to be an ego on here but I have written several peer reviewed articles on this very subject.  As an avid golfer and having a doctorate in rehabilitation and biomechanics It is well documented that push-ups and for fact any exercise that creates forced adduction of the shouder ie) push-ups, rows, dips and bench press is severely detrimental to the shoulder complex.

Ummm I'm not disagreeing with science and fact. No kidding its well documented that doing ANY exercise with too much weight and/or incorrectly can cause injury and shoulder and/or rotator cuff injury is most common.  But that isn't the argument you were making and thats not what I'm disagreeing with.  You seemed to be implying that pushups and those exercises will DIRECTLY cause havoc and screw up your swing and that is what I highly disagree with.  

To make things simple.  Push-ups are a terrible exercise for the shoulder in 95% of the cases.  For the other 5% who actually perform a push up correctly with " the elbows tucked to the side" then yes they are a great exercise, and yes if they are done incorrectly it is well correlated that a damaged shoulder will effect your golf swing.

Edited by lawrencedc1, 20 November 2012 - 08:51 PM.

[russc]

lawrencedc1, on 20 November 2012 - 08:37 PM, said:

Its a direct correlation if they are performed incorrectly.  Which in MOST cases they are.  As for the bench press, ask any professional CSCS or PT in the MLB, that train top level pitchers and they will all tell you that empty can exercises or exercise that incorporates internal rotation coupled with adduction of the shoulder will put a tremendous strain on the rotator cuff.  Will it happen to everyone? NO
but dependant on the angle of your acromian, whether it is a type 1 or type 2, push-ups, bench press, dips, and upright rows are all outdated per the top respected doctors and professionals in the country. So if you are concerned at all with the health of your rotator cuff and the longevity of you game you would be much better served substituting those exercises with a flexibilty and core program rather than just implementing the antiquated methods of years ago.  I promise you Rory, Tiger or any high level pitcher does not partake in an exercise regimen of push ups and bench presses. As said above Russc was pretty much spot on.  Spinal mobility "flexibility" is crucial in golf.

Not to be one who argues a point with out a solution.  Below is a link of one of the brightest minds in shoulder rehabilitation today. With that said IF you want to crush the ball and save your joints...as "feminine" as it sounds, Pilates reformer will put most men down and have them praying for mercy.  The exercises and methods are excellent for golf.

https://rotatorcuff.net/

Thanks for the link .Always looking for ways to workout  more efficiently.Any ideas on the best ways to train the fast twitch muscles involved in a golf swing.

[Gupps01]

lawrencedc1, on 20 November 2012 - 08:37 PM, said:

Its a direct correlation if they are performed incorrectly.  Which in MOST cases they are.  As for the bench press, ask any professional CSCS or PT in the MLB, that train top level pitchers and they will all tell you that empty can exercises or exercise that incorporates internal rotation coupled with adduction of the shoulder will put a tremendous strain on the rotator cuff.  Will it happen to everyone? NO
but dependant on the angle of your acromian, whether it is a type 1 or type 2, push-ups, bench press, dips, and upright rows are all outdated per the top respected doctors and professionals in the country. So if you are concerned at all with the health of your rotator cuff and the longevity of you game you would be much better served substituting those exercises with a flexibilty and core program rather than just implementing the antiquated methods of years ago.  I promise you Rory, Tiger or any high level pitcher does not partake in an exercise regimen of push ups and bench presses. As said above Russc was pretty much spot on.  Spinal mobility "flexibility" is crucial in golf.

Not to be one who argues a point with out a solution.  Below is a link of one of the brightest minds in shoulder rehabilitation today. With that said IF you want to crush the ball and save your joints...as "feminine" as it sounds, Pilates reformer will put most men down and have them praying for mercy.  The exercises and methods are excellent for golf.

https://rotatorcuff.net/

Tiger Woods doing Single Arm Incline Dumbell Press which places more strain on the shoulder due to the angle of the movement.

http://www.pgatour.c...lroy/index.html
Rory Mcilroy talking about doing bench press. Also talks about doing snatch's which are huge on shoulder strain.

Seems as if you're argument that Tiger and Rory don't bench press is kinda shot. Also wouldn't the rate of rotator cuff injury in baseball pitchers have a lot to do with the volume of high-velocity pitches they throw throughout their career's? We have the same problem with cricket fast bowlers and low back stress fractures due to high volumes of overs bowled.  And a Pilates reformer doesn't make me pray for mercy. I've been doing it for four years and never had that problem.

Edited by Gupps01, 21 November 2012 - 07:49 AM.

[TeeAce]

lawrencedc1, on 20 November 2012 - 08:37 PM, said:

Its a direct correlation if they are performed incorrectly.  Which in MOST cases they are.  As for the bench press, ask any professional CSCS or PT in the MLB, that train top level pitchers and they will all tell you that empty can exercises or exercise that incorporates internal rotation coupled with adduction of the shoulder will put a tremendous strain on the rotator cuff.  Will it happen to everyone? NO
but dependant on the angle of your acromian, whether it is a type 1 or type 2, push-ups, bench press, dips, and upright rows are all outdated per the top respected doctors and professionals in the country. So if you are concerned at all with the health of your rotator cuff and the longevity of you game you would be much better served substituting those exercises with a flexibilty and core program rather than just implementing the antiquated methods of years ago.  I promise you Rory, Tiger or any high level pitcher does not partake in an exercise regimen of push ups and bench presses. As said above Russc was pretty much spot on.  Spinal mobility "flexibility" is crucial in golf.

Not to be one who argues a point with out a solution.  Below is a link of one of the brightest minds in shoulder rehabilitation today. With that said IF you want to crush the ball and save your joints...as "feminine" as it sounds, Pilates reformer will put most men down and have them praying for mercy.  The exercises and methods are excellent for golf.

https://rotatorcuff.net/

That's about what I meant with my comment. At least my students got no time and energy to put for push-ups as there is so much better things to do to help their game.

[lawrencedc1]

russc, on 20 November 2012 - 09:28 PM, said:

lawrencedc1, on 20 November 2012 - 08:37 PM, said:

Its a direct correlation if they are performed incorrectly.  Which in MOST cases they are.  As for the bench press, ask any professional CSCS or PT in the MLB, that train top level pitchers and they will all tell you that empty can exercises or exercise that incorporates internal rotation coupled with adduction of the shoulder will put a tremendous strain on the rotator cuff.  Will it happen to everyone? NO
but dependant on the angle of your acromian, whether it is a type 1 or type 2, push-ups, bench press, dips, and upright rows are all outdated per the top respected doctors and professionals in the country. So if you are concerned at all with the health of your rotator cuff and the longevity of you game you would be much better served substituting those exercises with a flexibilty and core program rather than just implementing the antiquated methods of years ago.  I promise you Rory, Tiger or any high level pitcher does not partake in an exercise regimen of push ups and bench presses. As said above Russc was pretty much spot on.  Spinal mobility "flexibility" is crucial in golf.

Not to be one who argues a point with out a solution.  Below is a link of one of the brightest minds in shoulder rehabilitation today. With that said IF you want to crush the ball and save your joints...as "feminine" as it sounds, Pilates reformer will put most men down and have them praying for mercy.  The exercises and methods are excellent for golf.

https://rotatorcuff.net/

Thanks for the link .Always looking for ways to workout  more efficiently.Any ideas on the best ways to train the fast twitch muscles involved in a golf swing.

.
  

No problem. The most productive way to train fast twitch fibers would be the use of plyometrics. For the upper extremities I make use of a rebounder with weighted balls. Just be cautious with the weight. The very nature of the shoulder is for mobility not load bearing and it really should never be loaded in that fashion in a frequent matter ie, bench press. Usually anything over 5 lbs begins to recruit the larger type 1 fibers of the deltoid and supporting musculature and shut down the smaller stabilizing muscles of the rotator cuff

[russc]

TeeAce, on 21 November 2012 - 07:47 AM, said:

lawrencedc1, on 20 November 2012 - 08:37 PM, said:

Its a direct correlation if they are performed incorrectly.  Which in MOST cases they are.  As for the bench press, ask any professional CSCS or PT in the MLB, that train top level pitchers and they will all tell you that empty can exercises or exercise that incorporates internal rotation coupled with adduction of the shoulder will put a tremendous strain on the rotator cuff.  Will it happen to everyone? NO
but dependant on the angle of your acromian, whether it is a type 1 or type 2, push-ups, bench press, dips, and upright rows are all outdated per the top respected doctors and professionals in the country. So if you are concerned at all with the health of your rotator cuff and the longevity of you game you would be much better served substituting those exercises with a flexibilty and core program rather than just implementing the antiquated methods of years ago.  I promise you Rory, Tiger or any high level pitcher does not partake in an exercise regimen of push ups and bench presses. As said above Russc was pretty much spot on.  Spinal mobility "flexibility" is crucial in golf.

Not to be one who argues a point with out a solution.  Below is a link of one of the brightest minds in shoulder rehabilitation today. With that said IF you want to crush the ball and save your joints...as "feminine" as it sounds, Pilates reformer will put most men down and have them praying for mercy.  The exercises and methods are excellent for golf.

https://rotatorcuff.net/

That's about what I meant with my comment. At least my students got no time and energy to put for push-ups as there is so much better things to do to help their game.

Teeace
Sounds like you are a real Taskmaster!!

[TeeAce]

russc, on 21 November 2012 - 01:15 PM, said:

Teeace
Sounds like you are a real Taskmaster!!

Or maybe seen too much bad examples what happens with wrong kind of physical training

I PM you some links what we do for the moment. Not everything, but some

[pinhigh27]

Nick75, on 06 January 2012 - 10:52 AM, said:

Basically as the title says.  Are push-ups good or bag for the golf swing, and if good, what type of routine?  I've been working out some in the off-season, but just to get fit, not bulk up.  Thanks for all replies.

Why would you not want to add muscle? People are so clueless and think they will become the hulk after they lift for a year. Lifting heavy compounds lifts, will improve your flexibility and strength, both of which will improve your golf game. Do a workout consisting of squats bench and deadlift for sure.
Edit: You will NOT under any circumstances gain enough muscle to restrict movement unless you train extremely hard for 5+ years, and put on significant amounts of weight.

Edited by pinhigh27, 21 November 2012 - 02:20 PM.

[YMark]

pinhigh27, on 21 November 2012 - 02:18 PM, said:

Nick75, on 06 January 2012 - 10:52 AM, said:

Basically as the title says.  Are push-ups good or bag for the golf swing, and if good, what type of routine?  I've been working out some in the off-season, but just to get fit, not bulk up.  Thanks for all replies.

Why would you not want to add muscle? People are so clueless and think they will become the hulk after they lift for a year. Lifting heavy compounds lifts, will improve your flexibility and strength, both of which will improve your golf game. Do a workout consisting of squats bench and deadlift for sure.
Edit: You will NOT under any circumstances gain enough muscle to restrict movement unless you train extremely hard for 5+ years, and put on significant amounts of weight.

In my experience, people that say they don't want to "bulk up" are the ones that don't want to work out hard. It is used as an excuse to "do the minimum". They have ZERO idea on what it takes to really build muscle. If you can add a pound of muscle a month, you've done good.

[pinhigh27]

YMark, on 21 November 2012 - 11:37 PM, said:

pinhigh27, on 21 November 2012 - 02:18 PM, said:

Nick75, on 06 January 2012 - 10:52 AM, said:

Basically as the title says.  Are push-ups good or bag for the golf swing, and if good, what type of routine?  I've been working out some in the off-season, but just to get fit, not bulk up.  Thanks for all replies.

Why would you not want to add muscle? People are so clueless and think they will become the hulk after they lift for a year. Lifting heavy compounds lifts, will improve your flexibility and strength, both of which will improve your golf game. Do a workout consisting of squats bench and deadlift for sure.
Edit: You will NOT under any circumstances gain enough muscle to restrict movement unless you train extremely hard for 5+ years, and put on significant amounts of weight.

In my experience, people that say they don't want to "bulk up" are the ones that don't want to work out hard. It is used as an excuse to "do the minimum". They have ZERO idea on what it takes to really build muscle. If you can add a pound of muscle a month, you've done good.

I agree, and people just don't understand the dedication it takes to make yourself huge. I mean sure everyone gets a little bit bigger in the beginning, its called "noob gains" for a reason. However, a person isn't going to become unreasonably large unless they commit a significant amount of their time and plan properly. I understand most people on a golf forum aren't looking to get huge, as well as they aren't looking to commit the amount of time necessary to get that body type, so they don't have to worry about that happening to them. However, a little strength and flexibility gain is going to help everyone.

[SpenceT47]

GooseHook has it right: Balance. There is not an exercise or muscle group that will make you worse (or better) if it is in balance. Pushups are great if done correctly, but most people do them with poor form (their hips sagging and their elbows out). General overall conditioning is crucial for any athlete. But maintain balance of push-pull exercises. In fact, if you work a desk job chances are you have rounded shoulders and forward head posture. In this case i would go 2:1 pull (rhomboids, lats, middle trap) to push (pec major). Stretching your pecs is a given, as others have said, but if you strength is dominated anteriorly then you will fall into bad posture. But think about Tiger, his power improved when he put on 15 pounds of muscle--but he was unusually flexible to start.

The key progression for GOLF strengthening is flexibility (thoracic spine, latissimus dorsi, hamstrings and hip flexors), glute strength (glute max is your main power generator), core stability (ditch crunches for planks), and finally learning how to sequence correctly. A good resource for this approach on youtube is Functional Patterns, a guy named Naudi.

[lawrencedc1]

SpenceT47, on 22 November 2012 - 12:46 AM, said:

GooseHook has it right: Balance. There is not an exercise or muscle group that will make you worse (or better) if it is in balance. Pushups are great if done correctly, but most people do them with poor form (their hips sagging and their elbows out). General overall conditioning is crucial for any athlete. But maintain balance of push-pull exercises. In fact, if you work a desk job chances are you have rounded shoulders and forward head posture. In this case i would go 2:1 pull (rhomboids, lats, middle trap) to push (pec major). Stretching your pecs is a given, as others have said, but if you strength is dominated anteriorly then you will fall into bad posture. But think about Tiger, his power improved when he put on 15 pounds of muscle--but he was unusually flexible to start.

The key progression for GOLF strengthening is flexibility (thoracic spine, latissimus dorsi, hamstrings and hip flexors), glute strength (glute max is your main power generator), core stability (ditch crunches for planks), and finally learning how to sequence correctly. A good resource for this approach on youtube is Functional Patterns, a guy named Naudi.

^  This Well said

[TeeAce]

SpenceT47, on 22 November 2012 - 12:46 AM, said:

GooseHook has it right: Balance. There is not an exercise or muscle group that will make you worse (or better) if it is in balance. Pushups are great if done correctly, but most people do them with poor form (their hips sagging and their elbows out). General overall conditioning is crucial for any athlete. But maintain balance of push-pull exercises. In fact, if you work a desk job chances are you have rounded shoulders and forward head posture. In this case i would go 2:1 pull (rhomboids, lats, middle trap) to push (pec major). Stretching your pecs is a given, as others have said, but if you strength is dominated anteriorly then you will fall into bad posture. But think about Tiger, his power improved when he put on 15 pounds of muscle--but he was unusually flexible to start.

The key progression for GOLF strengthening is flexibility (thoracic spine, latissimus dorsi, hamstrings and hip flexors), glute strength (glute max is your main power generator), core stability (ditch crunches for planks), and finally learning how to sequence correctly. A good resource for this approach on youtube is Functional Patterns, a guy named Naudi.

+100 for this. Great video and even well made push-ups there

[Bluefan75]

lawrencedc1, on 21 November 2012 - 12:30 PM, said:

russc, on 20 November 2012 - 09:28 PM, said:

lawrencedc1, on 20 November 2012 - 08:37 PM, said:

Its a direct correlation if they are performed incorrectly.  Which in MOST cases they are.  As for the bench press, ask any professional CSCS or PT in the MLB, that train top level pitchers and they will all tell you that empty can exercises or exercise that incorporates internal rotation coupled with adduction of the shoulder will put a tremendous strain on the rotator cuff.  Will it happen to everyone? NO
but dependant on the angle of your acromian, whether it is a type 1 or type 2, push-ups, bench press, dips, and upright rows are all outdated per the top respected doctors and professionals in the country. So if you are concerned at all with the health of your rotator cuff and the longevity of you game you would be much better served substituting those exercises with a flexibilty and core program rather than just implementing the antiquated methods of years ago.  I promise you Rory, Tiger or any high level pitcher does not partake in an exercise regimen of push ups and bench presses. As said above Russc was pretty much spot on.  Spinal mobility "flexibility" is crucial in golf.

Not to be one who argues a point with out a solution.  Below is a link of one of the brightest minds in shoulder rehabilitation today. With that said IF you want to crush the ball and save your joints...as "feminine" as it sounds, Pilates reformer will put most men down and have them praying for mercy.  The exercises and methods are excellent for golf.

https://rotatorcuff.net/

Thanks for the link .Always looking for ways to workout  more efficiently.Any ideas on the best ways to train the fast twitch muscles involved in a golf swing.

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No problem. The most productive way to train fast twitch fibers would be the use of plyometrics. For the upper extremities I make use of a rebounder with weighted balls. Just be cautious with the weight. The very nature of the shoulder is for mobility not load bearing and it really should never be loaded in that fashion in a frequent matter ie, bench press. Usually anything over 5 lbs begins to recruit the larger type 1 fibers of the deltoid and supporting musculature and shut down the smaller stabilizing muscles of the rotator cuff

So getting stronger has no benefit?

[TeeAce]

Bluefan75, on 22 November 2012 - 11:53 AM, said:

So getting stronger has no benefit?

Getting stronger, more stabile and flexible from right places has lot of benefit. From wrong places no.

[russc]

Be CAREFUL with ANY physical fitness program

This article is almost a year old.
http://www.nytimes.c...=me&ref=general

Edited by russc, 22 November 2012 - 06:19 PM.