Cardio Golf, Important?
Golf has become a much younger person’s game in recent years driven by television and media to excite the fans for the purpose of ratings, from the fashion statements made by Rickie Fowler to the pure miracle shots of Phil Mickelson, professional golf is very much about the personalised statements a player can make intern exciting the fans and increasing the sponsors profiles, winning also helps.
We know Camilo Villegas for his ability to stork the hole, crouching like a tiger while he lines up his putts all in perfect balance and with great flexibility
Much like we recognise Bubba Watson for his pure ability to hit the ball miles using great speed and power all generated from an efficient functional body.
There is no doubt the players of today have to be more athletic to show off their flair and play on the world stage, so why do so many amateurs in the midst of golf training and playing find it easy to ignore any form of specific fitness training.
The mere thought of exercising might leave you with questions of why you need to read more but from the retired to the absolute new comer to the game young and old it is really important to improve fitness especially cardiovascular fitness. To have the long-term enjoyment of the game or improve dramatically whatever the motivation Cardio fitness will be a significant factor to you achieving this.
Oxygen helps the body work and is the greatest source of energy, cleaning, strengthening, building and helping the body perform. Many I hear say “walking a few kilometres round the golf course is enough exercise for me” one important thing to note with any set training is over time your body needs less oxygen so there has to be an increase in the level of cardio fitness for this to continue to improve.
Any low-intensity workout must see the heart working at a rate of 60% to 70% of your maximum rate at a constant pace for 20 to 45 minutes. For a high-intensity workout, the heart rate must be above 70% with a duration time of no more than 20 minutes, 20 minutes or less is more manageable for such high intensity. Every time you go to the range to practice your swing is the same as someone going to the gym to exercise, any good fitness instructor knows a combination of low and high-intensity workouts will greatly improve your fitness and should be included in the week of fitness training. The game of golf is no different.
Look to bike, step, rowing and running machines to help you improve your oxygen intake, see a fitness instructor for other ideas as gyms vary and you may want to train outside. Remember the idea is to improve it is easy to get comfortable with what you do and keep doing it, try to increase and or change your routine for more improvement. Any concerns always consult with a doctor before doing any physical activity.