"We don't believe there is one way to swing a club; we believe there are an infinite number of ways to swing a club. But we do believe that there is one efficient way for everyone to swing a club and it is based on what they can physically do."
Titleist Performance Institute
Performance Factors
Optimal golf performance is based on 6 key factors:
- Basic Instruction (grip, stance, alignment, swing fundamentals, ball position etc.)
- Shot Making Skills (short game, specialty shots, etc.)
- Physical Conditioning (mobility, stability, strength, power, balance, cardiovascular endurance and nutrition)
- Equipment (club fitting, set make up)
- Course Management (how to play each course, set make up, game plan)
- Mental conditioning (handling stress)
The TPI physical screens for the body and swing characteristics, as well as additional screens for Strength, Power and Cardiovascular Endurance and FMS screen (Functional Movement Systems) are where Align-Fit begins with every golfer. Any physical limitations need to be determined in order to build a customized fitness program that will improve the weaknesses and enhance the strengths of each golfer.
Factors that Have a Negative Affect on How You Move:
- Traumas: Accidents, Posture, Repetitive Injuries
- Thoughts: Stress, Anxiety, Mental Collapse
- Toxins: What you eat, breathe and drink
- Technique: Poor Learned Skills, Muscle Patterns
At Align-Fit, the TPI and Pilates for golf exercises will correct your physical limitations and improve the Body-Swing Connection to hit the ball farther and reduce the chance the injury.
Primary Physical Factors that Provide the Foundation for Golf Performance
Golf Posture
Posture:
A neutral posture where the joints are in alignment, the spine has its neutral curves and the muscles are in balance is the ideal. However, sedentary lifestyles and hours on the computer create muscle imbalances in the upper and lower body that contribute to a "C" or an "S" posture. Those postures have an affect on your swing and on the other joints in your body and may likely cause a golf-related injury at some point.
Mobility:
Screen for Wrist Flexion
Allows your body to move in all three planes of motion and allows the generation of elastic energy, which is the base for efficient power production without having to sacrifice stability. Mobile joints are the ankle, hip, thoracic spine, shoulder and wrist.
Band Squats to Improve Squat Pattern
Stability:
Oblique test for stability
Is the combination of balance, core strength and muscular endurance. Being able to maintain stability in one segment while stretching and contracting an adjacent segment allows the golfer to generate speed and to maintain consistent posture throughout the swing. Stable joints are the foot, knee, pelvis/sacrum/lumbar spine, elbow and cervical spine.
Rotary Stability
Shuttle Run
Cardiovascular Endurance:
Golf is an interval type sport. Cardiovascular training should be for both endurance and for short bursts of speed. Traditional aerobic exercise will train endurance and high intensity interval work will make the body ( nervous system and muscles )move faster. The result is increased ball speed.
K-Vest Swing Efficiency Analysis on the Range
Swing Efficiency:
Your golf professional uses video to determine your swing style and characteristics. We have the option at Align Fit to use the K-Vest 3D and K Trainer to measure swing efficiency and movement patterns. The swing is captured on K-Vest and a swing summary and efficiency summary and performance graphs are generated that accurately measure your movement and compare your ranges to those of PGA or LPGA players. K Trainer can measure the movements of the TPI screens. Both programs offer biofeedback exercises to train better movement using auditory and visual feedback.