Exercise and conditioning regimens in golf have become the rule rather than the exception. Nearly every golfer on the PGA Tour has a fitness trainer. There is even a mobile exercise facility that travels to each tour stop. Colleges, too, have their golf teams spending several hours a week in the weight room – in season and out.

Since the golf swing is a series of coordinated movements where the muscles work together, it makes sense that they be trained together, not in isolation. I view the fundamentals of golf fitness training as having three main components: Balance, Flexibility and Strength, which must work in harmony. A golfer may have flexibility, but without strength they won’t hit the ball very far. On the other hand, if they have strength and flexibility but are not able to maintain proper balance, they will not be very consistent.

Another area of vital importance is posture. Poor posture leads to limited mobility and inefficient movement because muscles are tight where they should be relaxed and relaxed where they should be activated. Picture a hose with a kink in it – the water may still flow, but at a diminished rate. A golfer will still be able to swing the club with incorrect posture, but it will be done so with less than optimal power.

In order for improvement to take place through exercise, there must first be an assessment to determine a baseline or starting point. The imbalances or weaknesses which lead to compensations in the biomechanical movements of the swing must be identified before corrective measures can be taken.

Once the baseline has been determined, a custom golf fitness program is designed to help execute a biomechanically efficient swing. It is a systematic approach, working from general to specific, addressing things such as stability and flexibility before endeavoring to increase strength and power.

Strength training, with proper direction and effort, can improve your game and make it more enjoyable. It is also of great importance in injury prevention and injury rehabilitation.

Dr. Pedro Oliveros MD, PT is one of Orlando’s foremost authorities on physiology and functional movement and employs a hands-on approach to patient care. He is a double Board Certified Medical Doctor, licensed Physical Therapist and was certified by the Titleist Performance Institute. Dr.O understands the unique interconnectivity of the neuromuscular chain that controls movement. He has the ability through assessment and treatment to identify and help clients overcome imbalances or limitations that aversely affect their golf swings.