Pilates in the Pines

Cross-training is off-season training that keeps you fit so that when you head back into the regular season, you can seamlessly ramp up to your optimum performance level. Cross-training also helps prevent injuries by targeting different muscle groups that may not get as much focus or attention during the regular season.

Pilates classes is proven to be the best cross-training possible for golfers.

The flexibility developed in Pilates is also vital to preventing injury. In a single golf game, the spine can coil and uncoil 100-130 times in a single direction (or more if Golf isn’t your forte). Spinal flexibility is essential to preventing injuries, especially repetitive-motion injuries, for people who golf regularly. Additionally, greater flexibility in the spine allows for an enhanced backswing and improved follow-through.

Male amateur golfers are the highest candidates for injury to the lower back, elbows, shoulder, and hands and wrists. In women, injuries occur most often in elbows, lower back, shoulders, and hands and wrists (listed in order by occurrence).

The unique swing and twisting motion of a golf swing requires both strength and flexibility. A proper swing engages a minimum of nine different muscle groups. This means that when you are repetitively using the same motion on a single side of your body, you can easily over-develop the muscles on that side. Over-developed muscles have a tendency to pull skeletal and muscular structures out of alignment.

Pilates engages an array of different muscles necessary to perfect a golf swing and prevent over-use injures. Pilates focuses evenly on both sides of the body, making you less prone to over-developing a single side. Pilates targets foot and leg alignment, stabilizing muscles, core-strength, joint rotation, and flexibility in the muscles, joints, and spine.

Pilates poses also engage muscles through an entire range of motion. This strengthens the muscle throughout the motion rather than in a static hold or in a limited-range of movement, which can cause over development or inflexibility.

The benefits of Pilates don’t simply take place at a physical level. Pilates focuses heavily on breath-awareness and overall body-mindfulness. This can help golfers hone their concentration. In a sport like golf that requires a high level of focus and concentration for very short periods of time, Pilates tactics can dramatically improve performance.

Enroll today in Pilates at Pilates in the Pines. Be ready to prevail on the course when spring arrives.