An individual's "core" is, very basically, his midsection - all the muscles, bones and ligaments from above the knees to below the chest. It's important for golfers to target the core in any workout routine to add flexibility (and potentially more yards through a greater coil) and guard against injury.
The golf core exercises listed here can help golfers do that. Remember: Go slow with any new exercise. And before starting a new workout routine, be sure you are in good health and consult your physician.
When finished here, return to the Golf Fitness index for more resources.
Standing Twist with Golf Club
Perform Better Golf, Inc.
We'll start this list of golf core exercises with a very simple one, one that you can do on the golf course as part of your warmup routine before teeing off.
Seated Russian Twist
There are a couple variations on the Russian Twist in our Golf Fitness section, and all of them work the golfer's midsection - his or her core muscles and ligaments. This version has the golfer starting in an ab-crunch position (you're not seated as in a chair, but seated ... on your seat!).Russian Twist on Swiss Ball
And in this version, the golfer is seated on a Swiss ball (a k a, fitness ball or stability ball). Because you're working on an inflated ball, the element of balance is brought into the equation, too.Stationary Swing with Medicine Ball
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This golf core exercise mimics the motion of the golf swing, but with the golfer "swinging" a medicine ball rather than a club.
Straight Leg Rotational Hamstring Stretch
OK, from the name of this exercise you might not guess it works the core. But it does. Targeting flexibility, it also stretches the hamstrings (of course) and the lower back.Twisting Lunge with a Club
Like the very first golf core exercise listed on this page, this is one that the golfer can do on the driving range or even on the first tee to help limber up before the round.Downward Wood Chop with Medicine Ball
Perform Better Golf, Inc.
Golf core exercises can, done correctly and over time, lead to increased swing speed and, therefore, more yards. This one is no different.
