Ask Golf Trainer Show #2
Mon, Jun 9, 2008
I’m starting to have lots of fun with this new golf fitness video blog. Hey…check out my NEW t-shirt! Pretty cool eh?
I got three great questions for today’s show. First one pertaining to weight loss for golf, the second one is about golf stretching, and the last one is about golf swing technique (hint: finishing your golf swing).
I encourage you to comment below, and to click the Ask Golf Trainer A Question link at the top of this page to ask me any golf and fitness related question you have.
Let’s create a REAL community in here!
Tags: golf swing finish, golf warm-up, Weight Loss
June 12th, 2008 at 2:55 am
I bought several E books to overcome my slice. You guess nothing worked.
What will really help me, please advice.
I am playing for about twenty years hc 22
Henri
June 13th, 2008 at 6:53 pm
Henri,
I fought a slice for YEARS, then fixed it on my own without a golf instructor or any book. Have you ever seen yourself on video? You might find out your are doing something like “sliding” laterally in your golf swing never giving the clubface a chance to square up until it’s too late.
Or…the video might show something else. I wish I could see your swing. I’d have it fixed in “no time” at all.
Mike
June 12th, 2008 at 3:33 am
Hi Mike. Just came across a weight training method known as static contraction. It involves lifting heavier weights but just holding them for 5 to 10 seconds. No reps. And very little workout is involved. Because the body is put under more tension, then more recovery time is needed. But after each workout, you get stronger and are able to lift heavier weights on the next workout. I was just wondering if you have heard of this type of training and what do you think of it. I know you might say that training this way will stiffen the body and will result in a loss of flexibility, but can’t we stretch at the same time. And even if some flexibility was lost, a lot more power would be gained. Just interested in your thoughts. Thanks mate.
Raj
June 13th, 2008 at 6:59 pm
Raj,
No WAY dude! I would NEVER do that type of training in hopes of bettering my golf swing. In what phase of the swing are you contracting and holding your muscles for 5 to 10 seconds? NO WHERE! Don’t do it! There are so many trainers out there who don’t have a clue what golfers need in regards to strength training. I would love to see them swing a golf club…ouch!
Talk soon,
Mike
June 12th, 2008 at 5:39 am
I like your comments about follow through but I would like to see you doing this drill. Maybe as part of this blog you could switch to you actually doing the drills whikle your talking.
June 12th, 2008 at 6:57 am
I enjoyed watching this session. I needed a reminder about finishing the swing.
Thanks
June 12th, 2008 at 9:25 am
This is a great tool “ASK THE GOLF TRAINER SHOW” I recently bought your e-book (Ultimate Golf Fitness Guide) I´m still working on it but I for one really apreciate your efforts to keep in touch with your custumers
keep it up Mike
JM
June 12th, 2008 at 2:51 pm
Thanks for visiting and commenting on my blog.
June 12th, 2008 at 5:42 pm
Hi Mike - really enjoy your tips.
Keep it up.
Rgds
Noel.
June 12th, 2008 at 7:34 pm
I’m glad to hear it! Thanks for commenting.
Mike
June 13th, 2008 at 2:59 am
When I click on “play” for the video, I get an error statins:
“We’re sorry, this video is no longer available.” Did Youtube purge this so quickly or is this some sort of restriction in my internet provider?
June 13th, 2008 at 6:49 pm
Works great on my PC. You might try rebooting your computer (PC).
Mike
June 13th, 2008 at 3:02 am
Raj is referring to Pete Sisco’s exercise regime.He wrote a book claiming to have increased a group of golfers driving distance by twelve yards in 6 weeks, from memory.
I use the squat, deadlift and benchpress and defintely feel stronger but haven’t really seen a noticeable increase in driver distance.I do use one club less hitting irons.
Good luck
June 13th, 2008 at 6:49 pm
Those three exercises are not good for golf. Especially senior golfers. The risk of injury is WAY TOO HIGH! I would NEVER have a golfer do any of those. There is no correlation to longer drives with those three “non-golf” golf specific exercises.
Mike
June 13th, 2008 at 9:40 pm
Hi MIke,
Congratulations on #2.
My questions concerns qualifications to become a LPGA player.
I know there is a test. Do you think age is a major factor to become a professional golfer if you have never played as a child.? Thanks
Can you refer me to a book or an articile on how to become a LPGA member? HOw many tournaments do you have to play, handicap qualifications. Etc.
June 15th, 2008 at 10:36 pm
Mike, Having had 2 total knee replacements 4 and 6 months ago, I am back hacking around (17 handicap) but am trying to firure out my stance set up to avoid stress on my left knee ( I am right handed) . The golf swing requires rotation after the strike and I would like to get the suggested 15-20 years use of the new knees.I am turning my left foot (toe) forward at set up but maybe you have had experience with someone who has a proven solution for this dilema I find myself in. Hoping you can assist , Regards BJ
June 16th, 2008 at 9:24 pm
BJ,
You are experiencing the SAME exact situation as Tiger with his lead leg knee and the torque the knee takes and he’s super fit. Without you waiting for one of my shows to answer your question, the first thing I would do is point your left foot out quite a bit so you can rotate on it much easier than if it were more square to your target. Does that make sense?
Basically flair it out to take the pressure from rotating so much. Give it a try at the range and let me know how that goes.
Best,
Mike
June 16th, 2008 at 6:44 am
I am a golfer’s mom and health enthusiast. I told my son about your site and he is also a subscriber. Your information is great and helpful in many ways - not just for golfers. Love the tshirt and the video blog. It has encouraged me to ramp up my business in sales in the same way… thanks. I know you are having fun Hopefully my son is taking your hints to heart! As a teenager, I know I have to let him find his own motivation!
Thanks
cindyp
June 16th, 2008 at 9:19 pm
Thanks for the kind words Cindy…and for stopping by
Don’t be shy and visit again soon. And tell your son to hang around here and over at my person golf blog for even more golf improvement information.
June 18th, 2008 at 7:06 pm
My question is can you become a professional golfer without having played in college? Thanks
Rick
June 19th, 2008 at 7:01 pm
Rick,
I’ll answer that in here. It all depends on your dedication and current level of performance. Also, there are different levels of professional, so you can start with trying to qualify at one of your local events. Many states have “mini-tours”, which is a good stepping stone for any aspiring golfer.
Hope that helps.
Mike
June 20th, 2008 at 1:21 am
Mike,
Thanks for putting the effort into your videos and site, you do a great job.
The two major problems I have with my swing at present are getting to much arm action in my swing and coming over the top causing a slice, mainly with my driver.
I think the main cause of this is not enough body/shoulder rotation. I think my rotation is fine on my backswing but from transition through to follow through I think is a little limited.
What exercise would you recommend for strengthening the muscles responsible for the rotation? What muscles are they? Could you recommend a drill to work on this?
You can see my swing at http://www.swingacademy.com/swinganalysistool.aspx?id=434, although it is a little old now but shouldn’t have changed too much, although that was my swing on a 17 HC I’m now on a 13 HC.
Thanks in advance for your advice.
Keep up the good work.
Kim
July 1st, 2008 at 7:22 pm
Kim,
You have my “old swing” to a tee! I can tell you for SURE that on the downswing your hips are getting stuck, causing you to come “up” out of your golf posture, which could be causing many issues with your swing.
Try 2 things:
Really focus on your hips continuing to rotate around to the target throughout entire downswing.
Think of swinging left after impact and not so much up and out of your posture.
Give it a try and get back to me.
Mike
September 26th, 2008 at 2:26 am
Hi Mike, I have been following the tips and advice given by you. I have adopted the stretching routines and have found that there has been a clear improvement in my driving distance. Iam 5.5” and never believed that i can ever drive longer than 200 to 220 yards. Would you believe it my present driving distance is 280 yards with a little wind assistance my drives are close to 300 yards. That too with the same driver ( 10.5 degree Hibore XL). Thanx a ton for boosting my confidence and my drive for golf. Keep the good work going…. Cheers. I wanted an advice to from you. I have been seriously thinking of opting for a 7.5 or 8.5 degree driver since my eyes are set on crossing the 300 yards mark consistently. What do you suggest?
November 12th, 2008 at 7:41 am
With regards to weightloss - get out of the cart! 30 minutes of cardio is excellent but generally boring. Go and walk 9 holes and work up to walking all 18. It is an excellent work out and a whole lot more fun than a treadmill. Use a pull cart or switch shoulders often with your bag. I lost 25 lbs by walking 18 holes 3-4 times a week. I always walk now. I am upset that at some courses I have to fight to walk. Walking does not slow play. Slow players slow down play. I can easily keep pace with any pair of golfers in a cart. Your scores will suffer a little bit on later holes until your endurance improves.
December 12th, 2008 at 11:45 am
Hi Mike,
my thanks for all.
Merry Christmas!!!
Carlo Quirico - Italy
December 31st, 2008 at 5:09 am
hi mike, thanks for all the tips.i’ve been following you for a while, now and am very impressed.starting golf at an older age has been frustrating. when the pros are quitting, i am eagerly awaiting my next game. the biggest fault i have now is the clubface at impact.and what should an older person’s swing velocity be and does it matter?