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Muscle imbalances can be caused by many other factors besides golf, for example sedentary lifestyle, occupation, and injury just to name a few. Repetitive movements such as a golf swing can cause muscles on one side of the body to tighten while the apposing muscles become weak and lengthened. This will often result in the loss of power and accuracy in a golfers swing. For a golfer to achieve his or her true potential, one must correct these imbalances that are hampering their ability to perform proper technique.

Muscle balance can be achieved through a method of exercise called Corrective Exercise. This type of exercise program focus’ on identifying and correcting both tight (short) muscles and lengthened (weak) muscles through a series of strengthening and flexibility exercises. Achieving muscle balance will result in a strong balanced posture and allow the body to perform at an optimal performance level (increased power and accuracy).

Postural deficiencies (imbalances) consist of tight (shortened) muscles and weak (lengthened) muscles. Common golf posture consists of a forward head and rounded shoulders. Proper program design will call for the tight muscles to be stretched and the weak muscles to be strengthened.

In addition, the average person also has a weak core and lack of neuromuscular joint stabilization making it even more difficult to control their body during a functional movement such as golf.

Common muscle imbalances of a golfer:

Forward Head Position
Anterior (front) neck muscles (tight/shortened) - Stretch
Posterior (rear) neck muscles (weak/lengthened) - Strengthen

Rounded Forward Shoulders
Pectoral (chest) muscles (tight/shortened) - Stretch
Rhomboid (upper middle back) muscles (weak/lengthened) – Strengthen

Anterior Pelvic Tilt
Illiopsoas (hip flexor) muscles (tight/shortened) – Stretch
Quadriceps (front thigh) muscles (tight/shortened) – Stretch
Gluteal (buttocks) muscles (weakness) - Strengthen

Lack of Core Stability
Transverse abdominals / Internal Oblique (weakness) - Strengthen
Pelvic floor muscles (weakness) - Strengthen

The "Core" is where all movement begins. It is also the controlling force behind an individual’s center of gravity. The core muscles support the spine and pelvis and are an essential part of driving the ball with power and accuracy.

Stabilization training increases communication between the nervous system and the muscular system which will result in increased joint stabilization during functional movements such as golf. Performing exercises that require balance such as single leg exercises, stability ball exercises or using unstable surface’s will increase neuromuscular efficiency (communication between the nervous system and muscular system).

The combination of corrective exercise, core training and stabilization training will greatly improve your ability to unleash the true potential of your golf game. A balanced posture, strong core and efficient joint stabilization will decrease any pain or discomfort in your swing and significantly improve the power and accuracy of your game.

For additional information please contact (Craig LePage) craiglepage@yahoo.com or log on to www.lakenormanfitness.com

Craig is a well-known Fitness Pro in the Charlotte, NC area with over 12 years experience. Craig has written for Charlotte, NC area Newspapers, authored his own fitness & nutrition program and is a frequent guest on a Charlotte area radio show that focuses on health and wellness. He has co-authoring a golf specific exercise book (Play Better, Longer – Golf) and is working on his third book.