Pilates for Golfers

My own reasons for taking up pilates were threefold. Firstly, to keep my mobility and agility as I get older; to help manage on ongoing lower back problem resulting from a slipped disc; thirdly to increase my flexibility and balance for golf. A programme called, ‘Pilates for Golfers,’ was therefore an obvious choice. I now attend the weekly classes taught by Laura and also daily follow the routines and exercises she teaches and the result has been all I hoped for. I have far less lower back pain problems, greater flexibility and balance which are helping me with both my golf and the other sport I play, which is table tennis.

 

Michael Newstead

My journey started from a position of no golf (due to severe back pain) to regular golf and a reducing handicap. The back pain was actually cured by a physiotherapist who told me that if I didn’t want to keep returning to her care, I should take up Pilates classes. She added that Pilates would also help my golf. I was sceptical. So at my next golf lesson with my Club Professional (Lee Scarbrow at John O’Gaunt GC) I asked whether the Physio was telling the truth. Not only did he agree but he recommended Laura Collin’s “Pilates for Golfers” classes. These focus on strengthening core muscles (abdominals, Glutes etc) to take pressure off my back. They also focus on balance exercises utilising those same core muscles. The exercises involve stretching rather than any breathless workouts and working at your own level depending on your current fitness and agility. Correct exercising techniques are vital and this is where Laura’s one to one direction and supervision during each class is so important. I subsequently complimented these sessions with Laura’s “Fitness for Golfers” classes.

It would be remiss of me not to mention that I have also continued my lessons with Lee Scarbrow who has improved my overall golfing techniques considerably.

The key improvements from Pilates have been much greater stability over the ball through my golf swing. This means that I hit the ball with the sweet spot of the club far more frequently. This, and improved overall fitness has increased both the distance I am hitting each of my clubs and my levels of concentration though the round. The overall result is that I have entered retirement seeing my handicap going down rather than up and my enjoyment of the game increasing accordingly.

My sincere thanks for this go to both Laura and Lee.

PS. No back problems since and the journey continues!

 

Bill Walker