Rising earnings for professional golfers and a condensed schedule have PGA golfers reassessing their preparation. Anything that will give them an edge must be considered due to the level competition that is out here now. Most all PGA golfers are working with trainers and coming into the PGA Performance trailers on a regular basis for treatments and exercise therapy.
Some want to put on a little muscle to handle the rigors of a condensed schedule. Strength and endurance training are foremost on their minds. Others often drop weight to decrease the stresses on their bodies. Carrying less weight is sure to benefit the golfer. Whether it be weight gain or weight loss the golfer must be aware of the consequences.
To gain 10 pounds of muscle the PGA golfer must realize that will increase the pressure on the joints of the body. Studies have estimated a 15:1 ratio in the lower back and a 6:1 ratio in the knees. For every one pound of weight gain that equates with an increase of 15 pounds of pressure on the lower back. Gain 10 pounds you add approximately 150 pounds pressure to the lower back. If muscle sequencing in various movement patterns is not kept in order with this weight change the golfer may well experience problems with the rhythm and timing of their swing.
Likewise if the PGA golfer were to lose 10 pounds to diminish the stress on their body. With the demands of the golf swing that would decrease the stress on the lower back by 150 pounds. Great for the lower back but the golfer must be aware that the body’s joint and tendon receptors have to adapt their response mechanism. Also muscle and ligaments have to refine their activation and support capabilities to the feedback from these receptors. Often a golfer who drops a few pounds feels great but loses their “feel” with their golf swing. “ I feel too loose or so unrestricted I am all over the place with my swing” is a common response from PGA golfers who lose weight to improve their skill set.
The point is with any weight changes the golfer must be assessed regularly to help the body adapt and improve the refined skill set of timing, rhythm, and tempo that are so important with the golf swing. If not the good intention of body weight changes can destroy the very aspects of your game that you are trying to improve!
