Sit Up Straight! It Will Help Your Game

What does it take to reproduce the perfect golf swing? Precise coordination of muscle contraction and relaxation, muscle balance and body awareness are all required to recreate a good swing. A prerequisite to these necessary components is good posture.

Good posture is a state of musculoskeletal balance that allows the body to move efficiently in a stress free range of motion. Faulty posture sets the body into a state of neuromuscular imbalance where flexibility and range of motion are limited (loss of power), neuromuscular pathways are disrupted (loss of control and consistency) and detrimental forces are placed on the spine and joints (increased chance of injury).

The cause of poor posture and muscle imbalance is a persistent use of certain muscles with inadequate activation or exercise of their opposing and / or supporting muscles.

Common muscle imbalances negatively affecting the golfer:

Throughout life we are constantly exposed to situations that place us in poor postural patterns. We grew up sitting in school hunched over a desk for most of our young lives. We finish school and begin our careers. Many of us now find ourselves sitting in poorly designed chairs hunched in front of a computer. Those of us who spend excessive time in our cars are often conditioned toward a slumped over lazy posture.

Lower Body Implications

Commonly poor posture leads to a forward tilt of the pelvis, usually from tight hip flexors. This causes the abdominal wall to lengthen and weaken. As a result of the forward pelvic tilt, there is an excess curvature of the lumbar spine (lordosis) causing the spinal extensors to chronically shorten and weaken. Another detrimental effect of this forward tilt is a weakening of the gluteals. The glutes play a major role in hip extension and stabilization of the pelvis and lumbar spine. Without optimal strength and flexibility through the low back and hips it is impossible to get full rotation through the golf swing. To make up for less then optimal hip strength and flexibility many golfers subconsciously tend to over-swing. This over-swinging combined with tight muscles increase the chance of injury not only in the low back, but also the wrists, elbows, and shoulders.

Upper Body Implications

In the upper body poor posture usually presents with rounded shoulders and a forward head. This chronically shortens the pectorals, neck extensors, upper trapezius, and shoulder internal rotators. This leads to a weakness in the upper back, neck flexors, and shoulder external rotators. This causes a constant strain on the ligaments of the shoulder and neck leading to dysfunction and increased chance of injury. Throughout the golf swing there is an intricate kinetic chain of events. These events include cervical and thoracic rotation and lateral flexion, as well as opposing scapular adduction / abduction and retraction / protraction. This type of muscle imbalances severely restricts movement through the neck and shoulders. This makes it nearly impossible to be in position to make a consistently good swing, but makes it very likely a golfer will develop injuries in the upper extremities and cervical spine.

So where does the golfer begin? Start by establishing and maintaining core strength, muscle balance and flexibility by participating in a well developed integrated exercise program. Increased muscular efficiency and flexibility allow you to increase power and consistency while drastically reducing chances of pain and injury. You will not only be playing better, but you will be playing better longer!

Keys to gaining and maintaining good posture:

? Stand up straight

? If your job requires prolonged sitting or travel, get up and stretch frequently

? Make sure computers monitors are centered and set at eye level.

? Maintain good core strength, muscle balance, and flexibility by participating in a well developed integrated exercise program.

Bill Scibetta, RN, NSCA-CPT

Bill is the founder and President of Precision Fitness ? Personal Training Centers in the Charlotte, NC area and co-author of the book "Play Better Longer!" ? Peak Performance and Injury Prevention for Golf. Bill is a licensed Registered Nurse as well as a National Strength and Conditioning Association ? Certified Personal Trainer. After spending years practicing in the specialty of Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, Bill has dedicated his career to helping individuals identify and overcome obstacles that stand in the way of optimal wellness and peak physical performance.

---

Google News Updated : Sat, 11 Oct 2008 11:50:43 GMT McCain calms supporters, urges respect for Obama - Los Angeles Times The Associated Press McCain calms supporters, urges respect for Obama Los Angeles Times - 2 hours ago 'NO MA'AM': Sen. John McCain takes a question from a supporter who called Democratic rival Barack Obama an Arab at a town hall meeting in Lakeville, Minn. McCain-Palin's hot rhetoric risks GOP backlash San Francisco Chronicle McCain Lauds and Attacks Obama in Same Day New York Times Boston Globe - Washington Post - Minneapolis Star Tribune - Reuters all 460 news articles Publ.Date : Sat, 11 Oct 2008 09:04:20 GMT Morgan Stanley, Goldman May Gain Investment From US Treasury - Bloomberg Wall Street Journal Blogs Morgan Stanley, Goldman May Gain Investment From US Treasury Bloomberg - 7 hours ago By Christine Harper Oct. 11 (Bloomberg) -- Morgan Stanley and Goldman Sachs Group Inc., the biggest independent US investment banks, may reap cash infusions as part of Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson's plan to buy stakes in financial institutions, ... As Stock Falls, Morgan Looks to Japanese Bank New York Times Morgan Stanley hangs on Mitsubishi's $9bn pledge guardian.co.uk Forbes - New York Post - New York Times Blogs - Barron's all 895 news articles Publ.Date : Sat, 11 Oct 2008 04:30:39 GMT Mugabe Hands Ministries to His Party - New York Times Voice of America Mugabe Hands Ministries to His Party New York Times - 52 minutes ago By CELIA DUGGER JOHANNESBURG - In a step likely to lead to the collapse of a painstakingly negotiated power-sharing deal, Zimbabwe's Robert Mugabe, in office for 28 years, has unilaterally declared that his party will retain the most powerful ... Mugabe 'gives Zanu-PF key posts' BBC News Zimbabwe's Mugabe hands key ministries to his party Reuters United Press International - AFP - Aljazeera.net - The Associated Press all 1,687 news articles Publ.Date : Sat, 11 Oct 2008 10:57:49 GMT Palin violated ethics law, inquiry concludes - International Herald Tribune Washington Post Palin violated ethics law, inquiry concludes International Herald Tribune - 1 hour ago By Serge F. Kovaleski NEW YORK: Sarah Palin, the Republican vice-presidential candidate, abused her powers as governor of Alaska by pressuring subordinates to try to get her former brother-in-law, a state trooper, fired, according to an investigation ... Palin ethics lapse cited Los Angeles Times Alaska probe finds Palin 'abused her power' Indian Express Baltimore Sun - Boston Globe - New York Times - Reuters all 4,043 news articles Publ.Date : Sat, 11 Oct 2008 09:58:28 GMT Paulson Indicates Need to Purchase Bank Equity `Soon as We Can' - Bloomberg Ottawa Citizen Paulson Indicates Need to Purchase Bank Equity `Soon as We Can' Bloomberg - 7 hours ago By John Brinsley and Rebecca Christie Oct. 11 (Bloomberg) -- US Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson indicated that pumping government funds into banks is a priority and said financial markets will remain volatile. US to buy shares in struggling banks Los Angeles Times Obama welcomes Paulson plan to buy equity in firms Reuters MarketWatch - International Herald Tribune - Bizjournals.com - Washington Post all 2,114 news articles Publ.Date : Sat, 11 Oct 2008 04:21:05 GMT Thai protest leaders released on bail, vow new rallies - AFP GulfNews Thai protest leaders released on bail, vow new rallies AFP - 20 hours ago BANGKOK (AFP) - Leaders of Thai anti-government protests were granted bail Friday after surrendering to police and immediately vowed new rallies, raising fears of mounting turmoil days after deadly street clashes. Video: Raw Video: Tear Gas Fired at Thai Protestors AssociatedPress PAD leaders surrender to Thailand police United Press International The Associated Press - Washington Post - New York Times - International Herald Tribune all 2,495 news articles Publ.Date : Fri, 10 Oct 2008 15:31:03 GMT Stevens's Reputation 'Sterling,' Powell Says - Washington Post Washington Post Stevens's Reputation 'Sterling,' Powell Says Washington Post - 8 hours ago By Del Quentin Wilber Former secretary of state Colin L. Powell told jurors in the corruption trial of Sen. Ted Stevens yesterday that the powerful Alaska Republican had a "sterling" reputation among the nation's military and political leaders. Reporter's Notebook: Powell Takes the Stand for Stevens FOXNews Powell says Sen. Stevens' integrity "sterling" Reuters CNN - Kansas City infoZine - The Miami Herald - ABC News all 2,865 news articles Publ.Date : Sat, 11 Oct 2008 03:13:53 GMT RSS For Web Pages Increased Web Site Traffic

PARLOT::Ebooks, Scripts, Websites, and more...

Adsense websites

Focus Your Focus - How to Ward Off Distraction During Your Golf Swing

There is a great possibility to lose your mind when... Read More

Golf Swing Training The Right Way

Golf swing training is a critical area in the improvement... Read More

Success in Golf and Meditation - The Same Skills?

When we say to people that you need the same... Read More

Annika Sorenstam- The Legendary Female Golfer

Even those not normally interested in golf, usually recognize the... Read More

Effective Golf Fitness Equipment

Golf fitness equipment is designed to help a golfer build... Read More

The Perfect Golf Swing Is Within Your Reach

The perfect golf swing IS achievable for any senior golfer!Actually... Read More

The Psychology of a Confident Golf Swing Part 2

Here in England we are on the verge of the... Read More

Finding A Good Golf Product Is A Lot Easier With The Net

The World Wide Web has made life a lot easier... Read More

Returning Home: Scottish Golf Breaks

July 2005 sees the return of the world's greatest golf... Read More

Golfing Products And What You Need To Know Before Purchasing

In recent years, there has been a dramatic rise in... Read More

Back Fitness for Senior Golfers

Back injuries are prevalent among golfers of all ages and... Read More

Golf Tips ? Tips to Improve Your Putting

If you are seriously considering lowering your scores, then you... Read More

Why A Golf Ball Actually Flies Through The Air

Not accounting for weather conditions there are a few things... Read More

The Basics Of Learning Golf

Golf is one of Americas most popular sports. People of... Read More

A Free Golf Swing Tip That Will Revolutionize Your Game

Here is a free golf swing tip that will help... Read More

Play Better Golf Through Exercise

Play better golf. Isn't that what every golfer thinks about... Read More

How A Golf Trainer Can Take Your Game To The Next Level

Having a golf trainer in your corner to give you... Read More

Golf Tips Should Always Include Fitness

When you think of golf tips, do you usually think... Read More

Pull, Push or Carry? I?ll Carry My Golf Clubs Thanks

I love to play golf and I love to walk... Read More

Gifts: Giving To The Beginner Golfer

It's golf season again! And you might be looking for... Read More

Perform Better Golf By Training Your Body

What will it take to get you to perform better... Read More

The Most Underrated Golfer in History... Buffalo Bill! Huh??

Buffalo Bill was introduced to golf by his father at... Read More

Golf Holiday - Plan Your Holiday Golf or Your Ireland Golf Vacation

Try Ireland for a golf holiday full of emerald green... Read More

How to Eliminate Your Golf Slice Quickly and Easily

Here's a really good tip that may help you to... Read More

Learn How To Correct A Golf Slice

How to correct the golf slice? If that's a question... Read More