| There are many different kinds of strength training, and physical training you can do that is beneficial to a golf swing and there are other kinds that are not. However overall, there aren't many exercises that aren't beneficial. In fact I can't think of one weight training move that couldn't help you, so its all a matter of degree to which you train. Those guys on the cover of flex magazine aren't going to hit the ball further than some small guy who can swing a club gracefully, but that doesn't mean weight training has a negative affect on your swing. People always have this assumption that lifting weights means you will end up looking like those guys on those magazines. To even sniff that level of muscularity you need to dedicate yourself wholly to it at the exclusion of any other sport, and considering this is a golfing forum, I'd imagine that it won't be the case.
Core strength and flexibility are probably the most important aspects for a golfer to train IMO, along with cardio. Granted walking 18 holes and carrying a golf bag doesn't bother me in the least(and I walk all over the course, trust me.) because of the endurance training I received in the Corps, but I know it wipes out some of the guys I play with. I would suggest that if someone is going to get into golf "shape" they need to run, do yoga (yes I said yoga, did I stutter???), and core training. Mix in light weight training as well, with high reps lower weights and you will build the endurance you need to take on golf for 18 holes a day. |