Core refers to more than just abdominals. It encompasses the entire musculature of the torso, including the abdominals, obliques, erectors, glutes, hip flexors, latissimus dorsi and adductors. The core acts on the shoulders, scapulae, spine, pelvis, and hips. In the spine it can produce, can reduce, and can resist flexion, extension, lateral bending, and rotation of the spine. It is responsible for transmitting forces from the upper body to the lower body. In addition, a stronger core can improve performance and can prevent injury.
The concept of core should not be understood as a generator of muscular power, but rather the osteoarticular structures and muscles that compose it, coordinated by the nervous system, should develop the function of controlling and/or stabilizing the trunk and thus allow the limbs to transmit force in an adequate manner.
In golf, having a good core is not only important to avoid discomfort (especially in the lower back) or injury, but also to improve performance. An efficient core will reduce the margin of committing technical errors, for example:
Angle loss: The ability to maintain the angle of the back during the swing is directly proportional to the strength and balance of the core (CORE) and gluteal muscles. These are the kings of back balance and help us keep the trunk flexed forward during the swing.
Anticipatory extension: A good core stability will help us to control the pelvic orientation in the swing and a balanced pelvic position will prevent the upper body from sliding forward.
Over the top: Core stability is essential to maintain postural and trunk stability. Loss of position (flat shoulders or hunched spine) can cause the body and arms to lead in the transition sequence to help the body recover after rotation.
These are just some of the mistakes that can be made if we do not properly train this key area, both for golf, other sports and even for everyday life.
Below I show you some exercises to be able to train yourself. Remember that these are only examples since they should be selected by a qualified professional according to the characteristics of each person.
Leave a Reply