The Russian Twist Without Chubby Checkersky

Wikipedia definition:

The Russian Twist is a type of exercise that is used to work the abdomen muscles by performing a twisting motion on the abdomen. The exercise is believed by those who practice it to build explosiveness in the upper torso, which may help in sports such as swimming, baseball, track & field, hockey, golf, lacrosse, or boxing.

For we golfers, the Russian Twist can be a really great exercise to develop rotation and help with flexibility. It can be preformed in several ways, but a really good way is on a Balance or Stability Ball.

In this video we demonstrate it using a 65cm ball and an 8 pound double handled ball (PowerBall). Try this one.  The key is to keep you butt engaged and your head facing forward the entire time.  This exercise will also strengthen your "core" and improve rotation for a more solid golf stance and swing.

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Ken

Fix The 3 "Death Moves" That KILL Power And Distance

Let's face it...for most golfers, both pros and amateur/recreational golfers, the bottom line is Power and Distance.

Come on, admit it. When you are sitting there in your favorite 19th hole, relaxing, adding up your card to see how much your golfing buddy Hank owes you, do you discuss the great chip shot you made on the dreaded 14th hole...or the wonderful approach shot into the tough green on #3?  HECK NO! All you want to talk about is that 292 yard drive you roped on #18 that helped you birdie the hole and get into Hank's wallet.

Over the past 6 months, working with golf teaching pro and award winning coach Arlen Bento, Jr., I have come to realize that with more awareness of, and concentration on, how the body swings the club, you can improve your swing and add more Power which relates to more Distance. This is done with some simple and easy golf specific movement patterns and exercises.

Over the past 20 years of teaching and coaching, Arlen has identified what he calls the 3 "Death Moves" that will absolutely Kill Power and Distance. These may not be news to you, but if you are not aware that you are doing them, and don't do anything to fix them, you will continue to scratch your head while saying, "Why can't I hit the darn ball any farther?"  Then you head to the nearest (and sometimes the cheapest) golf shop to find the Silver Bullet in a new driver or the dialed in ball that will make all the difference (I see the commercials).

In this video, Arlen and I identify the 3 "Death Moves" and demonstrate how you can totally fix them using the GolfGym PowerSwing Trainer. Then we demonstrate a secret drill to help Fire Your Hips to add Power and Distance. 

If you practice this drill regularly, you should.... NO....you WILL hit the ball farther. Guaranteed! If you have never tried this move ("The Move") you can't help but say, "WOW, I can really feel that!"

Now get to it and get out on the course and do it.  Hank's wallet awaits.

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Ian Poulter - A Winner Indeed!

Our good friend, Tony Clark, Managing Director/Owner - PlaneSWING®, wrote this insightful article on Ian Poulter. I am re-posting it for all of our followers because it is a great example of how any individual with a vision and the belief that it can be accomplished, can make it happen. Remember these two quotes: "We become what we think about" and "If you think you can or you think you can't...you are right".  Believe in your game and your ability to improve and you will.  Thanks Tony!

I've met Ian Poulter, albeit briefly, as a result of being a member at Woburn where he is the playing professional and ambassador.
The aura of confidence and single-mindedness he displays means Ian might not appeal to everyone but I like him.

That opinion is shaped by my limited knowledge of his background, the work I know he does for junior golf and charities and conversations I've had with people that know him far better than me.

By contrast, I've also endured BS about Ian from people who display nothing but envy. You know who you are!

Ian is 36-years-old. He turned professional 20 years ago when his handicap was four and he was a good club golfer but, arguably, nothing special.

But Ian had a dream: to make a success of his life and prove his teachers wrong.

"All my life I've been told I'd never amount to anything," he recalls. "That was always the message from my teachers at school. I wanted to be a footballer but that didn't work out either. But, yeah, I just love proving people wrong. It gives me the motivation to succeed."

Teachers take note - you make or break our leaders of tomorrow.

With no amateur career to speak of Ian pursued his dream of being a successful tour pro. He was an assistant professional at Chesfield Downs, a modest club where, it seems, he received little encouragement.

I'm sure Ian's self-belief wasn't unshakable - we all have bad days. But it was undoubtedly stronger than most - as he has proved so spectacularly.

Now, when kids and adults alike look at Ian Poulter, what do they see?

That's for them to answer. What I see is a self-made man in the truest sense of the word.

Not only has Poulter worked his butt off to get his game to a level where he competes with the best in one of the most competitive sports in the world, he's done so with a metaphorical foot on his head trying to keep him down.

His persona is not an accident in my view. He's made some excellent strategic marketing decisions that ensure he remains at the forefront of golfing news.

People ridiculed the remark he made about his ability (there's that collective metaphorical foot again) when he told Golf World (UK) in March 2008: "Don't get me wrong, I really respect every professional golfer, but I know I haven't played to my full potential and when that happens, it will be just me and Tiger."

Was it hype or did he mean it? I hope it was both!

So after 12 years we've seen Ian Poulter the golfer, marketer and, through his junior golf and charitable works, the philanthropist.Always a snappy and trendy dresser, Ian created IJP Design several years ago and launched a clothing range every bit as controversial, and to a great extent retro, as he is. Enter Ian Poulter the entrepreneur.

All of which makes him appear a magical blend of Doug Sanders, Richard Branson, Donald Trump and Paul Getty.

Add to this the fact that Ian actually has a wonderful family, spending as much time as he can with Katie and their FOUR children. Enter Ian Poulter the family man.

Undoubtedly Ian has a great team around him. No one person could manage everything that goes on in his life. So we can now add 'time management' and 'delegation' to his skill set. Stand up Ian Poulter the CEO!

Furthermore, while Ian was one of Europe's 12 sporting heroes in the Ryder Cup at Medinah, he was acknowledged by his teammates as the Leader - someone who thrives on pressure; the aggressive home supporters unwittingly his driving force. Someone should have warned them not to put a metaphorical foot on his head!

Tony Clark,
Managing Director/Owner - PlaneSWING®

Stronger Legs - More Power - Longer Drives

We all know that our legs are pretty important in the game of golf and to our overall golf fitness. They are important for many reasons. Two main reasons are stability and balance. You can also add power.

If I just got off the tourist rocket from Mars and watched a game of golf...first I would scratch my space helmet and ask the tour guide what the green stuff was, then I would probably make the observation that the club is swung with only the arms and hands...which, unfortunately for some, is definitely the case.

But seriously, strong legs keep us stable, help our balance immensely, and can help us add more power to our golf swings. Strong legs will also help us get through life a little easier while climbing up and down stairs, getting in and out of chairs, and walking 18 holes, to name a few.

Many PGA and LPGA Tour professionals are now doing Olympic type lifting of weights to develop a stronger lower body and more powerful legs...especially deadlifts and squats.

Watch our friend George "The Animal" Slupski with his winning drive in the 2010 RE/Max World Long Drive Championships.  He set the world record that year with a drive of 406 yards. Just watch his leg action.

You may not make it to the Wold Long Drive Championships, but you will play better with stronger legs. Here are some simple squat exercises you can perform at home that can help develop more leg strength. They require a balance ball, a wall and your commitment.

Try these and let me know how you do.  Make it fun!

Thanks for reading!
The GolfGym Team.

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Once In A Lifetime Experience

Ten days ago, Vicki and I had the incredible opportunity to share breakfast with, be on the golf course (no ropes) with, have a late lunch with, and watch the Super Bowl with...many of the greatest golfers of all time.

The event was the exclusive Hall of Fame Pro Am for "Devo Strong" at the Floridian Golf Club in Palm City, Florida. The event was to raise money for the recovery and care of Devon Quigley, son of Champions Tour standout Dana Quigley.  Devon suffered severe head and brain injuries in a car accident 14 months ago.  He cannot yet walk or talk but he continues to fight a courageous fight that some doctors thought he'd lose a long time ago.

Read more: http://www.wptv.com/dpp/sports/golf-legends-were-out-in-full-force-today-at-the-floridian-golf-club-for-the-devo-strong-pro-am#ixzz2K2C0bIIt

The most wonderful aspect of the entire day was the way the game of golf brought that special "Family/Community" of golfers together to support one of their own.

An incredible day was had by all and we were among a lucky few who got to share in it.  Thank you to Hollis Cavner and our friend Arlen Bento, Jr. for the invitation.

Here are some of our memorable images from that day.

The Four Greatest Hall Of Fame Golfers of All Time

No caption necessary!

Ken & Vicki and Bernhard Langer

Dave Stockton giving a Putting Lesson

The King Teeing Off

Ken & Vicki and Ben Crenshaw

Us with Nick Price

All of the Pros who played that day!

This is the helicopter that took Mr. Palmer to the Stuart Airport so he could board his jet back to Orlando.  What an incredible experience I had there. I stood about 25 yards from the helicopter as it started the engine. I could feel a little breeze as the pilot got ready to take off.  Then, when the rotors angled to lift off, I was almost knocked over from the wind. That was one of the coolest experiences I have ever felt...especially knowing the Mr. Arnold Palmer was inside.

I know...it's kind of sappy, but it was a day that Vicki nor I will ever forget.

Ken & Vicki

Your Posture - Getting Worse Every Day?

Back in September of 2012 I wrote a post titled "How Is Your Posture" (it's the second one on the archived page).  In it I talked about what I have seen as I observed people at the gym.  I gave examples of bad posture and told that I need to keep checking my posture throughout the day.

Well, I am sad to say that yesterday while working many hours on the computer at my desk...I noticed that my posture was horrible. I found myself unconsciously leaning into the monitor with my back rounded and my head leaning down looking at the keyboard (I'm pretty fast, but I have to look at the keys...gotta stop that).

While walking around at the PGA Show last week I also noticed that I look down quite a bit while walking.  I don't know if I am looking for loose change that someone dropped or I am just being lazy about my posture. I really got upset with myself.  Here I am blogging about good posture and I am allowing my own to deteriorate. As soon as I would notice my head down, I would snap into a military type stance with my ears aligned over my shoulders.

Computers, smart phones, iPads and all the other things that require us to look down, are having a big affect on our posture and I think we are not conscious of it...and it's getting worse. On the street, walking at the PGA Show, in the supermarket, nearly everywhere.

If you are not conscious of your posture throughout the day doing normal daily activities, how much do you think you will be aware of it on the golf course. And as we know, poor posture in the golf swing will show up as a "less than your best" performance on the golf course.

Our good friend Roger Fredericks, who is one of the Gurus of Flexibility and Proper Posture for golf, wrote the following on his website:

"In looking at the world today, you've probably noticed that there's an epidemic going on regarding musculeo-skeletal problems. Whether it's back surgeries, hip and knee replacements, upper back and neck problems, etc., the list grows on. Despite the billions of dollars that is spent on these health and fitness problems, the truth is, that the ever growing number of ailments continues to rise. I believe that the root cause of these musculeo-skeletal problems lies in our sedentary culture. In other words, we sit down too much, or over use certain muscles in our bodies. When this happens, our bodies tend to get out of balance, which then gets us out of proper posture. Once the body's structural design is violated, the muscles will often get over (or under) used, and as a result, will get undue stress and friction placed upon them. Hence - Injuries.

Seldom is the "site"of pain - the "source" of the pain. "Just" by working on the injured area isn't always going to get the muscle back to function. Much like a car that's out of alignment causes a tire to go flat, only when the chassis is aligned will the wheel have a chance of rotating properly. The body works just like that."

The bottom line is that we must be conscious of our posture daily in order to ward off neck and back pain and injury, and more importantly, to get the most out of our golf game.
Now stand up straight and "ATTENTION"!!!

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Develop A Wide Take Away for More Power And Distance

Here is a great drill to help you develop the a Wide Take Away using the GolfGym PowerSwing Trainer.  This drill was inspired by Alana Swain, an instructor at the Jim McLean Golf School at Doral Golf Resort in Miami, Florida.

Alana presented a video tip on Revolution Golf.com concerning the misconception by many of her students as to the proper "Arc" or "Plane" of the take away (back swing) and the down swing. She said that many students think these arcs should be the same. They are not!

The takeaway should be long and wide and the downswing should get more narrow and connected to the body.  The follow through should be wide...so the sequence is Wide - Narrow - Wide.

Thanks Alana for the great tip that inspired this drill.

More to Come!
The GolfGym Team

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I Feel Like Some Punk Just Stole My Golf Clubs

How would you feel if that great set of golf clubs, the ones you absolutely love to play, the ones that you just had re-gripped and keep clean in a special place in the garage or in the trunk of your car ready at a moments notice to fly out the door early on a Saturday morning or when your golfing buddies call with a last minute tee time...you know, those clubs...and the golf bag that your wife gave you for Christmas...you know the one that has all the right pouches and is the color you love, and holds all your clubs in the perfect places to grab confidently as you make your choice of your next shot...

let's not forget your golf shoes that you just bought...the ones that feel great and look even better as you stride down the fairway...I'm talking about the ones that you clean thoroughly and put into their individual shoe bags in that super duper traveling bag to keep perfectly clean for your next round...

oh, and your favorite glove and the special ball marker your Dad gave you on your graduation day which meant so much to you, and which you have been using to mark your ball in every round you've played since college, were also in the bag......

Well, how would you feel if they were all stolen from you by some bleepin' punk?

 

Well, I can tell you...it stinks!  Yesterday, while testing our website for a new promotion, a BIG RED ALERT Message came up indicating that our website was Hacked and someone added Malicious Software on it. Although we have been online with a website for GolfGym for almost 20 years, to a newcomer to the site, the message screamed that we are bad and that they should leave now and never return.

What kind of person gets their kicks out of destroying someone else's stuff like that?

Luckily, I was able to get to our webmaster immediately and the "all nighter" began.  She immediately sprang into action and after thoroughly researching the problem and determining a serious breach had occurred, started another site so that any remnants of the "bugs" would be destroyed and our excellent ranking in Google would be restored. It feels a little like burning down the house to get rid of the termites...but it had to be done.

We will be working throughout the next few days to get the new site up and running, and I anticipate many more tweaks will need to be done to get the site flowing smoothly.

I guess God was telling us it's time for a new look and feel to our website.  Just like having your clubs stolen, the pain is sharp and makes you mad as heck for a while, but the smell and feel of a brand new set of clubs and shoes may pump some new life into you and your game. Yes, you will miss that special, "one of a kind" ball maker from your Dad, but you'll be sure to replace it with one that, with hope, will reinvigorate the feeling of what that special piece meant to you originally.  I'm getting a little sappy, but that's the only way I can justify the hurt done to us.

I'll let you know when we are up and running at full speed again.

Vicki and I thank all of you who have supported us over all these years. We will continue to do what we are committed to doing...that is, Helping Golfers Play Better to Enjoy The Game More.

Vicki and Ken Pierce

"I Resolve"

The definition of the word Resolve is: "To come to a definite or earnest decision about; determine (to do something): "I have resolved that I shall live life to the full."

It's New Years Eve...and it's Resolution Time! Did you keep all of the resolutions you made last year? Come on...be honest!  Well, the good thing is if you did break one or two, you can just get back on the horse and get going again. (If I fell off a horse, I don't know if I would be capable of getting back on it).

Regarding golf and performance and improving same, you must, and I mean must, commit to it and Resolve that you will get on a program and stay with it until you feel the results.  I say "feel" because that's what must happen in order for your mind and body to "get it".  You can only improve your balance if you feel out of balance and work to feel in balance. You can only get more Golf Fit if you perform routines and exercises that make you feel the difference in your stance, swing, rotation, etc.

When you "Resolve" to do anything, your mind, and if you believe in the Law of Attraction, the Universe, starts to find things to help you with your mission.

It is our mission the Help Golfers Play Better and Enjoy the Game More...and we are here to help you. If you have any questions about our programs, products, videos or anything we offer on our website, please call us.  Toll free: 1-877-4GOLFGYM. (877-446-5349).

All of us at GolfGym wish you and your family a very Happy, Healthy and Great Golfing 2013!

Sincerely,

Ken & Vicki Pierce

 

Functional Rather Than Perfect

A week ago Saturday, while flipping through some sports channels on TV, I came across an ESPN channel that was broadcasting the 2012 CrossFit Games. "The aim of CrossFit is to forge a broad, general and inclusive fitness" (quote from their website).

It is a very high intensity workout which includes a wide variety of movements, exercises, weight lifting and endurance tests which are performed against time.  They vary the exercises every day called WOD (Workout Of the Day) and you never know what the workout is until you get to the gym (the "Box" as they call it) that day. The idea is to strengthen your entire body to be functional in any situation.

Critics say that because the exercises are performed to time and perfect form is not required (although there are rules to follow), there is a high probability of injury to the novice who jumps in head first, so to speak, with high intensity while competing for the best time to complete the WOD.

After watching these incredibly fit people compete in these games, I got to thinking about how this relates to golf, if at all, and how your training and playing of the game can be adjusted to be more Functional and maybe not so Perfect. OMG, I can hear the purists screaming at the screen now!

If you think about golf...isn't the main goal to get the ball in the hole in as few shots as possible? If that is the goal, and if we can glean some strategy from the theory behind the CrossFit model, then we should train our bodies and our golf swing to be more functional rather than perfect.

This is a bit of a tease...because over the next several weeks, we will be demonstrating exercises and golf swing movements that are designed to be more Functional Rather Than Perfect.

I really want to hear from you with comments or questions.  This is going to be fun! 

Tomorrow is Christmas and our GolfGym Family wishes You and Your Family a Very Merry Christmas, a Wonderful Holiday Season and look forward to a Fit, Fun and Fantastic New Year!

More to come soon!
The GolfGym Team

The "Scrunch Drill" with Arlen Bento, Jr.

This is our GolfGym Swing Tip #3 in the series we are doing with Arlen Bento, Jr.

In this video, Arlen demonstrates what he calls The "Scrunch Drill". After working on the golf swing with #1 the "Begin With the Follow Through" drill, then #2 the "Toe Drill", Arlen takes us into the movement from short back swing to impact then to follow through. You can work on these simple golf fitness and golf swing drills at home or in your office. Great to do with the PowerSwing Trainer too.

 

All great golfers get into this position as they are moving into impact. Their swings happen so fast that it is difficult to see that position at full speed, but they do it. A really good example of that movement in an exaggerated fashion is Paula Creamer. Here she is already past impact, but believe me, if you have ever seen Paula swing...she definitely gets Scrunched.

Here is a the great Byron Nelson demonstrating the Scrunch that he performed in his swing. Thanks to Historic Golf Photos: www.historicgolfphotos.com for this great image.

 So...Scrunch your way to a better swing!
 

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Golf Pain Away

This is a quick post about a really great product that my wife and I use regularly.  As we age, there just seems to be a few more aches and pains that come with everyday life, and more if you are working out or playing sports...especially golf!

Arlen Bento, Jr. and I did a short promo piece for Golf Pain Away because we love the product and know it can help just about everyone. It's made from all natural oils (from Australia) and it really does relieve your pain!

It is great as a stocking stuffer for the Holidays.

Click Here to lean more about Golf Pain Away.

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The "Bent Toe Drill" with Arlen Bento

Here is a simple and fun drill to help you "Feel" your golf swing moving from a short takeaway to a strong follow through. This unique drill was designed by Arlen Bento, Jr. many years ago and he has used it to help new golfers as well as those of us who have been playing golf for most of our lives.

The drill is easy to do, but takes some concentration and may need a few "tries" to get the correct feel. This will help with balance, body movement, club position at impact and getting to your left side (for right handed golfers...lefties, switch it around). From a golf club to using the GolfGym PowerSwing Trainer (for resistance) this drill can really help to build a strong base for your complete swing and a great ball striking platform.

Instead of me trying to explain it more... just go ahead and watch the video, have fun and "feel" the results. By the way, this was my first time doing the exercise/drill and it was fun.  I am headed to the range this afternoon and will shoot some video of me performing the drill while hitting balls. Wish me luck!

This drill is easy to do at home or on the range.  Give it a try and you will see what I mean about being a little bit of a challenge with a good feeling outcome.

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p.s. Got some Pains from all that golf you are playing?  Try a great product that really works... really...it works!  It's called Golf Pain Away. Nick Price loves it!

"Begin With The Follow Through" by Arlen Bento Jr.

Do you feel there are certain things in life that are just "meant to be"?  I guess when you think about it...everything in life is just meant to be, but you know what I mean.

My most recent "meant to be" moment was serendipitous meeting with a very unique man named Arlen Bento, Jr.  Arlen has been involved in golf in some way or another for many many years, either as the Head Golf Professional at PGA Village, Pine School high school golf team coach, club fitter, golf sales and much more. (see below for full resume)  Over those years he has developed some very unique and very effective golf drills and teaching techniques that he has passed along to his golf students.

It has always been a challenge demonstrating golf fitness techniques and exercises to golfers, hoping they will employ them consistently to reap the benefits. However, it is difficult for most golfers to see the benefit of a movement pattern or exercise if it isn't tied directly to their swing. With Arlen, I think we can bridge that gap.

The following is the first of many tips and drills that we created together. With Arlen's years of experience and using "the best golf training products on the planet" (an unbiased opinion...Ok, I'm biased) we should be able to bring you just what you need to get better at this game which, more importantly, will help you enjoy the game more.

So let's "Begin With The Follow Through" shall we?

Thanks for watching.
Your comments are welcomed!

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Arlen Bento Jr. is a USGTF Master Teaching Professional, former Head Golf Professional of the PGA Country Club and PGA Village and Director of Golf at Eagle Marsh Golf Club in Jensen Beach, FL.  He is the Director of Junior Instruction at the Stuart Yacht and Country Club in Stuart, FL and He can be reached via his website at www.abjgolfsales.com.

Play Golf - An Oxymoron?

When we were kids we used to play with balls, play in the sand, play in the water and get grass stained knees while frolicking in the green stuff with friends. We didn't care how large the sandbox was or if it rained or not, and we didn't get all tensed up when we had to plunge our plastic mini-shovel deep into the sand to chuck a huge pile of it onto our playmate. We simply played and had lots of fun.

For those of us who have taken up the game of golf....the words sand, water and thick grass strike fear in the deepest recesses of our minds.  OK, that's slightly dramatic, but there is truth to it.

When most people think of "Play" they don't necessarily equate that fun experience to "Golf". So why do we say "Play Golf" or "Play Golf America".  That phrase is supposed to elicit thoughts of enjoyment, fun, friendship and fulfillment. Does it for you?

How about we try to bring some fun back into your experience with golf, or at least some fun in the way you prepare yourself for your golf game.  That's right....it is, after all, a game.

Here are two movements/drills/exercises (exercises sounds like work...this is not work) to have fun with, not be tense about, and for sure, put a smile on your face while performing them. Hey, maybe they will even help your golf game....just a thought.

Have fun with these two Balance Ball drills...and have more fun on the golf course.  Remember to: PLAY Golf!

Ken Pierce
GolfGym.com
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The GolfGym PowerSwing Trainer - It Works

About a week ago, I got a call from a golf writer, Ed Travis, in Davenport, Florida requesting an image of our GolfGym Balance Ball. He was writing an article on Golf Training Aids for a publication in the New England area and wanted to add in a product on Golf Fitness. Ed also has a great website where he posts his reviews, opinions and articles. http://edtravisgolf.com/golfing/golf

We are in the golf fitness products business, and when someone wants to add us to a golf publication in New England, and give us free editorial coverage...we are grateful and very willing to cooperate. 

However, this time I asked him why the Balance Ball?  I can't remember the exact answer, but I immediately told him that although a Balance Ball is a terrific tool for getting some great results, I recommended that he consider our GolfGym PowerSwing Trainer. It is unique, used by thousands of golfers, teachers, coaches and trainers around the world and has a "WOW" factor to it when someone tries it for the first time.

He told me that he got one from me a while back at a trade show but never really tried it to get the full effect. Because I am so passionate about that particular product, and because I invented it over 25 years ago, I told him that I would shoot a video just for him to demonstrate the benefits of the product to all golfers, teachers, trainers and coaches. I did just that, and posted it on YouTube privately so only the person I gave the link to could view it.

After my internal struggle (should I shouldn't I?), I decided to post it here for everyone who reads this blog to see.  Remember it was shot for Ed to whom I sent a PowerSwing Trainer (medium resistance) for his own personal use and evaluation.  Ed is a single digit handicap golfer and a seasoned citizen.  He is also passionate about helping golfers improve their game which will help them enjoy golf more.

This is one of those posts that some may call a shameless plug for the product that has, and I think can, help many, many golfers, coaches, teachers and trainers to get more out of their golf game, but most importantly, get started in a simple and effective golf fitness program.

Please indulge me and watch my video to Ed Travis about the GolfGym PowerSwing Trainer.

Thank you in advance!

If you are looking to get into some kind of golf fitness/flexibility/strength exercise program...the PowerSwing Trainer is a great way to get started. Visit us at GolfGym.com for more details.

Thanks again!
Ken Pierce
GolfGym

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CORRECTION!!  I mentioned the Academy in Morocco that purchased a PowerSwing Trainer. I said Peter Hanson practices there. Lotfi Elarabi, owner of Marrakech Golf Academy contacted me to tell me his academy is home to Peter Lawrie and Sam Little, other stars come to practice in the winter, like Ryder cup player Francisco Molinari,.......Sorry Lotfi!

One Piece TakeAway

We have all heard about the importance of performing a "One Piece Takeaway" in order to generate a wider swing and to engage your upper body in the separation and kinetic sequencing that engages the kanutin valve which helps with gas mileage.   WHAT!!!

But seriously, a one piece takeaway is very important to your overall swing performance. Tiger Woods, Brandt Snedeker and every other professional golfer performs a one piece takeaway in their golf swing.

Our friend Tom Patri is the Owner and Founder of TPC Golf LLC and a Golf Magazine Top 100 Teacher In America. When I asked him for some input on the subject, he supplied me with the following:

"In my 32 years of teaching and coaching I have seen a wide array of ways to begin ones back swing motion. On tour in the modern golf swing there are two basic starts:

1- The One Piece Takeaway 

2- The Early Set

Pre the modern era a third start , the lag load was also a possibility . Today as I teach the average player I'm always trying to make this already difficult game easier for  anyone that wanders into my lesson tee. All this being side , the takeaway I lean toward the most  with Mr. and  Mrs. average  player is the one piece start.

Very simply I tell my students if we start the major components  (hands , arms and torso) of the backswing away together it stands to reason we are much more likely to return them together . Picture a line drawn across your shoulders and then down each arm finishing at the grip. Basically we are describing a triangle . Your job once the triangle is formed  is  to get that triangle started in a dead heat !

Work on your one piece takeaway and you'll be amazed at how much easier contact becomes ! Keep me posted .
Thanks Tom.

These simple drills on the video below will help to prevent your hands and/or arms from taking over in the initiation of the swing.  It will engage the upper body more which in turn develops more stability in the lower body.  Starting with just hands or arms will create a flimsy and loosey goosey swing.  Make sense?

In this video, I will demonstrate the loosey goosey takeaway along with the one piece takeaway, and show you two really easy drills that you can perform every day that will help you to "FEEL" the engagement of your core in the takeaway.

Yes, that seems simple enough, but I want you to try it.  If you are performing the drill correctly, you will feel what I am talking about. An added benefit is that by engaging your abdominal muscles in this drill, you will help your lower back as well.

Try these drills and leave us a comment below.

Ken Pierce

GolfGym
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Contact Info for Tom Patri
Tom Patri:
Owner / Founder TP GOLF LLC
GOLF MAGAZINE TOP 100 TEACHER IN AMERICA
www.tompatri.com
Tpatri@mindspring.com
239-404-7790
* Check out his New Online Academy on his website!!

How Is Your Posture?

I've mentioned previously that several months ago I joined a gym called Planet Fitness. I go there every morning and get a great workout using some free weights, the pull down machine, my PowerSwing Trainer and the GolfGym PowerBandz.

Because I spend my first 15 - 30 minutes warming on the treadmill at the far end of the gym, I get a good look at all the activity in front of me and all the people as they walk by or workout.

An older man who loves to use the third treadmill from the wall has a great attitude and shows up every morning to get in his workout.  I bring him up because his posture is so bad that it pains me to see him walk around.  It may be because of a disease, but his head hangs out over his chest. He basically faces down most of the time and has to turn his body to look up.  He is of course an extreme case of poor posture, but as I look at more of the folks there at the gym, and everywhere I go, I'm finding that poor posture is rampant in our society.

I think we can blame the incredible amount of texting and the use of smart phones and hand held games by the younger of us for their poor posture There is a great article on the new phenomenon called "Text Neck"

I find myself checking my posture many times throughout the day.  I sit on a Balance Ball for a period of time while at my desk (I'm working up to more and more hours on the ball).  It makes me more aware of my forward lean trying to get closer to the computer monitor, and I feel like I am in a continual correction mode. For those of us that have to sit at a desk for some time during the day, and do a lot of work on a computer, it is very easy to fall into a really poor posture that over time becomes a habit.

When you are sitting, standing or walking, try pulling your shoulders down and back and hold for 6 - 10 seconds. Check yourself in the mirror from the side to see if your ears are aligned over your shoulders.  You will be amazed at the people who sport a rounded back with their ears well over their chest.

OK...what does this have to do with my golf game? Given that we rotate around our spine in the golf swing, poor posture is a definite disadvantage when it comes to golf performance. 

This image comes from http://www.basic-golf-lessons.com/golfposture.html

There are many exercises that will help you with your posture using a Balance Ball, PowerBandz, pull down machines, etc.  We will be adding many of them including video to our Facebook Page over the next few weeks. We would really appreciate it if you would Like Us there.

For now...work on becoming aware of your posture and check yourself many times throughout your day. Pull your shoulders back, walk tall and concentrate on how a good posture feels. Try to duplicate that feeling several times throughout every day. Make good posture a habit.

Good Luck with your Posture!
More to come.
GolfGym
golfgym.com

Are You Swinging The Club Or Hitting The Golf Ball?

Do you Swing The Club or do you Hit The Golf Ball?  This question came up when I viewed a great video on YouTube.  The title caught my attention and was thought provoking.

It is a very good question to ask yourself.  I had to ask myself which one I was doing.  Obviously, we swing the club in order to hit the ball...but what is running through your head when you swing the club.  Are you thinking swing or are you thinking hitting the ball?

I posted the Video on the GolfGym Facebook Page along with tons of information for golfers of all levels.  This month we focus on Warming Up and Stretching.  You can also find the video on YouTube.

I was at a PGA Merchandise Show several years back when Butch Harmon was giving a presentation. He said "The ball should just get in the way of a really good swing" (or something very close to that)...and he offered a free lesson on a sure fire way to gain 10 yards in just 10 seconds..."Move up to the white tees".

But seriously, Butch Harmon was telling us that all you've got to do is swing really well and let the ball get in the way.  I know it sounds easy, but why not give it a try.

GolfGym

golfgym.com

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Is Your Golf Game Like a Vegemite Sandwich?

The following story is from Grant Garrison at Golf Industry Central in Australia.

On Monday, the new green-keeper went to work with his lunch box in his hand, during his lunch break he complained to his new staff about his vegemite sandwich.  His staff ignored his complaints but on Tuesday he complained even louder about his dislike for his vegemite sandwich.  

By Friday, his staff had enough of him complaining and one of them yelled out.  “Why don’t you just have your wife make you a different kind of sandwich like tuna or roast beef?”  The new green-keeper looked up with a puzzled look on his face and said, “My wife? I don’t have a wife.  I made this myself.” 

Is your golf game like that fellow and his sandwich?  Have you been doing the same thing day after day expecting a different result?

I will admit that, although I am very pleased with my golf fitness workouts and am seeing benefits from that, I found myself trying to play the same shots on the same holes with the same bad results...hoping that "this time" will be different.

On #16 at the club I play regularly (because we live there) I would pull out a driver every time to, with high hopes, hit a very straight drive that would hug the trees along the left and end up in the middle of a very narrow fairway just in front of the green. It's really painful to admit that in the 20 times I have played that hole, I actually pulled it off just once.

Last weekend I played the course twice (my first time playing 36 holes in one day...ever).  In the first go around on #16, you guessed it, I pulled out my driver, crossed my fingers, clipped the trees and bounced left to an unplayable lie.  In the second 18, I played a 4 iron a little to the right into an open area and followed with a seven iron into the green.  I actually pared the hole.

If this is what you are doing with your golf fitness routine and not seeing the results you are looking for...change the pattern and mix it up a little.  If you are in the habit of not warming up or stretching before your round, then plan to get to the course a little early next time and get a little sweat going with some simple stretches and warm up exercises.  Visit our Facebook page (http://facebook.com/GolfGym.Fitness) to see many different routines from several fitness pros. While you are there, we would like it if you LIKE us.

Dr. Wayne Dyer says, "Change the way you look at things, and the things you look at will change".

All the Best!
golfgym.com

GolfGym - TSA Approved for Travel?

"I ALMOST LOST IT!"

This is what Larry at www.weekend-golfer.com wrote me after an episode at the airport while carrying his GolfGym PowerSwing Trainer in his carry on bag.

He continued, "I recently made an airline trip to Boston, MA. I decided to take my GolfGym PowerSwing Trainer with me. For this trip I decided not to check my luggage and do a carry-on to save a bit of time. I had my GolfGym in my duffel and "flew" through security at O'Hare in Chicago. NO questions asked.

On my return flight security did not know what to do with the GolfGym. Then scanned my bag several times and then had to have a supervisor take a look at it. I can tell you she was not a golfer and had no idea what she was looking at. Once I explained to her, she was still unsure, so off she went to check with her supervisor. When she finally return she said I could take it through.

So with those two situations I feel it is safe to say;

GOLFGYM IS TSA APPROVED FOR TRAVEL.
I don't know if it is official but I am going to use that for my excuse if I get stopped again.

Regards,
Larry"

We can't be certain that in fact the GolfGym PowerSwing Trainer is TSA Approved, but the story put a big smile on my face.

(The GolfGym Grip contains an aluminum tube in the center and it showed up on the x-ray)

Play Better and Enjoy the Game
GolfGym
golfgym.com

p.s  Check out Larry's website for great information and offers www.weekend-golfer.com

"What's Your Swing Speed?"

About three months ago, I joined a great gym that is about five miles from our home in Stuart, Florida. It's a Planet Fitness facility. It is a gym with stuff in it...that's it.  That's all I wanted, and it's very inexpensive to join.  I don't generally use weight machines, but I do use the treadmill and the elliptical machine.  There are lots of free weights and three universal gym stations which I use for pull downs and triceps exercises.

I bring my PowerSwing Trainer and a set of Medium PowerBandz to the gym every day.  I have created a very intense and very effective golf fitness routine with the PowerSwing Trainer which involves four sets of twenty-five fast repetitions.

After about ten to fifteen minutes on the treadmill, I perform a dynamic warm up routine involving three movement patterns. I do a few sets of upper body exercises with light free weights and then on to the PowerSwing Trainer.  I perform two sets of twenty-five right handed swings with my PST, one set of left handed swings and finish with one more set of twenty-five right handed swings. (Since golf is a one sided dominant sport, I want to make sure I am balancing out the movements). The gym has one entire wall full of mirrors, so I am able to monitor my swing, rotation and posture the entire time. After that routine I am spent. My heart rate is way up and I feel great! This part of my workout takes about ten minutes total. I finish with about four or five PowerBandz exercises and I am done.

Yesterday, I was coming out of the men's locker room (of course the men's locker room) and a fellow who looked to be about my age (I turned 63 yesterday) approached me and, without asking my name or saying hello, blurted out, "What's your swing speed?".  I stopped, paused for a second and said, "I don't know".  He said he had been watching me with that "rubber thing" and was curious as to my swing speed.

That's not me and it's not the locker room at Planet Fitness.  This picture is just for effect.

That question got me to thinking. Is it really important that I know what my swing speed is?  Will that determine my golf fitness level? Will it make me a better golfer? Will I hit the ball straighter? Will I be more popular at the 19th hole?  In my mind the answer to all those questions is...no.

I workout hard to get into the best shape I am capable of (actually for the past two years I have been very sporadic in keeping a consistent workout schedule if at all...until Planet Fitness).  I am losing some excess pounds, am hitting the ball better than ever in my life, and enjoying my time on the golf course like never before.  If I started to worry about my swing speed, I might not have as much fun.

I will be shooting a video of my workout with the PowerSwing Trainer and posting it next week because I think it will be a benefit to some of you who are looking for an exercise routine that is easy and golf specific.

Having watched several videos with our friend Martin Chuck, inventor of the Tour Striker training club, I have been creating some very specific exercises with the PST to help me get my hands more forward at impact to compress the ball better. So far it is working.  I will be posting those too.

So you stay posted, I'll keep posting and...who cares what our swing speeds are as long as we are enjoying the game and having fun.

Ken Pierce

golfgym.com

"Golf Fitness" - What Is It Really? Part 3 The Mental Game

"Golf Fitness" - What Is It Really?  Part 3
The Mental Game

When we talk about golf fitness, most of us think immediately of our body and how we need to get our muscles in shape, lose weight and look like those pictures we see on the cover of Fitness Magazines.  Ah yes!...six pack abs, broad defined shoulders, a 28 inch waist, muscular legs, maybe all your hair shaved off and a Hogan like swing.  Yep, that’s what it’s all about. (This is the time where you hear the record getting scratched…unless you’re under 30 and you don’t even know what a record is)

Ok, all kidding aside, we all think of our bodies having to be in shape when the term golf fitness is bantered about. In this Part 3, I want to talk about Mental Fitness and how it is as important as physical fitness if you ever what to really perform well and enjoy the heck out of this game.

A wise man once said, "Golf is played on a five-inch course -- the distance between the ears”. That wise man was Bobby Jones, who had to overcome a very bad temper and a loss of focus before his talent was allowed to flourish. This speaks to the importance of the mental side of the game that many professional golfers now address by employing sports psychologists.

Many of the PGA, LPGA, European Tour and Web.com (formerly Nationwide) Tour players have Mental Coaches.  Some of the most prominent coaches are Dr.Bob Rotella, Dr. Gio Valiente, Dr. Joseph Parent (Zen Golf), Lynn Marriott& Pia Nillson (Vision 54), Rick Sessinghaus, Dr. Tony Papiro and Dr.Shannon Reece.
There are links below if you want more information on these professionals.

Many Opinions on the Subject!
I belong to several LinkedIn Groups (LinkedIn is sort of like Facebook for business people to connect).  The members of the groups are encouraged to start discussions on a topic that would be relevant to the group’s members. One of the groups I belong to is named “A Golf and Business Networking Group”.  A man in the group named Steve started a discussion with the question: “What is more important, the mental side of golf or the physical side of golf? Should you be thinking about your target or some aspect of your golf swing?”   Great question!

I decided to be the first one to chime in with my opinion and wrote: “Steve, I think they are equally important. You just can't focus on them simultaneously. The mental side of golf is what gets you to the realization that you have to do something about your physical side. If you can mentally focus on your target, but can't perform the function and the movement pattern to get you there....frustration sets in.  I think that is one of the most common flaws in golfers....massive frustration over the fact that they come to the course with a great attitude, want to have fun, focus on the target…and fire a banana into the next fairway, because they weren't prepared physically. Thanks for the question. Ken Pierce, GolfGym"

The really great thing about this discussion is that it brought in many members who are Mental Professionals like Dr. Tony Piparo. Here is one of his comments in the discussion:

Tony Piparo • “Both sides are important but shouldn't be seen as different aspects of the same person, and treated separately. The correct training program teaches golfers how to meld their mind, body, and eyes into a single entity. Trying to train the body without understanding the influence of how we live our lives on golf performance and how the mind works will continue the 60 year trend reported by the USGA. That is, there hasn't been an iota of improvement in scoring for golfers as a whole. Today's handicaps are no better than our predecessors of six decades ago. This is true for both men and women, amateurs and pros. This given all the technological advances in equipment, scientific awareness of the biomechanics of the perfect swing for different body types and error detection equipment that pinpoints precisely where an individual golfer's swing differs from the ideal. What's the only thing that hasn't changed in all this time? It's the way we learn and practice. But help is on the way. See www.targetorientedgolf.com for more info.”

This prompted a comment from Jim Serwan • “Equal but different: Learn the mechanics but play the round with the mental. The more you can leave behind "learned" mechanics on the course the better. A major league pitcher can "learn" how to throw a curve ball in practice but has to "trust" in that ability during the game from the mound by visualizing the results he wants. Meaning that at some point you have to trust that you're smart enough to learn the swing and that your muscle memory will take over and allow you to get out of your own way when you play.  Remember, it’s just a "shot". Each and every time”.

I had to get back in the discussion after that comment.  Here is my response:
“Jim, I agree with you that you have to trust your mechanics and your ability, and simply perform the "shot" each and every time. If it were only that simple this game would be a breeze for everyone who can control their thoughts. Of course, each of our backgrounds and expertise will direct our responses to the question of mental or physical importance. My background is more on the functionality and performance side of the equation which is why I think both are important for peak performance. Golf is a challenging individual game, and because there is a score involved, there will always be a striving for each of us to pen a lower one. If a person just wants to enjoy the outdoors with a good walk and doesn't really care about the score (I want to meet this person) they would have fun no matter what they score or how many balls they lose. However, the fact that this silly thing called PAR exists on every hole, it cries out for improvement each time you lace up your golf shoes. Just as the pitcher must have good mechanics that are so ingrained that he doesn't have to think about that part of his performance, so must a golfer have good feelings about his or her swing to be able to trust in the outcome”.

Dr. Shannon Reece commented:
“Great reading all the responses above! Coming from the mental side of the game, my vote is that the mental side is more important in the long run. That being said, if you don't have a solid foundation in the mechanics of the swing, then no matter how solid your mindset, it will not make up the difference. But if you were to put two players side by side, whose technical games were fairly similar, the one with the resilient mindset would have the higher probability of success under the pressure of competitive play. And one of the most significant aspects of a strong mental game is attitude. You can read more about it here - http://trainingforoptimalperformance.com/in-golf-attitude-is-everything/      Great discussion!”

This exchange went on and on with more and more comments from all types of “professionals” from the golf professional to the mental professional to the golfer and the golf teacher.  It pointed out that this game of golf is so complex that scholars can sit around a great table and pontificate about all the variables that need to be lined up neatly in order to hit the perfect shot while in the perfect mood, aiming at the perfect target.

Golf Fitness – What is it Really?...The reality is that golf is supposed to be fun for all who play it, and the “Fitness” aspect of it needs to be developed both physically and mentally to perform at your best.  Better performance brings happiness which encourages better performance.

Here are links to the Golf Mental Coaches mentioned in this piece:

Dr. Bob Rotella: http://www.drbobrotella.com/
Dr. Gio Valiente http://www.drgiovaliante.com/
Dr. Joseph Parent (Zen Golf) http://www.zengolf.com/
Lynn Marriott & Pia Nillson http://www.vision54.com/vision54/pages/home/
Rick Sessinghaus http://www.ricksessinghaus.com/
Dr. Tony Piparo:  http://golfstateofmind.com/author/tonypiparo/
Dr. Shannon Reece:  http://trainingforoptimalperformance.com/overcoming-golf-nerves-getting-your-butterflies-to-fly-in-formation/

Golf Fitness – What Is It Really?
In Part 4 we will offer many training/conditioning techniques available to all golfers.

To Read Part 1  Click Here 
To Read Part 2  Click Here

About the Author
Ken Pierce is the President of GolfGym LLC and the creator of the GolfGym PowerSwing Trainer. From 1972 -1981 he officiated professional Ice Hockey in the WHA, NHL and the International Ice Hockey Federation, refereeing the Championship Game (Czech's vs Russians) in Prague, Czechoslovakia at the World Championships in 1978. He officiated the Opening Game of the Canada Cup Series in 1976 (Canada vs. Sweden). He created aerobic and fitness programs in the 80’s at health clubs in Southern California. As an avid golfer he later created the portable golf fitness apparatus then called the “GolfGym”. He grew the line to include many other golf fitness products. Ken and his wife, Vicki now live on South Florida and continue to run the GolfGym company.