The biggest misconception a lot of golfers have about golf conditioning is that it is something that should be done during the golf season, to improve their game immediately. Well, it is actually the opposite. Golf conditioning is even more beneficial when it is started during the "off season" to prepare the body for the stresses it will endure during the golf season.

Come fall in Canada, when the leaves are changing colors, the weather is getting cooler, nighttime comes earlier, and golfers start to get a bit panicky about fitting in as many last rounds as they can, some of my clients will tell me "well, I guess our training is coming to an end, but sign me for spring!" My response is always the same: "I would advise you to think about golf conditioning as a year long commitment rather then a seasonal activity, but if you must take some time off, I would rather to take time off during the golf season, then before it starts.

What golfers and anyone else conditioning for a specific sport need to understand is that it takes 4-6 of consistent and repetitive activity to condition the body at its best. Especially with a sport like golf which favors one side of the body, creating the in long term what we refer to as muscular imbalances which lead to injuries and may result in taking time off to rest.

The "off season" is the best time in golf to condition because it gives the golfer plenty of time (in Canada almost four months) to work on any physical limitations and muscular weaknesses and to train the muscles to become more flexible, stronger and better coordinated. And a well developed program should not only focus on taking care of improving the obvious needs of golf such as mentioned earlier, but should also include exercises that target specific muscular imbalances, lack of range of motion, cardiovascular endurance, and while we are at it, can help rid the body of a few extra pounds.

A "golf specific" fitness routine can be started any time of the year, and is most beneficial when it is performed all year around and a new routine is designed every 60-90 days to keep your you and body motivated and challenged. But don't be intimidated by the long term commitment it takes to optimize physical conditioning and improve your game. A golf conditioning specialist can design a program for you based on the equipment and time you have available to dedicate to improving your most important golf equipment: your body.