Golfers have been trying to gain more distance for as long as the sport has existed. One common method is hitting the gym and pumping iron. However, this approach might be counterproductive, potentially resulting in reduced distance if the wrong muscles are being exercised. The golf swing has evolved significantly over the past 20 years. The Titleist Institute originally developed their workout program in 2003. Given the changes in the golf swing, I’m concerned that their program might overlook some crucial muscles. The muscles that contribute to distance are primarily rotational. Many of these rotational muscles are smaller in size. There was a popular belief in the past that one should use the larger muscles to swing the club. This couldn’t be further from the truth. Proper rotation at the right moment in the golf swing produces the correct shaft flex, which in turn generates distance. A photo of Justin Thomas in the video illustrates the significant shaft flex he achieves. For a more detailed explanation, refer to my video titled “In Search of Distance.”
A few months ago, I gave a brief presentation to several personal trainers. Surprisingly, they weren’t familiar with four out of the ten muscles mentioned in this video, including the most crucial one! I’d wager that many golf-specialist personal trainers aren’t aware of many of these muscles, let alone how to properly train them. These are muscles that aren’t typically engaged in our daily activities. A large number of students who approach me for lessons struggle to utilize these muscles even for basic tasks. In most students I instruct, these muscles are significantly underdeveloped. Understand and strengthen these muscles, and you’ll not only achieve greater distance but also enjoy a straighter shot. The swing will feel more effortless and more natural.