The Queen

This month, we are going to introduce you to the Queen of the golf swing: The abdominals.

Fitness trainers, Biokineticists, Physiotherapists and even popular fitness magazines have been throwing the term “core” around for a few years now, but unfortunately, many professionals’ understanding of the function of the core leaves a lot to be desired.

This article aims to explain this concept in a way that clearly illustrates where and why we need the “queen”.

I'd like to classify the core region into any musculature below the ribcage and above the hip joint. The core includes the following muscles:

  • Rectus Abdominus
  • External an Internal Obliques
  • Transversus Abdominus
  • Glutes

The abdominals have 3 major functions with regards to the golf swing:

  • They support the lumbar spine during forward flexion (golf posture)
  • They assist in trunk rotation
  • The abdominals transfer energy and power from the lower body upwards to the arms and ultimately, the golf club.

There are exercises that you can do to increase both the strength and endurance of your abdominals. It is important that these exercises are done correctly, and that the exercises are prescribed by a professional so as to suit you, the individual. There is no such thing as a “1 size fits all” AB exercise.

As the functionality of the abdominals improve, so improves the function of the upper and lower body.

For more information on the “Queen”, or to book your functional assessment, send an email to ianc@gpge.co.za

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