September brought my 60th birthday. I weighed 220 pounds and was badly out of condition. For the last 3 1/2 months, I've been on a very basic “three-prong” conditioning program: eat better; resistance training/stretching; and, cardio. I started with a basic resistance training program as shown on Vickie Lake’s Synergy video. For the last month, I have been doing the Mike Pedersen golf fitness program. This weekend, I graduated from "novice" and started the "intermediate" program. This is all very basic -- nothing fancy or expensive.
Results: I've lost 40 pounds; I'm stronger, more flexible and have more stamina. I have committed to walking the course this year.
I’m posting this to encourage anyone who might think they’re over the hill. True, you’ll never be 19 again – but you can get in much better shape than you think just doing the basics.
When you get some time, can you describe some of the elements of the golf fitness program and how you came upon it?
The program has three phases -- Novice, Intermediate and Advanced -- each designed to hit the core, upper body and legs. It uses dumbbells, resistance tubing and stability ball.
Interesting aspects of the program include doing many exercises in golf posture and, also, stretching after each set. I think this latter feature is especially important for golfers.
In the Intermediate program, he introduces more instability. For example, I am now doing the bicep curl in golf posture, one arm at a time, but standing on only one foot. The chest presses are now done one arm at a time lying on a stability ball. The Core strengthening also includes low back exercises which I now see is very important.
I came on the Pedersen program by seeing a "Christmas Special" ad on the internet.
Very nice Bob. After getting started on a program and becoming accustomed to it, at least personally I can't see myself going off a program. It becomes part of what I do and part of what I look forward to during the week. It's a personal challenge for me, to keep myself disciplined enough to work out and eat right. I don't work out specifically for golf but I can see how the stuff I'm doing could be of benefit.
Very nice Bob. After getting started on a program and becoming accustomed to it, at least personally I can't see myself going off a program. It becomes part of what I do and part of what I look forward to during the week. It's a personal challenge for me, to keep myself disciplined enough to work out and eat right. I don't work out specifically for golf but I can see how the stuff I'm doing could be of benefit.
Great job, keep it up!
Excellent point, Matt. I plan it into my week, too.
Great encouragement for everyone rwh. I'm so glad you are feeling more in control of your physicality and how great that you are expanding your search and finding great material. Sooner may be better but there is empirical data to support your experience and nothing is better than a real story. You truly never have to "go back to where you were". It only takes consisteny supported by appropriate rest to live in your best physical condition. Congratulations and thanks for sharing. What a motivational reminder for us all. Vickie
True, you’ll never be 19 again – but you can get in much better shape than you think just doing the basics.
Very true!
Thanks for your story.
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