Tuesday, January 1, 2008 

3 Easy Golf Swing Aids To Relieve The Shanks In Your Swing

So you've hit a rut, and think you are in need of a golf swing aid? You're not alone! And don't feel ashamed, because many golfers out there have many of the same problems that you do. But before you run out and start wasting your money, there are a few things you need to do.

first, you must identify your problem. Purchasing a golf swing aid that does not directly "attack" your problem area will eventually prove to be a worthless investment. In order to properly decide which golf swing aid to purchase, it might be beneficial for you to have a professional (or a friend who knows what they are talking about) analyze your swing.

Head out to the driving range with someone that knows proper swing mechanics, and have them jot down a few problem areas in your swing. If you are pushing the ball to the right (or blatantly slicing the ball) for instance, there are several reasons why this might be happening. A few quick checkpoints could be your stance, grip and/or swing mechanics. If any of these (or a combination of the three) are occurring during your swing, you may be able to quickly fix the problem.

If you are unable to maintain the proper golf swing, you may need to utilize a golf swing aid to get your body used to the correct swing plane, grip, stance or swing mechanics. After practicing with the golf swing aid for a few hours each day, your brain will "remember" how the swing "feels" when you hit the ball. The golf swing aid will point you in the right direction, or allow you to hold the club properly. After a while, you will be able to drop the swing aid, and be able to swing at the ball with the corrected form.

Here are three common problem areas to consider:

  1. Stance is important in any golf shot, and it is imperative that you know where your feet are lining up. A free golf swing aid is available to you right in your golf back if you think your stance is the culprit. Line up your shot at a driving range sign, and address the ball. Without moving your feet, take the club and place it on the ground in front of you so it is touching the tips of your shoes. Leave the club on the ground and take a few steps back. Look to see where the club is pointing, and if it is not pointing at the driving range sign, you probably need to work a little bit on your stance.

    (If you want, you can place another club on the ground, and line up to the ball with your feet touching the club as you swing. This way, you will get a feel of how your feet are supposed to be aligned when striking the ball at a particular target. After a while, remove the club, and continue hitting balls on the range. Double check your stance every 3 or 4 shots to make sure that you have conditioned your brain to approach the ball correctly.)

  2. swing mechanics are difficult to master. Your swing speed on the backswing and forward swing are crucial in making sure that your body rotates in harmony with your golf club. Hinged irons and drivers are a great way to measure your swing speed. If your backswing is too fast, the club will buckle. If your forward swing is too fast, the club will buckle again! Practicing with a hinged club allows you to get the feel for the proper speed, and allow your body to rotate beautifully with the club.
  3. Your grip can be corrected quite easily with a yardstick. If you grip the yardstick just like a golf club, this can give you a good indication of how to hold the club properly. Not too tight, and not too loose.

Zac Cole is a successful Webmaster and publisher of breakthrough-golf-swing.com. He provides more golf swing aids and golf swing improvement tips that you can research in your pajamas on his website.

Brown Yoga Mat

 

The Benefit of Pilates

pilates can benefit your overall health and sense of well-being in many ways. I have been doing pilates for three years and I have seen for myself how challenging, yet effective it is.

Recently, I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia, a chronic muscle and soft tissue pain syndrome. one of my osteopathic doctors told me that if I hadnt been doing pilates (and yoga), I would not be able to get on and off the examining table. As a matter of fact, when patients come to see him because of pain, he often recommends pilates as a method of treatment.

While it certainly helps with physical problems, you will find many other positive rewards when you start integrating pilates into your exercise program.

#1 Benefit of pilates Strong Core

pilates focuses on strengthening your deep abdominal muscles, your back and your butt. This results in greater pelvic stability and less likelihood that you will sustain an injury in your back. You will also enjoy having a flat, toned and sleek tummy.

#2 Benefit of pilates - Improved Posture

pilates works to lengthen the spinal compression that you might be developing, especially as you grow older or spend long hours hunched over in front of a computer. many of us spend a great part of the day with our shoulders slumped forward. pilates encourages you to lengthen the back of your neck and to slide your shoulder blades back and down. This encourages better postural alignment and allows you to stand and sit straighter and taller.

#3 Benefit of pilates Increased strength and Flexibility

When you are doing pilates, you are simultaneously strengthening and stretching your muscles. This gives your joints greater range of motion and also helps prevent the likelihood that you will get injured.

#4 Benefit of pilates Longer and Leaner Muscles

many strength-training exercises focus on working only one body part at a time, which leads to a compressed, bulky muscle. When you do pilates exercises, you are working your entire body and you elongate the muscle as you move it with precision and control. The result your body has a longer, leaner look.

#5 Benefit of pilates Improved Mind Body Connection

pilates is not a mindless activity. There is a very strong focus on deep breathing. You do certain moves as you inhale, while others as you exhale. This fosters a greater awareness about how you can integrate deep breathing and movement into positive body control.

#6 Benefit of pilates It is Safe for Everyone

pilates is a gentle, low impact workout. In every class, you are given a modification to address your own unique level of strength, flexibility, and fitness. With the proper instruction, it is safe for seniors, for those who are physically challenged, and also those who are recovering from injuries.

If youve ever wondered about pilates, why not give it a try? You can see for yourself how pilates can make a positive difference in your mind, health and, of course your body.

Della Menechella is a yoga and fitness enthusiast who has been involved in fitness for over thirty years. Her website http://www.beauty-fitness-yoga-source.com/ is filled with practical information about how you can make yoga and fitness a positive part of your life. Visit the site and get your free meditation e-book.

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