Golf is a sport that requires skill, training, and technique. But over and above the skillset, you must also be at your physical peak.
Although it may not seem like a taxing pastime, golf can be just as physically demanding as any other sport – hence why high-performing golfers often add cardio to their workout regimen!
Will cardio improve my golf game?
Cardio improves your overall aerobic fitness, stamina, heart health, and in some situations, muscular strength and endurance. This can help you better your golfing game—especially if you enjoy walking the course!
Having strong cardiovascular health means your improved stamina and endurance lets you walk the course and still perform flawlessly during your game.
What type of cardio is best for golfers?
Fitness is essential for golf players to stay at their best throughout the season. So, coming up with a regular workout routine that includes cardio is an excellent idea if you want to improve your game.
Here are the top forms of cardio exercise for golfers:
- Walking
- Jogging/running
- Rowing
- HIIT
Walking
Walking is a great way to improve your cardiovascular fitness and improves how your heart pumps blood (known as your stroke volume).
Over time, you’ll start to feel the difference when you choose to walk the course instead of zooming from hole to hole on a cart.
Walking on a treadmill is the best way to condition yourself for walking the course, and having this not negatively impacts your golf game.
You can also walk outside (e.g. in your neighborhood or go for a hike), but treadmills allow you to train regardless of the season or the weather.
Jogging/running
Running is one of the best ways to improve your cardiovascular fitness. Whether you prefer short sprints or long-distance jogs, both have their benefits and can help you get into better shape for the golf course.
If running outside isn’t your thing, treadmills are a great indoor alternative that can provide the same exercise without the hassle of dressing for the ever-changing elements.
Before you hop on for a workout, familiarize yourself with the correct way to use a treadmill to train efficiently and reduce your risk of injury.
Rowing
Rowing is an excellent exercise that uses nearly every major muscle group in your body. While you might believe that it’s just an upper-body workout, rowing also trains your lower body and core.
Plus, it increases your stamina and builds muscular endurance in one exercise.
Rowing is one of the ideal forms of cardio for golfers because it uses your legs, shoulders, arms, and core—which are all recruited during your golf swing.
Like running, rowing can be either high or low intensity. Just be sure you’re using the proper technique when rowing. If not, you could be putting yourself at risk of injury and/or hindering your performance on the course.
HIIT
HIIT (high-intensity interval training) is a crossover between cardio and strength training. This cardio approach also helps build muscular strength and endurance, which can have massive benefits for your golf swing.
Incorporate HIIT into your fitness routine, and you’ll turn those par-five courses into par threes in no time.
Summary
It’s important to note that cardio is a crucial aspect of golf training, but it isn’t the be-all and end-all for improving your athletic performance.
Adding strength training to your cardio routine will take your performance on the course from good to great.
Happy training!