Episode 1

Lower Back

The Golf Fitness Academy presented by Titleist returns as Dr. Greg Rose and Dave Phillips are joined by Gray Cook, Physical Therapist-Board Certified in Orthopedics, and author of “Athletic Body in Balance,” to focus on the lower back. The golf swing places a lot of strain on the lower back. However, by developing proper flexibility and movement patterns, golfers can avid back pain and discomfort.

Gray will show you how to test for lower back pain and restriction as well as how you can tell if the discomfort is being caused by a restriction in another area, such as the core muscles or hips. He will also demonstrate common swing faults that lead to lower back pain and exercises to develop better strength and flexibility in your golf swing.

Episode Details

Introduction
• Lower back pain affects almost all golfers to some degree, usually caused by physical limitations or mechanics
• Demonstrate common swing faults that lead to lower back discomfort
• Introduce Gray Cook
• Gray discusses how movement limitations can point to back trouble
• TIP 1: Dr. Greg shows how your sleeping position can lead to back pain and a few alternatives that will alleviate some of the strain on your back.
The Hinge
• Gray demonstrates how movement patterns are the key to identifying and correcting lower back limitations
• Double and Single Toe Touches
• Lunges
• Toes Up Toe Touches
• TIP 2: Gray demonstrates a lift pattern to locate any imbalance in core stability which can reduce power in the golf swing.
The Squat
• The squat is a core test to show mobility and balance reaction through disassociation – doing one exercise with the upper body that does not effect the lower body and vice versa.
• Heel Lift Squats
• Cable Assist Deep Squat
• Counter Weight Deep Squat
• TIP 3: Dave demonstrates how to use a golf club to stabilize your lower body and stop it from thrusting at the golf ball.
The Rotation
• Gray takes us through a simple exercise progression from basic torso mobility to heavy chopping and lifting to find out how golfers are using their core muscles.
• Half Kneeling Rotation
• Half Kneeling Lift with Rotation
• Half Kneeling Chop

 

To learn more about Gray Cook, or his book "Athletic Body in Balance" visit his website functionalmovement.com.