As golf deterioration looms, fend it off by getting in shape

As I anxiously await the milestone of reaching a half-century on this planet, I’m finding myself breaking down physically, and it has certainly affected my golf game. First there was plantar fasciitis a few years ago, and just when I was just getting over that, I got elbow tendonitis, which meant cortisone shots – at least in the short term.

I fought the tendonitis for three or four years and was almost pain free when the latest hit – a pinched never in my neck, which also isn’t exactly synonymous with going low on the course or helping my well-being.

Which leads me to the conclusion that if I had kept myself in better shape over the years, maybe some of this wouldn’t have occurred, Then again, Greg Norman was always in top condition, and he’s had a number of problems and procedures, including a hip replacement. (None of those things deterred tennis great Chris Evert, apparently.)

Still, you’ve got to believe your odds get better if you’re at optimum weight, strength and flexibility, which is why I’m anxious to get over this and get back in the gym. We recently posted a story on the TRX Suspension Trainer, which seems like a great way to get in golf shape, especially if you follow the golf-specific regimen. There are plenty of other great programs out there as well – like Katherine Roberts’ “Yoga for Golfers” or the products from the good folks at Momentus Golf. So if you’re like me – or afraid you’ll get like me – give them a try. What have you got to lose?