GolFIT Carolina

The golf swing requires that the body move multiple joints in multiple directions or planes, all at the same time.  It would be to the golfers advantage to train in this fashion.  However, functional exercises are progressive in nature and should not be included until the golfer has completed the corrective phase of their exercise program.  The side lunge with lateral shoulder raise and front lunge are just two examples of functional training for golf. 

How To:  Stand with feet shoulder width, knees slightly bent and light weight in right hand.  Take a lunge step out to the left while simultaneously raising the right arm laterally out to the right, no higher than your head.  Return to the starting position and repeat 10 to 15x.  Switch the weight over to the left hand and repeat with right leg lunging right and left arm out to the side.  Exhale on effort.

You can turn this exercise into a multi-plane, multi-joint one by performing a forward lunge step as shown below.  This would be even more specific to the golf swing as the hips move through a tranverse plane (rotational) while the shoulder incorporates a side-to-side (frontal plane) motion while swinging the stick.  

^{*always check with your physician before beginning any type of exercise program and discontinue any exercise if you expereince discomfort or pain}