Articles

Golfers of all ages and levels have one thing in common – they want to play better golf by hitting the ball further, with more accuracy and more consistency. And like many sportspeople, golfers need to be able to move freely to play well. After all, it only takes one small change to have a big effect on the result. So, can Pilates help give you a better golf swing? We think so, and here’s how.

Whether twisting the body on a drive, squatting down to measure a putt or leaning over to pick up a ball, golfers constantly torquing their bodies. Golf also requires repeating the same essential movements. As a result some muscles become overused and others weaken, causing an imbalance.
For a golfer, muscle imbalances can affect the legs, hips, arms, shoulders, and the lower back. It can also affect your game, particularly for those over the age of 50. Your drives may be shorter and less accurate, your stamina may decrease, and the potential for debilitating strains, pulls and tears becomes much higher.

How can Reformer Pilates help your golf game?
Pilates is based on movement from the centre of the body, as are most shots in golf. It promotes good use of the centre of the body, also known as the core (the trunk, shoulder girdles and pelvis). Pilates can also improve hip rotation, range of motion in the shoulders, and back flexibility and stability – all leading to more powerful and accurate golf shots. It is a full body exercise program that works all muscles and is easy on the joints. The end result is a flexible, symmetrically muscled body that is strengthened from the inside out.

Performance Benefits

• Attain an optimal backswing and follow-through with increased range of motion in shoulders
• Get more distance and power because of added hip and torso flexibility
• Have a stronger and bigger hip turn for greater power through rotation
• Create a smoother and more powerful swing due to evenly conditioned back muscles
• Maximize balance and alignment while rotating
• Decrease fatigue because of less strain on the body
• Hold a body position long enough to play through a shot
• Play without pain!

For any golfers, Pilates is an essential training tool that keeps the body in balance and actually improves performance.

You may have seen our silly moustaches on social media, but what’s Movember really about? We find that most men find ‘health’ an unnecessary subject to talk about so having a month like Movember is a great way to get men to think about their bodies and here at Mount Osteopaths that sings loudly and true with us!

So what is the Prostate? It’s a gland only found in men that sits near your bladder hidden away deep in the pelvis – through it passes the urethra, a tube channelling urine from your bladder and out of your penis.

So why all this fuss over a walnut-size gland? Well, being constantly drip-fed testosterone, it enlarges slowly and surely as men age. But you can’t feel if it is enlarged from the outside so it’s good to know some signs to look out for.

Signs of an enlarging prostate are:
1. Poor stream of urine.
2. Hesitation in starting the flow.3. Feeling of incomplete emptying of your bladder.
4. Increased frequency of passing urine (polyuria), particularly at night (nocturia).

The prostate can be easily examined by your GP who can order a blood test to check your PSA levels. PSA or prostate specific antigen is a protein which tends show up in high levels if the prostate is enlarged. Because it’s small, deep and often slow growing with age, it’s difficult to notice if things change. Movember brings an awareness to this amazing organ and prostate cancer making this month so important for men’s health. All men, regardless of age, should take steps daily to support, protect, and maintain prostate health as well as overall health. Tips include eating lots of fruits and vegetables, avoiding environmental toxins, eating healthy fats (omega 3, 6), drinking green tea (for antioxidants), and exercising regularly.

Our advice to you, and anyone else, is that if you have any worries, symptoms or uncertainties regarding your prostate, then see your GP and talk with them. For more digestible information we found this article very helpful.

Our new clinic is opening on Wednesday 8th August. We are so excited to welcome you into our beautiful space.

Osteopathy appointments and Private Pilates sessions with Leyla are available on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.

We are currently putting together our Pilates class timetable and open to your suggestions. If you are interested in joining a class please email us with your ideal times and we will do our best to make them happen.

Please join us on Instagram @mountpilates and our Facebook page Mount Osteopaths & Pilates to receive updates and see pics of our cool new space and Pilates equipment!