Lower Back Injuries in Golf

I always like to say it is much easier to prevent an injury from occurring than rehabilitating from one. The next few articles will discuss common injuries from the golf swing and how a golf fitness program can assist in the prevention of such injuries. Probably one of the most common injuries, and one as amateurs we are well aware of is to the lower back. Research indicates that one out two recreational golfers will incur a lower back injury at some point during their playing career.

Why is the lower back so often injured during the game of golf? Research studies have provided us some keys as to why this is the case. The golf swing is typically broken down into phases (address, backswing, downswing, follow through), and the sum of these phases is the full swing.

Each phase of the swing can be performed either efficiently or inefficiently. A professional is more likely to perform each phase of the golf swing more efficiently than that of the amateur. As a result the professionals swing has more efficient mechanics from start to finish, requiring lesser amounts of activity from the muscles to execute.

An amateur or less skilled golfer is more likely to have less efficient mechanics. To compensate for these improper mechanics the golfer will attempt to generate extra force from specific muscles than the amateur. Causing these muscles to work much harder to execute the golf swing.

Research from Hosea indicated in certain situations amateurs may develop up to 80% more peak torque in their lumbar spine (i.e. lower back) than a professional, muscles required to generate greater amounts of force are at a much higher risk of overuse injury.

Additionally, Hosea found professional golfers generate 34% more clubhead speed than the amateur, yet amateurs were producing spinal forces 50 to 80% higher, and 50% more trunk muscle activity than the professional.

All of this research points to the first reason as to why the lower back is commonly injured in the amateur golfer. Inefficient golf swing mechanics cause the muscles of the lower back to work harder to generate torque in the swing. over time these muscles will become fatigued from the trauma caused by inefficient mechanics. Increasing dramatically the possibility of an overuse injury to the lower back.

How can the amateur take the first step in the prevention of a lower back injury? first and foremost is the development of more efficient swing mechanics. This can only be done through proper instruction and practice. If you are finding yourself in the category of a candidate for a lower back injury, my first suggestions is begin developing a more efficient golf swing.

Sean Cochran

Sean Cochran is one of the most recognized golf fitness instructors in the world today. He travels the pga tour regularly working with professional golfers, most notable pga and Masters Champion Phil Mickelson. To learn more about Sean Cochran and his golf fitness exercises and training programs go to http://www.seancochran.com

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Fun Cruises to Hawaii

Cruises to hawaii are excellent get-away trips. You can take your entire family. Or plan a romantic getaway for just the two of you. Either way, you can't go wrong with a Hawaiian cruise.

You are likely to visit Hawaii if you are on a cruise heading to the Pacific. Many travelers visit hawaii in this fashion. The problem with these cruises is that you never have enough time to really explore the islands and appreciate the culture.

You can purchase a Hawaiian cruise package that includes a Hawaii-only itinerary. These cruise packages allow you to visit several Hawaiian islands including maui, Kauai, Oahu, and the Big Island. You not only experience Hawaiian culture, you live it for as long as you are on the islands.

The Polynesian Cultural Center is located on Oahu. It is one of the most renowned cultural centers. You can spend an entire day at the Center soaking in the culture. All activities are interactive at the Center, including the shows. You can play a role in a show. The Center hosts an authentic luau and one the largest arts and crafts marketplaces around.

You have a variety of restaurants to visit during your cruise. Be sure to try a mixed selection of island food. There are so many native Polynesian and Hawaiian dishes you should never have to eat the same thing twice during your visit unless you want to. There are plenty of gift and souvenir shops to explore.

You can also partake in more nature-based activities including snorkeling and kayaking. Surfing and body boarding are popular water activities. If you have children, spend time on the beautiful Hawaiian beaches.

Cruises to Hawaii are popular because you get to see the Hawaiian islands while enjoying the perks of a cruise package. You don't have to worry about hotel accommodations or land transportation. You stay on the cruise ship at night and all of your land transportation is taken care of through your package. You can participate in guided tours of the islands or go exploring on your own. You can't go wrong with a cruise to hawaii.

Looking for warm weather fun? Visit Cruise Trips Simply to find cruises to Hawaii. If you prefer cooler weather, you can find Alaskan cruises that are just as much fun.

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