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Friday, 11 May 2007 00:00 |
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Balance - it sounds so simple! As a golfer, you know that
maintaining a proper balance is key to your game. And it"s more
than just having the correct stance.
Optimal balance depends on three aspects - your visual
perception, the signals from the inner ear, and signals from
your muscles and joints. Sometimes these aspects get out of
sync, causing a balance disorder.
A lack of balance usually occurs when your head position changes
- which is a good reason to keep your head still during your
swing!
Migraines can attribute to a balance disorder. So if you have
frequent migraines, seek medical attention. These headaches can
affect your golf game in ways you may never have thought of.
Don’t spend a fortune on new golf equipment hoping for better
play before you check your medicine cabinet to see if any drugs
you’re taking affect your balance. The condition “ear poisoning”
seriously affects your balance. Ear poisoning is usually caused
by side effects of some medications - notably the antibiotic
gentamicin. Up to 50 % of people who take this drug experience
some sort of ear poisoning.
Diuretics can pose a problem as well. So if you"re on any
medicine and you start feeling dizzy, get medical help!
Sometimes the dizziness can literally become a lifelong problem,
so don’t delay in seeking help.
If your balance is a little off in your game, you may want to do
some simple exercises to improve it. Just kicking a ball around
your backyard can help. You can also set up a little obstacle
course and weave in and out of it to improve your balance. Your
kids will have fun with the course, too! In fact, they may even
set up one for you!
You can also buy a balance board to help you with your center of
gravity. We found a handmade, well-crafted balance board on
eBay. These boards are challenging and fun to use!
In addition, working with flexibility exercises helps increase
your balance by releasing muscle tension. Try some simple yoga
stretches to help with loosening up tight muscles.
Another useful item is a yoga ball or exercise ball. Even just
sitting on one of these balls requires balance - so try using
one for part of the day. Work up gradually until you can sit on
the ball for 30 minutes at a time. These ball exercises can help
you develop proper posture, increase the mobility of your lower
back, and develop overall control of your body core.
Since balance is fundamental to every aspect of your golf game,
spend some time each day working on developing it. Who knows?
You could find your swing and your score improving dramatically!
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