6 Pilates Principles to Improve Your Golf Swing

   While Pilates exercise has been around since the First World War, it has only recently become popular in the golfing world. One reason why the Pilates method is so perfectly suited to golf fitness has to do with the theoretical principles behind the exercises.

1. Breathing (mobility, core stability/rotation & dynamic posture, cardiovascular fitness)
By learning to inhale and exhale fully as you practice Pilates, you will facilitate breathing. The better you breathe the more oxygen gets pumped around in your bloodstream and the easier it is to engage in cardiovascular activities.

2. Centering (stability, balance/static posture, power, mobility/flexibility)
    The center core (proximal) activates before the movement (distal) of the arms or legs. Proximal stability must occur before distal activation. In each Pilates exercise you are aware of the primacy of this center core and it becomes ever easier to engage these muscles.

3. Concentration (focus, power, coordination)
    By performing Pilates movements with concentration and focus, you train your attention. In Pilates we are mindful of the quality of movement rather than the quantity. This idea is the mind-body connection at work. The hierarchy of movement is: attention, intention, breath and movement initiation.

4. Control (balance, core stability, posture, power)
    In Pilates we use control to mean both muscle (body) and mental (mind) control. Control is a learned skill. You cannot force control with effort, but rather consistent attention and practice. Does your body respond the way you want it to while exercising. Practicing control of any coordinated movement will translate to your everyday life.