2019 #GetGolfFit: Shoulder Taps

Shoulder Taps is the second of three core stability exercises designed to increase core strength and give you more stability and power on the golf course.

Class-A PGA Professional and former NFL player Jason Witczak of The Club at Pradera and Pinery Country Club and Elizabeth Martin are here to introduce you to an exercise that will stabilize your golf swing and promote consistency in your game.

Choose a mat that will allow you to take the desired position comfortably on the ground. You will want to get in a standard pushup position on the mat and make sure that you maintain a flat back throughout each set. When you have reached this position, you will then bring one hand at a time to the opposite shoulder, and then return it to the mat. Once you have completed one shoulder tap, you will then do the same with your other hand. Alternate hands for the remainder of the set.

Again, the flat-back position is crucial to the engagement of your core. Additionally, you will want to keep your movement from side-to-side to a minimum throughout the exercise. This ensures that your abs are doing the majority of the work, and you aren’t simply shifting weight onto your arms and shoulders. You can do this by focusing on a point on the floor a few inches in front of your hands and keeping a steady tempo.

The set and repetition amounts will vary based on the golfer, but three sets of 12 reps is a great place to start.

Continuous use of this exercise will strengthen your core (specifically your abs) and base and provide a solid foundation from which to swing the golf club. A solid foundation and less movement from the lower-body promotes consistency in your game and lower scores.

What you’ll need:

• Mat/towel

How to do it:

• Take a flat-backed, pushup position
• While staying steady, alternate bringing your hands up to the opposite should and back to the ground

You can find more of these exercises by following Golf Digest Top 50 Golf Fitness Trainer Andrew Hannon on Instagram at @Ando_PFS.

You can follow Colorado AvidGolfer on Instagram at @ColoradoAvidGolfer

You can follow Jason Witczak on Instagram at @JWitPGA

You can follow Elizabeth Martin on Instagram at @Elizabeth_Diane22

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