Gravity Fx Fitness

Indian clubs are a great way to enhance or maintain your posture and shoulder mobility.  They can be used as part of a dynamic warmup for the upper body, prior to sports or a workout.

Weighted clubs have been used for physical training for centuries in India and neighboring countries – heavier clubs for strength, and lighter clubs for coordination and mobility.  They could be found in many turn of the century or early 1900’s gymnasiums.

I’ve used Indian clubs weighing 1or 2 pounds for a while now and they are a great way to warmup.  The circular movements train the wrist, elbow, and shoulder at the same time, lubricating the joints.  There are many different patterns that can be used, from simple to complex.

Someone who has lost some mobility and maybe has some posture issues can start with basic pendulum moves and gradually add more complex patterns.  The more difficult patterns increase upper body coordination – teaching all the joints to work together.

They force you to expand your ribcage as you swing them overhead – perfect for someone sitting at a desk all day with poor posture.  I think that they work well with joint mobility programs that are done with bodyweight.  They add just enough resistance to make additional demands on the body.

They can be used by the older golfer, baseball player or tennis player who wants to keep from losing their mobility.  They also are great for those doing strength training.

I’ve got some wear and tear on my shoulders from lifting weights with poor posture and they help me keep training intensely, past the age of 40.

Get moving!

Brian Morgan

Tweet This Post

Improving your thoracic mobility may add some distance to your golf drive.  If you’re like many people, you may have had some posture changes as you get older.

Spending most of your time sitting – at work, in the car, or in front of the TV or computer – can negatively affect your posture over time.

When your shoulders round forward, your thoracic spine can also have too much of a curve.  This results in a loss of mobility which can take distance off your golf swing, as well as place unnecessary stress on your shoulders.

Golfers who have lost movement in the hip and thoracic regions may use their low backs to make up for lost rotation.  This is not good for your back!

Here is one way to improve that mobility.  Chiropractic care and/or skilled massage therapy can help increase movement, as well.

In previous articles, I covered abdominal (diaphragm) breathing, which can also improve your ability to move properly.

You also need to train your abs and low back for greater stability.  New ideas in “core training” have developed the thought that these muscles function more as anti-rotators.

Meaning you should get your rotation at the hip and T-spine, while the abs and low back are providing stability, so that you can generate more power while providing greater protection for your spine.

This follows the joint by joint training ideas of physical therapist Gray Cook – some joints are meant to provide more movement than others.

Loss of thoracic mobility can also result in lost movement at the shoulder.  The body is linked together like a chain and one area can affect the function of others above or below it.

Get moving!

Brian

Tweet This Post

I’ll share some “shoulder savers” with those of you over 35, like me.  This is especially helpful for those who spend all day sitting at a desk and then go for a round of golf after work or on the weekends.

Cyclists are also prone to posture issues, due to the amount of time spent leaning forward, so if you also spend your work day seated, make sure to strengthen your upper back.

I’ve done damage to both of my shoulders in the past and have worked on plenty of shoulder injuries, so these tips might help.

Rowing exercises strengthen your posterior shoulders and the area between your shoulderblades.  Both of these areas need to be strong if you want healthy shoulders.

When your shoulders are rounded forward, it puts unnecessary stress on them.  A neutral position  makes your movements more efficient, whether you are throwing a golf disc (frisbee, to some) or swinging the clubs.

Besides reducing your risk of rotator cuff injury, you’ll likely see improvement in your distance.  If you’re like me, you might be interested in passing for a few years younger.  Improving your posture and upper back strength sure doesn’t hurt your appearance any.

Increased stability with your shoulderblades can also increase the range of motion in your upper arm – something that often plagues older golfers.

Get moving!

Brian Morgan

Tweet This Post