Hello everyone, It looks like everyone is focusing on getting plenty of time on the greens. Most people find that their focus on exercise deminishes during the beautiful weather with less challenges by cold weather. I agree that it's not the best time to make major changes in your routine as you might see the effects in your golf swing. Major adjustments to your routine are best implimented during your off season. But keeping up a maintenance program will not only keep you fit but will provide the appropriate recovery from this single sided sport and the effects it can have on your alignment. I, myself, also play tennis in the spring and fall and find that if I train my routine at the same level I enjoy in the off season I don't have enough time for recovery and both my workouts and my matches suffer. So I bring the intensity down a bit.
However, I highly recommend keeping your cardio consistent and daily stretching, flexibility work, keep you hearty for the higher frequency of play.
Also I wanted to remind everyone to stay well hydrated. Having enough water throughout the day is important and your should walk onto the golf course in good condition. The general rule of thumb is that for every 15 minutes you our in the elements you need an additional 4 oz. of water. That means a 16 ounce bottle, kind of the standard, will keep your fluid level in pretty good shape for about an hour. In higher temperatures and humidity, as we have in GA, that could go up.
Staying well hydrated will protect you from the risk of heat stroke. Even heat exhaustion is a very risky condition. Just remember that if you start having trouble concentrating on your game or experiences heightened fatigue in your extremities, you are probably looking at some level of dehydration.
Hope everyone is doing well and having their best season ever.
How did you know I have been blowing-off numerous workouts ? Did my wife call you and tell you I have been gaining weight the past 2 months? It's as though you knew I needed a kick-in-the-butt to get going again with my 5:30 am swims. OK! OK! I'm now going to re-establish my workout routine. Promise.
And great advice about the fluids---if you wait to feel thirsty before you take a drink you are already on your way to being dehydrated. On really hot days I try to drink a few glasses of water before I even get to the course. Water is the BEST way to hydrate---some of these sports drinks have a tremendous amount of sugar in them and carbonated beverages tend to fill you up and give you a false sense of feeling you have had enough to drink. Wrong! It's the little bubbles distending your stomach.
One final rant---SUNSCREEN. Most common sites for basal cell skin cancers are nose, upper cheeks, arms/hands, lower lip, and the most commonly forgotten area--the tops of your ears. 30SPF is fine, and with these new spray cans you don't even have to get your hands greasy when you need to apply it again mid-round (sorry for the minor threadjack). Wear a hat with a brim even if you feel a little dorky.
OK, back to work. Now, where did I put my gym bag?? Dr Dave
Some how I think we all know you are taking care of yourself doctor but thanks for the input. I completely dropped the ball in respect to the sunscreen area. I have two people just recently that are chasing that nasty sunspot issue with the dermatologist.
It is true that once you are thirsty . . . to late lads. Add to your symptom alert that if you find your fingers feeling fat, or swelling, you are experiencing dehydration.