5 Pieces of Exercise Equipment Every Golfer Should Own

One of the things that many people love about golf is quite simple – no running!

Thanks to the relatively low physical requirements to play a round of golf, it is a game that most enjoy well into their retirement years. That doesn’t mean however you can just walk out onto the first tee and expect to play your best.

By paying attention to a few specific parts of your physique, you can help improve your golf swing and make your days on the course that much more enjoyable (be sure to check our our Golf Fitness Essentials course for a lot more info on this topic).

Your hands, forearms, lower back, and legs are of particular importance to making good golf swings, so with that in mind, for this article we’ve outlined five pieces of exercise equipment every golfer

The five pieces of exercise equipment below are affordable, convenient to use, and work muscles that play a significant role on the course.

Disclaimer time: obviously, you should consult with your doctor before undertaking any kind of exercise routine, and working with a professional trainer may help to target the right muscles for your golf game!

5 Pieces of Exercise Equipment Every Golfer Should Own

#5 – Medicine Ball

Seated trunk rotations are great for improving a golfer’s core strength. Photo by the American Council on Exercise.

A classic piece of gym equipment, a medicine ball is good for all kinds of rotational exercises. You want to make sure your lower back is both strong and flexible so it can hold up to all of the bending and twisting that golf requires. Purchasing a medicine ball doesn’t require a big investment (you can find them for about $30 on Amazon), and they can be stored easily in a closet or basement.

A few golf exercises you can do with the medicine ball to help improve your core rotational strength include seated trunk rotations and the standing lift.

#4 – Resistance Bands

Rather than purchasing a collection of bulky and awkward free weights for your home, consider resistance bands instead. These can be less taxing on your joints than using free weights, and store away easier while not in use. Some resistance band products come packaged with DVD’s that offer a variety of exercises, so that is a good option if you are new to this kind of workout.

#3 – Abdominal Wheel

An ab wheel is a simple, inexpensive piece of exercise equipment that is excellent for improving core strength.

Core strength is a big part of making a good golf swing, as well as being able to make that swing consistently throughout the round. An ab wheel is a great way to focus on your core strength without laying on your back doing crunches for hours. Again, this is another affordable item which won’t take up much room in your home.

#2 – Exercise Ball

You will see these called by many different names, including a Swiss ball, balance ball, fitness ball, physioball, and more. No matter what it’s called, an exercise ball is a great piece of gear to have around the house.

There are a number of different core exercises that can be completed with the help of an exercise ball, and you can easily roll it into a corner (or even deflate it) when it’s not in use. These are offered in a variety of sizes, so be sure to find one that works for your frame.

Check out this YouTube video for an excellent (and free) 10 minute exercise ball workout routine you can do right at home.

#1 – Yoga Mat

Okay – so this isn’t so much a piece of exercise equipment as it is a place to do your exercises. Regardless, having a yoga mat available around the house will give you a clean and comfortable place to do your workouts. Yoga mats are inexpensive, small, lightweight, and portable – so you can complete your workout even while you are on the go.

Summing it Up

The nice thing about this list of exercise equipment for golfers is that the entire list can be purchased for around $100 or less (no $1000 Bowflex here!). Obviously these few items can’t take the place of an entire, well-stocked gym, but the idea is to provide you with a few key pieces of equipment that are inexpensive, easy to use at home, and simple to store away when not in use.

As a golfer is there a particular piece of exercise equipment you simply can’t live without? If so, share it in the comments below.

(Cover Photo Credit)