Power Posture

The following are frequently asked questions we get at Motion Memory Sports, where the golf swing finally has been unveiled and found to be not nearly as mysterious as some instructors have led us to believe.  Instead, a good golf swing – any good golf swing-- centers around physical absolutes that every golfer can follow with confidence.  Absolutes are certainties, like blue sky and messy barbecue.

The opposite of absolutes are variables, which are the nuances that make individually good swings unique.

Golfers have been introduced recently to a totally new approach to their swings. Biomechanical studies reveal truth, absolutes and facts that every golfer, short or tall, big or small, male or female, young or old can learn, repeat and return to for life.

Q:  What are the two power–producing muscle groups in the golf swing?

A:  Glutes / hips and chest.  These two muscle groups are the only ones that fire at 100 percent during the golf swing. (We will focus on the muscles of the hip; next issue, we’ll address the chest.)

Q:  Which balancing joint/muscles are most important in establishing a stable base so that a golfer can rotate and execute a powerful swing?

A:  In golf, the primary balancing joint is the hip.  The muscles that control movement of the hip joint are your glutes, primarily, along with smaller muscles surrounding the joint itself.

Q:  Is it possible that I am not using the power in my hips and glutes?

A:  Yes. In fact, approximately 80 percent of recreational golfers do not take advantage of the bodies larger muscle groups.

Q:  How does this happen?

A:  Many golfers are not anatomically positioned to use the power in their glutes and hips.  Much of their problem lies in a setup with an upright spine and too much knee flex. The biomechanical response to this setup is to add weight in the balls of the feet by shifting slightly forward.  That is a beneficial position if the objective is to lunge forward, such as might help a sprinter, but not for a golfers, whose position is more static below the knees.  Additionally, the spine needs to be stabilized, and the only joints and muscles that can achieve that goal are the hips and glutes.  When weight is forward, in the balls of the feet, the primary balancing joint is the knee.  From that position, a golfer cannot maximize the power-producing affects of the glutes and hip muscles.

 To learn more about Motion Memory Golf, visit their website at www.motionmemory4golf.com or call them at
(314) 714-1707.  Through January 15th, Motion Memory is offering a 2 for 1 special for new clients.  Contact Lisa for more details.

"Alison Thietje was my personal trainer from 1997 to 2003. During that time I learned how my body responds in the golf swing. Alison has
spent years researching the biomechanics of the golf swing and how that relates to physical fitness. Her knowledge and attitude 
combine to make training effective and beneficial, to both your game and your life. I have yet to miss one PGA Tour event due to
injury, and feel better and stronger each day. Alison's approach to golf fitness will help any golfer to improve their game."
Justin Leonard, PGA Tour