The Golf Swing Versus Technology
What David says about clubs and balls is true, however sad that might be. Manufacturers and retailers will have us believe that we CAN buy a better game. We most probably can, within reason.
Technology has allowed manufacturers to produce more forgiving clubs and balls that travel further. The argument can be made that it will make the game more enjoyable, attract more people and all the rest of it.
The effect that distance has on courses and tournaments is a topic we might tackle at a later stage. We all know (and the manufactures do too) that distance sells.
Retailers (and manufactures, for that matter) can contribute with proper club fitting. Gone are the old days when the boys purchased individual clubs from various sources. Matching sets was unheard of. Computerized customization allows for differences in build, swing speed and level of skill.
With hybrid clubs, and sets, the death of the long iron was inevitable. When last did you see anybody swing a 1-iron?
It is noticeable that the professional golfers lean more towards so-called amateur equipment whereas the ammies in the old days yearned for a set of traditional forged blades. (I am still a sucker for those things!)
The bottom line is that if you cannot swing a club half-decently, and, as Mr. Nicklaus puts it, propel the ball in a predominantly forward fashion, it might be a good idea to take up whatever else but golf.
I am a firm believer of proper ball striking. If you cannot make contact with the ball first, particularly with irons and hybrids, you will never control the ball, and that is what this game is about!
As much as technology allows for forgiveness on mishit shots, and compensates for not-so-pure ball striking, the fact remains that a fairly decent swing, based on basic principles, will improve your scores, enjoyment and, yes, all the rest of it. It will also hold up under pressure.
A good, solid swing should not be mistaken for a nice-looking swing. We have different physical attributes and natural abilities. The mere physics of this dictates that swings will differ from person to person.
Gary player said a number of very clever things. one is that if it works, use it. That, to me, means that how my swing looks might be flattering, but it is the score that counts.
If you look at the truly fluent swings out there, Ernie Els and Vijay Singh, and compare that to Lee Trevino and Arnold Palmer (with all due respect), whose swing would you rather copy?
Yet at impact they are all the same: head behind the ball, hips out of the way, weight on the left foot. Good, solid fundamentals can never be replaced!
I have to impress on all golfers out there, current and aspiring, the proper use of the driving range. Just a few ideas:
warm up properly Check the basics: grip, stance, posture, alignment, ball position Work on something specific as opposed to getting maximum distance out of your driver You cannot see yourself swing, so get help, a friend, video camera
If you are really serious, get yourself a forged blade 6-iron and an old persimmon driver. If you can hit a golf ball consistently with those two, you can hit anything!
It might take a little more than a simple golf swing to reduce my scores, but I am still a devoted follower of this weird game!
Thank you for bearing with me. This was my first effort I will try again!
Corrie Nel is a golf fanatic and former club captain. Find out how to lengthen your drives and lower your scores at:
http://www.sportatlas.com (Please use ID 1536)
Where Can I Buy Discount Vitamins
Yoga and the Mind/Body Connection
Yoga is most famous for its healing ability and the peace of mind that it brings. How does Yoga do this?
The body has two nervous systems, sympathetic, and parasympathetic. The sympathetic system, also called the fight or flight system, causes blood pressure to rise, breath rate to increase, and stress hormones to flood the body. This prepares the body for fight, and in todays world, this occurs when we are stressed or agitated. This system, when over stimulated, can cause health problems like ulcers, migraines, and heart disease.
The parasympathetic system does just the opposite, lowering blood pressure and slowing the pace of your breathing. This frees the blood to travel to digestive, reproductive, glandular, and immune systems of the body, because it doesnt need to rush to the muscles. These systems contain the organs that are essential for long term survival. The body has time now to heal from the damage of daily battles. Long, deep breathing exercises encourage the actions of the parasympathetic system, allowing relaxation and healing. The breathing meditations practiced in Yoga encourage the parasympathetic nervous system.
Yoga encourages the mind to calm itself as well. By concentrating on breathing, your mind doesnt wander, and it is encouraged to stay connected to the body, in the now. The more we daydream and reminisce, the less our mind is open to the good things happening now. We tend to miss out on embracing the moments that are happening now. There is a connection between the emotional and psychological states and the pace of our breathing. When we are excited or frightened we take shorter, quicker, shallow breaths; when we are sleeping, or very relaxed, our breathing is longer and deeper.
Yoga teaches the mind to change the breathing pattern, to make breaths slower and deeper, and the state of our mind is similarly affected, being calmer, and quieter. over time, those who practice Yoga will act and think from a state of peace, making them more likely to act with patience and understanding. The breath helps us to concentrate on staying connected to the present time, helping us move on from past grievances and sadness, viewing the world as it is, without false expectations. Those who practice Yoga accept themselves and others just as they are.
Being in good shape physically affects peoples moods. Strengthening the muscles and joints helps us feel better physically, and reducing blood pressure and stimulating the immune systems lead those who practice Yoga to a state of peace in addition to physical health.
discover more about fundamental principles of yoga and yoga breathing exercises at pilates-yoga.info.
Drishti Yoga Mat
Feel Younger - By Choice
How do we keep ourselves young, or at least slow down the aging process. There is a multitude of nutritional supplements available to us, to slow down the process, and possibly reverse some adverse conditions that come with age. I will talk about some of them her. If you have a medical condition (diabetes, heart disease, etc. ), check with your health care professional, before beginning a new program of supplements of exercise.
RNA and DNA are the building blocks of life. Over the long haul, damage may have occurred in our body. Replacing RNA and DNA can be helpful in rebuilding damaged tissue and cells. Oral and sublingual forms are available. The sublingual spray has been shown to be absorbed up to 90% by this method, whereas, as little as 3% of the oral has shown to be absorbed.
DHEA is a chemical that is abundant in our systems,when we are young. After the age of 30 the production of this substance drastically drops. Taking DHEA has been shown to help boost the immune system efficiency. It also is helpful in diabetes.
Hyaluronic Acid is another chemical which diminishes as we get older. It is abundant in our eyeballs. It aids in cushioning our joints. And, hyaluronic acid helps keep the skin young and pliable.
Antioxidants such as vitamin C, vitamin E, co-enzyme Q10, alpha lipoic acid, beta carotene, folic acid, zinc, and selenium, are powerful agents in keeping our body healthy. Herbs, such as, green tea extract, milk thistle, bromelain, cranberry powder extract,rosemary extract, grapeseed extract, gingko bilabo, ginger root, hawthorn berry, bilberry, zeaxanthin, lutein,also aid in the anti-aging process.
Attitude has much to do with aging faster or slower. Socialize with people who think younger. Do not let other drag you down. Feel and experience the good things in your life. Really, feel them in your soul and spirit. Do not let them pass you by. God has put them there, just for you.
exercise is important to keeping the body vital and young. Do not restrict yourself to one type of exercise. Variety is better. Walking or jogging is good for your cardiovascular system. weight training helps make your body structure strong ( the skeletal system and muscular system and your core ). stretching increases your flexibility. yoga,tai Chi, and other of this type of exercise, increases your flexibility and strengthens your core. All of these done in moderation can help keep the aches and pains associated with aging at bay.
Relax. This is very important. learn to relax. learn to meditate, to block out the nuisances of the outside world. meditation does not have to be done in the seated lotus position. Just relax in your favorite chair and think about nothing. A massage chair may be a good investment. This will allow you to relax and the massage action will stimulate blood flow at the same time.
Enjoy your years, Enjoy your time. Look your best. Feel your best. Life is an experience to be experienced and cherished.
Written by John Markus at http://www.feelmorelife.com John had been a pharmacist for 33 years. His wife has type I diabetes. Also, his eight year old granddaughter has diabetes. He and his family have been dealing with these type of problems for a long time. Tough at times, but successfully in end. John has also studied exercise and nutrition, and their effects on the body and medical conditions for 30 plus years.
Yoga Cl Madison Wi