DVD: 3 Clubs 3 Workouts – Pilates-Based Core Conditioning
with Golf Fitness Expert Ingrid Saffert

Reviewed by Jeffrey Reed, Copyright 2005 London Ontario Golf

If you still believe that golf is a past time and not a sport, shame on you. We avid golfers know, golf is a demanding game – tough on the body while challenging the mind. The great Bobby Jones once quipped, "Golf is a game that is played on a five-inch course – the distance between your ears."

True, golf is a mental game, but better golfers know it requires incredible strength and flexibility in order to compete at your very best. Michigan-based golf fitness expert Ingrid Saffert has produced a 58-minute video, 3 Clubs, 3 Workouts – Pilates-Based Core Conditioning – that will help any golfer transform both body and game. Through stretching and exercising designed specifically for the intricate biomechanics of golf, Saffert has developed a winning formula for unleashing a more powerful swing, and greater velocity upon impact through core muscle conditioning.

Now, because I am the lucky owner of a fickle lower back, I currently use a half-hour pre-game stretching routine, and 15-minute post-round routine, so I’m probably the exception. But watching this video, I’ve learned some new stretches and exercises which hopefully will increase my flexibility, stamina and strength on the golf course.

Saffert, who holds a Master’s degree in Exercise Science, has also studied certifications in both STOTT Pilates and personal training. She further completed the Golf Biomechanic certification and Level 1 of Corrective High Performance Exercise Kinesiology at the world-renowned C.H.E.K. Institute in California. Saffert has also appeared on NBC television with Peter Nielsen and Gary Player, so she knows what she’s talking about when it comes to golf conditioning.

Based on the principles of Pilates, which emphasizes abdominal strength, Saffert’s innovative approach to golf fitness uses what she calls a Swiss ball. If you haven’t used a fitness ball before, it may take some getting used to, and perhaps a spotter until you have nailed Saffert’s instructions. But listen: if Pilates training is good enough for Tiger Woods and Annika Sorenstam, then it’s good enough for us mere mortals, right?

The low-impact toning exercises from 3 Clubs, 3 Workouts work the abdominals, legs and arms. All you need is a fitness ball, comfortable athletic attire and shoes, and a towel or mat. The video is divided into sections of: flexibility and warm up; putting exercises; chipping exercises; and driving exercises. The bonus section on pre-game and post-game stretching is very informative, too – I’m a fitness nut, and I learned some new stretching moves.

Saffert’s exercises condition the entire body to move in sync, in order to improve flexibility, strength and posture which affect ball striking and putting. Your swing plane, hip rotation and follow-through are all addressed. In short, the video can help you perform better on the golf course through stretching and conditioning – the Pilates way.

As for the five inches between the ears, that’s your head doctor’s department. But if you wish to learn more about 3 Clubs, 3 Workouts, visit www.ingift.com . And remember: if you grow physically tired on the golf course, your mind can play funny tricks on you. Golf is tough enough: get fit, and have fun.