Golf fitness now offered

OTTAWA — Ottawa Regional Hospital is now offering a new service, golf fitness, thanks to the recent certification of employee Doug Wisler, an exercise physiologist within Cardiac Rehab. Wisler successfully completed training through the Titleist Performance Institute (TPI) to become a Certified Golf Fitness Instructor.

Wisler describes golf fitness as a type of exercise program that can help golf enthusiasts stay in the game later in life while receiving other health benefits as well. The instruction is based on the teachings of TPI — the world leader in research and data for golf fitness, health and swing biomechanics.

“There are several ways to swing a golf club. This program isn’t designed to change your swing and give you a better score,” explains Wisler.

“It’s designed to produce a more efficient swing. Our philosophy is that an efficient swing is based on each individual’s physical capabilities.”

Wisler also explains that the six-week program involves video swing analysis and a comprehensive exam to identify swing flaws, balance issues, flexibility issues and muscle imbalances. Clients receive customized instruction and have access to the TPI website for additional tips, instruction and personal training.

A final evaluation will be completed at the end of the program at which point ongoing maintenance is often suggested.

Clients can expect to see several possible benefits upon completing the golf fitness program including:

• Improved posture, flexibility and strength

• Minimized chance of injury

• More efficient golf swing

• Reduced pain in life and on the course

Wisler said a few people have already completed the program with great success including Don McLuckie of rural Morris. After discovering that he was “more unfit than originally thought,” McLuckie joined the program to “play golf better and longer — until later in life.”

McLuckie continues exercising and training on his own now that he has completed the 6-week course.
He adds, “There’s no golfer beyond the age of 30 who couldn’t benefit from this program!”

“Now is the time to give it a try,” said Wisler, the area’s only certified instructor.

“Perfecting your swing and getting in shape during the offseason will give you that edge once the spring weather hits.”