This month (this week actually) I have achieved some major milestones in my progress and accomplished something I really wasn’t sure I would EVER accomplish.  For an athlete that has arthritis in his left hip, and has favored his right side due to to the pain in the left side, my Quads are very out of sync and extremely “tight” (compensation for the pain in one side of my body).  One of my goals was to get my Quads “loose” enough to allow me to have my heel pressed upwards enough to touch my butt (kneeling on one knee, hands on the floor – bringing the foot on the floor of the “kneeling” leg, all the way up to the butt).  When I started three months ago, my left left leg was a full 12 inches away from reaching that goal and my right leg was about 10 inches away.  On Monday this week, the right heel hit the finish line and today, the left leg made it!

As I have mentioned previously, having an arthritic hip made running almost impossible (notice I said “made”, as in past-tense).  I am now up to jogging 1/2 a mile at 4.5 MPH (versus 1/4 mile at 4.0 MPH at the end of last month).  The best part of that is, I am able to do it without pain in my left hip!  I am not ever going to run a marathon BUT the cardio workout is just as important and the jogging works different muscles than riding a bike or using a climber AND it’s helping with the strength in my legs.

So the question begs to be asked… “How is this helping your golf?”  One of the things I knew going in was once I started, there was going to be a period of adjustment due to the increased range of motion and flexibility.  Honestly, it’s messed with my golf swing BUT it’s NOT a BAD thing… it a RELEARNING and ADJUSTMENT thing.  Here’s what I know… in the last two tournaments I’ve played, I have hit shots with my 5 Iron 226, 233 and 239 yards (not down-wind).  I usually hit my 5 iron 190-205 average.  I played a number of shots with my pitching wedge over 140 yards (normal for me is 132 max).  I have had 6 drives in the last 2 events over 330 yards with the longest being 343 on # 15 at Vista Verde last week (Curtis Palmer can attest to that).  Along with the gain in distance, I have more energy and stamina (easily enough to go another 18) AND there is no pain in my hip when finished (or my back, legs or shoulders).

I’ve lost another 5 lbs this month and my clothes are fitting more poorly than they did last month so I am going to have to break down and buy some or I’m gonna look like the “pants on the ground” dude pretty soon.

So my question to you is this; “When are you going to come join me at Fore-Max?”  Who’s up for the challenge?  Who wants to feel better, look better and play better?  Call Steve at Fore-Max and go in and get your free evaluation!  480-339-7956

Fairways & Greens,

David

Rory discovered (as many golfers have) that you need flexibility, endurance and core strength to take your game to the next level.  Contrary to popular belief, it wasn’t Tiger who started the trend in “golf fitness”, it was Gary Player some 40 years ago (and he’s had a pretty good career!).  Tiger just happened to be the one who brought “golf fitness” to the forefront because of his in-your-face success on Tour.  Reminds me of the “Bionic Man” TV show… “we can rebuild him bigger, stronger, faster…”

While I have no shot at EVER becoming the #1 Golfer in the World, there is nothing that says I can’t do the things these guys do to improve MY flexibility, endurance and core strength (and nothing that says you can’t either).  A little time, a little energy and some commitment to making it happen and the results start to show.  I’m no different than any other golfer out there… I WANT to improve my game and I’m willing to do something about it.  Here’s something else you might find interesting, without taking a single lesson, my SWING has improved (flexibility).  My distance has increased (core strength & flexibility).  I can easily play 36 holes now whereas I could barely hang on to play 18 just 3 months ago (endurance) and do it pain-free.

Have a look at this link then call Steve Heller at Fore-Max (480-399-7956) and get yourself set up to start down the path to a better game!  The Fitness Secret Of The World’s No. 1 Golfer

So here’s what I know…  Steve Heller REALLY knows what he’s doing and I am proof that it can be done.  It may not sound like anything earth shattering but for a 52 year old guy that hasn’t “worked out” in years, is over weight, out of shape and was dealing with “pain” due to a total lack of flexibility, this is huge.  I have quite a ways to go but I also have a seriously dedicated coach that is helping me achieve my goals, one baby step at a time.  The old adage “you have to crawl before you can walk and you have to walk before you can run” certainly applies here.  Or, in my case… I have to stretch before I can get loose and I have to get loose before I will become flexible (and I haven’t been flexible in years).

By the time I am done this coming Friday morning I will have completed one full month of workouts.  My first goal will be met… sticking with a workout program for an entire month (and you all know exactly what I am talking about)!  The fact that Steve has me seeing results in just four weeks will take the next month from “let’s see if I can do it” to “I can’t wait to do it”… and THAT was not what I was expecting and THAT is EXCITING!

Fairways & greens,

David

If you are a “slow player” you might want to pack full body armor along with your clubs, shoes and sunscreen… especially if you play in Ft. Worth Texas.

Golfer stabbed in brawl at Eagle Mountain Lake golf course | Fort Worth | News from Fort….

This is a must read!  Everything I am doing with the Fore-Max program centers around this simple concept.

Whether your workout routine involves running a marathon or playing a game of basketball, a sequence of stretching exercises is often the easiest thing to cut out of it.

I had a great week with my personal Fore-Max training.  Steve Heller is is REALLY, REALLY good at what he does.  I am going to encourage ALL OF YOU to take advantage of the FREE 90 Minute Evaluation Steve has offered you.  Why?  BECAUSE IT WORKS!  Did I mention I dropped from a 36″ waist to a 34″ waist?  No?  First time in 10 years I have been in a size 34… like I said, it’s working.  Now, it’s YOUR turn!

I had the most wonderful and generous opportunity presented to me last week by one of our newest NSMGA Members, Mr. Kevin McGrath.  I had to be in Orlando, FL on Friday evening for a Saturday meeting.  Kevin knew I was coming and graciously invited me to attend a party hosted by Howdy Giles at the Bay Hill Club on Friday evening.  If you’re not familiar with Howdy, he is Arnold Palmer’s personal dentist, #1 fan and friend for over 40 years.  Howdy is the gentlemen that wrote/published the book “The King and I” www.howdygiles.com/Home.  What a pleasure and a treat!  There were golf industry professional and players from around the world that attended the party or just stopped in to say hi and visit!  It was quite the experience.  Thank you Kevin!  That made my year.  On a side note – I am going to do a post shortly about Kevin’s company.  I think all of you will find it quite fascinating and worth checking out.

Fairways & Greens,

David

So, to get everyone up to speed on my “progress” with Fore-Max…

First of all, I have to say this may just be one of the best decisions I have ever made.  If someone would have told me getting up at 4:30 am three days a week to go “work out” would make me feel THIS good, I would have done it years ago!  As of yesterday (Monday January 23, 2012) I have 4 sessions under my belt (which is a notch tighter by the way – more on that later) and I am loving it!  It’s been years since I have done anything that has pushed me so hard and motivated me more than what I am doing right now with Steve Heller at Fore-Max.  He’s a professional trainer.  He knows EXACTLY what I need.  We have a plan, I have some goals and there isn’t anything going to get in the way of it.  I figure if this is good enough for PGA, LPGA, Senior Tour and Nationwide Tour professionals to use as part of their training regime, it’s gotta be good enough for me.  The big difference is working within a program that is designed to benefit GOLFERS yet provides overall well being and balance throughout your entire body.

I am already experiencing more flexibility, greater range of motion and new strength in my core from just a week of being on the program.  Sunday, at the tournament at Vista Verde, I did not experience any pain in my hip at all (and that’s the first time in 4 years I can say I was pain free for an entire round of golf).  I felt stronger, more limber and loose and I probably could have played another 18 holes!  I can’t wait to see where we are a month from now!

For all of you that have asked me questions about the program…  Flexibility first, balance, strength, and cardio.  It is not “painful” in the way lifting causes… not that kind of pain.  The pain is from stretching muscles, ligaments and tendons that have gotten “tight” over the years and “opening things up” (creating space) so the flexibility is there.  The “pain” goes away quickly and it’s not like you’re so sore you can’t move or are uncomfortable.  The unexpected benefit is the increase in energy I am experiencing (I’m sure if I said “increase in sex drive” EVERYONE would run over to Kierland and sign up immediately!), but, I guess with more “energy” there’s going to be room for that too!

I’d like to encourage everyone to make an appointment with Steve and take him up on his offer to do a free, 90 minute evaluation (just like he did with me) and see for yourself what this program can do for you.  You’ve got nothing to lose and everything to gain.  There are already half a dozen NSMGA Members in the program and it would be great to have more of you involved.  Give it a shot for a month or two.  The worst thing that can happen is you’ll be more flexible, feel better and maybe increase your stamina 2 or 3 times over (and you can use that for whatever comes to mind).

8-Week FORE-MAX Workout Package

Don’t just plan to get fit for the New Year, get a FITNESS MAKEOVER with the Fitness Director to the Westin Kierland Agave Spa and Kierland Golf Club – Steve Heller.  Not your average personal trainer, Steve has worked with celebrities to famous athletes, advanced fitness levels to beginners.  No excuses!

• Flexible am/pm class scheduling
  January 3 – March 31, 2012
• Tailor to specific goals:  build muscle, lose weight, healthy lifestyle
• Package includes:
  - Initial health evaluation and assessment – $90 value
  - 8 FORE-MAX workout sessions (90 minutes each)
  – 30 minutes assisted stretching
  – 30 minutes core exercises
  – 30 minutes interval/aerobic workout
  - Protein berry smoothie after each class
• $295 per package – $720 value

BOOK NOW at 480-399-7956 or steve.heller@westin.com
Mention “New Year, New You” FORE-MAX package

More details, statistics and pictures to follow.

Fairways & Greens,

David

I’ll have a complete update for the week following Day 3 on Friday including some statistical information and some pictures to share as well as some insight provided by Steve Heller as to where I “am” and what it’s going to take to get me to where I need (and want) to be.  I’m excited, a little bit sore from the work but feeling really good about my choice to make some changes for the better.

More on Friday!  Until then…

Fairways & Greens,

David

As of 5:30 am I start with my initial evaluation (this should be interesting)!  Steve Heller will be personally administering my evaluation as we run through a myriad of “starting points” to establish my baseline and which will allow us to measure my progress going forward.  I have 90 minutes to be spent figuring out what to do with an old beat up body to make it strong, healthy and flexible again.

I will be posting about the program often, and I encourage you to follow my progress.  I’ll just say this now… If this program does what it is supposed to do, and they turn this beat up old body into something lean, mean, balanced and flexible I will be that most thankful guy on the planet.  At almost 53 years old, I still have the heart of a champion, the desire to be competitive and a willingness to do whatever it takes to make that happen (better late than never, right?).  What I need is the BODY to let me keep going the way I picture me going in my head!  I am a bit overweight (only about 10 lbs now but I have lost 20+ lbs in the last few months), out of shape, have high blood pressure and high cholesterol (both under control with med’s), an annoying bit of arthritis in my left hip (from years of competitive skating) and I seriously do not have the range of motion and flexibility I once had.

They say a journey of a thousand miles begins with the first step…  My first step is tomorrow morning.  Wish me luck!

Fairways & Greens,

David

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