As a follow on from our recent Blog, Pilates for Golfers with James Goffman, we are profiling three studio members who also use Pilates as a support to their golfing practice.
Studio Members, Fiona Cary, Mary Simic and Dean Smallman are all keen golfers. Individually they have all experienced their own personal struggles with injury because of the repetitive movement and stress golf brings to the body. Over years of practice golf can be seriously taxing on the body. Pilates is the perfect support for golfers to work on injury prevention, and recovery.
Please meet some of our golfing members and their personal experience with Pilates and Golf.
Mary Simic
Mary is a member at the Bundall Studio and joined us in July 2021 after experiencing shoulder issues from Golf.
How long have you been Golfing for?
5 years
Do you have any specific injuries or issues as a result of Golf?
Tight Hamstrings, Shoulder issues
How long have you been doing Pilates?
Reformer Pilates 6 months (used to do floor Pilates before that)
What bought you to Pilates initially?
Aging body and benefits for core and stretching
What is the main benefit of Pilates for you?
Building core, improving stability, using all muscle groups, and stretching
How has Pilates impacted your Golf practice?
Gives me more strength and stability
What would you say to other Golfers about the Pilates and Golf combination?
Worth doing for strength, stability & flexibility
Dean Smallman
Dean joined Pilates & Co in September 2020 and has realised the benefits of added Pilates into his exercise regime.
How long have you been Golfing for?
Played a bit in my teens then started playing more consistently from aged 24…in my 20s, 30s and 40s I played at least weekly if not twice a week. I now playing between 4 and 5 times a week. My handicap goes between 4 and 6, and it’s been that way since my early 30s
Do you have any specific injuries or issues because of Golf?
I used to have lower back issues which would restrict my ability to play and general mobility.
How long have you been doing Pilates?
I started Pilates about 7 years ago to address my lower back issues and have been doing between 2 and 5 classes a week ever since.
What bought you to Pilates initially?
I knew if I didn’t fix my lower back issues by developing a stronger core as well as more flexibility, I would not be able to play as much or as good as I wanted.
What is the main benefit of Pilates for you?
Core strength, flexibility, toning and the fact that done well, no injuries or injury prevention.
How has Pilates impacted your Golf practice?
I can play as much as I want, whenever I want without any residual soreness. I recently played 5 rounds in 2 days as part of a golf trip that saw me play 9 rounds in 6 days.
What would you say to other Golfers about the Pilates and Golf combination?
If you want to play golf till the grave Pilates is the answer
Fiona Cary
Fiona is a member at the Bundall Studio and joined us in October 2020 after experiencing a number of recurring injuries through golf.
“Pilates has improved my balance when swinging at the ball and also supports my follow through after hitting the ball. It has improved my short game and improved my confidence when hitting into the green from 80 metres.
I have found a Pilates session works on all areas of the body encouraging stability and strength without leaving your body exhausted and aching from repetitive movements.” Fiona Cary
Are you a Golfer?
Would you like to realise the benefits of combining Pilates with your Golf? Come along and try one of our Intro Offers at either Burleigh or Bundall:
6 group classes for $60
4 small group classes for $99
3 private sessions for $199