Warming up for golf in February
February 2, 2001
It’s February, and therefore time for the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am. The fabulous views of the famous Monterey Peninsula course, the migrating whales, and the antics of celebrity amateurs such as Bill Murray bring hope for better days on local courses.
This winter has not been kind to Cape Region golfers. Almost every weekend, they have found themselves staring at The Weather Channel, hoping in vain for 50-degree days without any small craft advisories.
Meanwhile, what some golfers call their “winter weight” makes an appearance. Vertically striped shirts develop mysterious curves as the fabric approaches the belt line.
Fortunately, the Pebble Beach tournament is the perfect occasion to begin the workouts that will pay off when the weather improves.
Here is a suggested approach.
The Warm-up.
One hour before the televised tournament coverage begins at 3 p.m. EST on Saturday, go for a walk. Take 30 minutes to stroll around the neighborhood at a normal pace, and then return to the house. Sit down, and drink a glass of water.
The Set-Up.
Stand and walk through your house, but with no sudden movements. Clear an open area in front of your television set, preferably in a part of the house where you can also place your treadmill or stationary bike. Place the treadmill or stationary bike a comfortable viewing distance from the television set. If you have a small stool or wooden chair handy, place it near the other exercise equipment, but no closer to the television. Next to the equipment, place your TV’s remote control, a nine-iron, a light barbell, and a towel. Sit down, and drink a glass of water.
The Aerobic Workout.
At 3 p.m., turn on the television with a careful press of the right thumb against the remote control button. Adjust the sound, and listen to the opening monologues by the CBS crew as the coverage begins. During the first commercial, carefully mount the exercise bike or treadmill, and slowly begin your aerobic workout.
For the first half-hour of the show, keep a steady pace. Don’t be distracted by Bill Murray, Gary McCord, or the barking seals. Dismount the bike or treadmill and sit down on the stool or wooden chair. Towel off, and drink a glass of water. Then take 15 minutes to carefully observe the erratic swings of the amateurs playing along with the PGA pros. You’ll feel better already.
The Stretching Exercises.
After the observation period, stand facing the television. Place your 9-iron against the back of your neck, holding it gently with both hands stretched beyond your shoulders. Slowly rotate your trunk, keeping your knees bent slightly and your hips still. Hold each turn for a count of 5 seconds, or the time it takes a PGA player to plumb bob his putter, whichever is longer. Repeat twice. Sit down, and drink a glass of water.
The Weightlifting Workout.
Sit on the stool or wooden chair, facing the television. Arrange your legs so that your thighs are parallel to the floor, with your feet flat on the floor. Place the barbell in your left hand and rest your left arm against your thigh, with the barbell hanging down against the knee, palm side up. While holding your arm against your thigh with your right hand, slowly curl your left hand, lifting the barbell and holding it for 10 seconds. Repeat three times, and then switch to the right hand after resting through a commercial break.
Then repeat the same exercise again, but this time hold the barbell so your palms are facing down. Rest through yet another commercial break while remaining seated, and drink a glass of water.
The Cool-Down.
Move slowly from the stool or wooden chair to your couch or recliner. Lie down or recline in the full-back position, with your head tilted slightly toward the television. Watch the rest of the show. When it’s over, so is your workout.
Repeat on Sunday during the final round.