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www.oakvillebeaver.com The Oakville Beaver Weekend, Saturday April 19, 2008 - 29 Improve your golf swing with pilates Golfers are constantly looking for ways to improve their game. They may hire instructors or pour over endless videos by golf masters. Some spend hours at the driving range hoping practice will be what it takes. Other golfers are turning to Pilates when traditional methods don't yield the desired results. Pilates (puh-LAH-teez) is a method of strength training that was developed in the early 20th century by Joseph Pilates. Pilates found that you could strengthen the core body muscles, the "powerhouse," encompassing the abdomen, lower back, hips, and buttocks, for overall health. This is a total body conditioning program that emphasizes proper alignment, centering, concentration, control, precision, breathing, and flowing movement. Today Pilates is one of the fastestgrowing fitness activities in America. Since the cost of a private Pilates session with a properly licensed instructor is comparable to or only slightly more expensive than a personal training session, it is something anyone can try. Because of these points, Pilates has grown outside the world of strictly fitness into the realm of rehabilitation, sports and improving day-to-day activities. Your golf instructor can tell you how to change and improve your swing, but sometimes your body just won't move that way. Pilates techniques develop a solid core of strength with flexibility, stability, balance, alignment, and posture -- all of the body requirements for the golf swing. Many exercises have also been adapted to men's physical requirements, and new exercises have been added for increasing rotation and flexibility in the neck, shoulders, torso, and upper back. Golfers like Tiger Woods and Butch Harmon, "Golf Digest's" #1 golf instructor, aren't the only sports figures adding Pilates to their routines. The NBA's New Jersey Nets now have Pilates equipment in their weight room and frequently have equipment shipped to hotels when the team is on the road. Some players once made fun of their wives and girlfriends for doing Pilates, but quickly have learned the benefits Pilates provides. Due to it's popularity, Pilates studios are popping up all over at a fast rate. Not all offer the proper training first instituted by Joseph Pilates. Therefore, when choosing an instructor, look for one with certification. (MS) WHITE OAKS GOLF CLUB/DRIVING RANGE CONTINUED PROGRAMS FOR 2008 Reduced Green Fee Rate Membership 7 Days a Week before 8 am $17 GF Twilight Mon-Fri after 7pm $15 GF Weekends & Holidays after 5pm - $15 GF Warmup bag of 12 range balls - $1 with each Green Fee 9 Holes - Executive Length Driving Range Mats & Grass T's Pitching & Putting Greens Summer Junior Golf Camps Small Tournaments & Leagues Licensed Snack Bar Professional golf instruction, individual or groups. Call Attila 905-339-4653. 1429 Dundas E. (1/2 km west of 403) 905-257-5409 · www.whiteoaksgolfclub.com Strengthening your core with Pilates can improve your stroke as well as help prevent injuries. Oakville's Best Kept Secret Mon-Thurs $33 Fri $35 Weekends $45 OAKVILLE EXECUTIVE GOLF COURSES 4414 Fourth Line at Lower Base Line (Eglinton Ave.) Call for tee times 905.875.3932 (Exec) www.oakvilleexecutivegolf.ca Signature Golf Courses Designed by Rene V. Muylaert, One of Canada's Premiere Golf Course Architects DRIVING RANGE 905-257-6075 1330 Burnhamthorpe Rd. W. (1 km W of Ninth Line Oakville) Hours: 9:00am to 9:00pm Monday thru Sunday CPGA GOLF INSTRUCTION · Private Lessons · Clinics · Swing Tips NOW OPEN VALUE CARDS NOW AVAILABLE 10 LARGE BASKETS FOR ONLY $ 75 Bordered By The Scenic 16 Mile Creek