Fit For Golf Training App - 2024 Forum Review

[ejgaudette]

Glad to see things are getting rolling. Should be great to see all the new features and programs and how they help you with your gold game and overall health.

[Subdiver1]

On 2/22/2024 at 8:11 AM, ILMgolfnut said:

In addition to the exercises in the video I linked earlier in the thread, I've added a version of reverse planks. If you're unfamiliar with them, you lie on your back with knees bent and lift your rear end off the floor, keeping your glutes tight. Not only does that help strengthen the glutes and other core muscles, but for me it helps stretch my hip flexors, which are ridiculously tight after too many decades of sitting at a desk (for those of you not medical, a huge part of my job has always been doing the paperwork, generally sitting down to do it). You can also do reverse planks like this, but my dinged rotator cuff makes the shoulder support for this position problematic.

Interesting version.  I have been experiencing some piriformis issues for a while now.  Figure 4 stretches and pelvic raises are the prescribed fix, but it is still lingering. It does not feel good on my shoulder either, but I might have to give it few sessions to see it it will work or not. Thanks for sharing. 

[JeremyD]

Looks like version 1 was on the Trainerize app, which I used with a different trainer and loved it. Is it still through Trainerize, which I was told made some nice improvements? The questionnaire looks awesome, as I'm one that has trouble picking which workouts to do.

[GolfSpy AFG]

3 minutes ago, JeremyD said:

Looks like version 1 was on the Trainerize app, which I used with a different trainer and loved it. Is it still through Trainerize, which I was told made some nice improvements? The questionnaire looks awesome, as I'm one that has trouble picking which workouts to do.

Right, I used version 1 and it was on Trainerize. 

During our introductory call Mike shared that he consistently got feedback that a less-than-great user experience with that app was a constant point of feedback he received, and he was frustrated because he didn't really have any control over that. Consequently, @Fit_For_Golf2.0 is entirely his and developed from the ground up.

[JeremyD]

9 minutes ago, GolfSpy AFG said:

Right, I used version 1 and it was on Trainerize. 

During our introductory call Mike shared that he consistently got feedback that a less-than-great user experience with that app was a constant point of feedback he received, and he was frustrated because he didn't really have any control over that. Consequently, @Fit_For_Golf2.0 is entirely his and developed from the ground up.

Thank you! I can't wait to see results from testers.

[taylorjonasher]

13 hours ago, Subdiver1 said:

Interesting version.  I have been experiencing some piriformis issues for a while now.  Figure 4 stretches and pelvic raises are the prescribed fix, but it is still lingering. It does not feel good on my shoulder either, but I might have to give it few sessions to see it it will work or not. Thanks for sharing. 

My piriformis acts up and and will cause sciatic nerve pain. I've found that a foam roller (either a barrel or lacrosse ball) in the figure 4 a couple times per week keeps me loose enough to prevent flare ups. Find the painful spot and lean into it!

 

[ejgaudette]

2 hours ago, GolfSpy AFG said:

Right, I used version 1 and it was on Trainerize. 

During our introductory call Mike shared that he consistently got feedback that a less-than-great user experience with that app was a constant point of feedback he received, and he was frustrated because he didn't really have any control over that. Consequently, @Fit_For_Golf2.0 is entirely his and developed from the ground up.

That's some hard work to get that done and I am sure it payed off. I also look forward to seeing how it looks. The old app seemed pretty decent to me when using it so if it is improved it must be really nice now.

[ILMgolfnut]

10 minutes ago, taylorjonasher said:

My piriformis acts up and and will cause sciatic nerve pain.

When I was having sciatica last year, a physical therapist taught me a stretch that helped, and I still use it when I get a flareup (like last night, for instance). Like this: https://myhealth.alberta.ca/Health/aftercareinformation/pages/conditions.aspx?hwid=zp4474

[Fit_For_Golf]

On 2/7/2024 at 4:51 PM, fixyurdivot said:

It would be awesome if it can provide a two-for-one.  I work out 3-4 days/week and it is not really directed specifically at anything golf... just basic tone and flexibility.  I have added the simple bar on top of my shoulders, arms over the bar and do a mock golf swing/turn.

I'm hoping some of what I learn from you guys I can emulate on the numerous machines we have and that I don't currently use.

The programs are suitable for those trying to lose fat. While they have differences, all of the programs are a combination of mobility, power, and strength training. You will be expending some calories, getting your heart rate up a little, and providing a stimulus for muscle growth (how much depends on the program and effort). 

If we're talking about fat loss, the most important thing is that you maintain a calorie deficit. i.e you consume less calories than you expend. That is the reason any plan works / fails. 

It is much easier to control calorie balance with what comes into our mouth than workouts, but workouts do of course help, as does trying to be much more active in general. 

[Subdiver1]

On 4/24/2024 at 10:59 AM, taylorjonasher said:

My piriformis acts up and and will cause sciatic nerve pain. I've found that a foam roller (either a barrel or lacrosse ball) in the figure 4 a couple times per week keeps me loose enough to prevent flare ups. Find the painful spot and lean into it!

 

 I carry a lacrosse ball in my luggage wherever I go.

[Subdiver1]

Well, losing a draft review is not cool, but...let’s try this again.

I started my program last week while traveling.  In this case everything that happens in Vegas is NOT going to be staying in Vegas.  We stay at a hotel that has a pretty extensive gym set up so I was able to get started and play around a bit with the In Season - Phase 1 workouts, Home Based Dumbbells, and Home Based Bands & Dumbbells workouts. I accidentally erased workouts I did when trying to change what I had scheduled, so I lost some info.  But I learned some things about the app.  I also worked through each of the Warm-ups and Mobility Routines several times.  I really like these.

I have already seen a benefit and improvement in flexibility from the dynamic warmups and stretching routines. My first session doing what Mike calls the “lying open book” stretch I could barely get my left hand behind me to a foot off the ground when extended; after a few sessions I am able to get closer to 4-6” off the ground and improving (it doesn’t look as good as Mike doing it, but I can touch the ground with my right hand).

 

I find myself preferring the In Season routine the most.  The gym centric, weights based workouts appeal to my old days in the gym and to a certain extent, to my current cross-fit/HIIT routines.  The Home Based Dumbbells is coming in 2nd and the Home Based Dumbbells & Bands falling into 3rd place.  Part of my preference has to do with using bands.  I have used bands in the past, but I am not a big fan of them because of the variability of resistance through the range of a motion (anyone remember the Soloflex?).  Cables just seem to move more smoothly and I can feel the resistance through the movement.  I understand the concept and the benefit for certain movements related to bands, I just can't ever really seem to get comfortable with them.  

The routines using barbells and dumbbells present a challenge when it comes to access to equipment; the gym near my office doesn’t have barbells, racks or Smith machines, only Hammer Strength machines and dumbbells and a couple of cable set-ups.  I’ll probably try and work something out with my cross-fit gym where I need barbells, but I shifted to dumbbells over barbells for press movements years ago as dumbbells really help work the stabilizer and small muscles that barbells leave out.  Having a set of adjustable dumbbells at home (though limited to 50 lbs each), bands, pull up bar and some other equipment makes home workouts pretty well supported.  I ordered a medicine/wall ball to cover some of the moves in the routine that I wasn’t already equipped for.

I don’t have a bench at home anymore so I have to get creative when it comes to chest press movements. Two alternative methods to elevate your back and allow a full range of motion when you don’t have a bench are a medicine ball or slam ball, or using a foam roller (hopefully they are visible in the pics). One obviously provides more incline than the other.

More to come, hopefully in shorter narrative, as things progress.

Cheers and don't forget to stretch.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited April 28 by Subdiver1
Add and edit images

[MaxEntropy]

I now have a week's worth of workouts done and will be posting my "first impressions" either tomorrow or Wednesday. Like @Subdiver1, I really like the dynamic warmup, but there are a couple moves I struggle with because of my lack of flexibility and lack of strength in my right knee due to a partial meniscus tear a couple years ago, More details coming soon!

[GolfSpy AFG]

On 4/27/2024 at 9:14 PM, Subdiver1 said:

Well, losing a draft review is not cool, but...let’s try this again.

I started my program last week while traveling.  In this case everything that happens in Vegas is NOT going to be staying in Vegas.  We stay at a hotel that has a pretty extensive gym set up so I was able to get started and play around a bit with the In Season - Phase 1 workouts, Home Based Dumbbells, and Home Based Bands & Dumbbells workouts. I accidentally erased workouts I did when trying to change what I had scheduled, so I lost some info.  But I learned some things about the app.  I also worked through each of the Warm-ups and Mobility Routines several times.  I really like these.

I have already seen a benefit and improvement in flexibility from the dynamic warmups and stretching routines. My first session doing what Mike calls the “lying open book” stretch I could barely get my left hand behind me to a foot off the ground when extended; after a few sessions I am able to get closer to 4-6” off the ground and improving (it doesn’t look as good as Mike doing it, but I can touch the ground with my right hand).

 

I find myself preferring the In Season routine the most.  The gym centric, weights based workouts appeal to my old days in the gym and to a certain extent, to my current cross-fit/HIIT routines.  The Home Based Dumbbells is coming in 2nd and the Home Based Dumbbells & Bands falling into 3rd place.  Part of my preference has to do with using bands.  I have used bands in the past, but I am not a big fan of them because of the variability of resistance through the range of a motion (anyone remember the Soloflex?).  Cables just seem to move more smoothly and I can feel the resistance through the movement.  I understand the concept and the benefit for certain movements related to bands, I just can't ever really seem to get comfortable with them.  

The routines using barbells and dumbbells present a challenge when it comes to access to equipment; the gym near my office doesn’t have barbells, racks or Smith machines, only Hammer Strength machines and dumbbells and a couple of cable set-ups.  I’ll probably try and work something out with my cross-fit gym where I need barbells, but I shifted to dumbbells over barbells for press movements years ago as dumbbells really help work the stabilizer and small muscles that barbells leave out.  Having a set of adjustable dumbbells at home (though limited to 50 lbs each), bands, pull up bar and some other equipment makes home workouts pretty well supported.  I ordered a medicine/wall ball to cover some of the moves in the routine that I wasn’t already equipped for.

I don’t have a bench at home anymore so I have to get creative when it comes to chest press movements. Two alternative methods to elevate your back and allow a full range of motion when you don’t have a bench are a medicine ball or slam ball, or using a foam roller (hopefully they are visible in the pics). One obviously provides more incline than the other.

More to come, hopefully in shorter narrative, as things progress.

Cheers and don't forget to stretch.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Good stuff.  Mike talked about it on the conference call, but he's absolutely right in that if you only did the warm up and mobility work you would likely still see improvements.  Glad to see you're already seeing some benefit there.

Are those Powerblocks?  I have some too, the older verison at least.  You know you can buy add-ons to get those up to 90 pounds each, right?

[MaxEntropy]

I got my first impressions posted today. This LINK should take you directly to my review post.

Questions/comments?

[GolfSpy AFG]

On 2/6/2024 at 2:14 AM, ILMgolfnut said:

 

Results to date: I'm not losing any weight, but it is possible that I am converting some blubber to muscle mass, since my shirts seem to be fitting a little tighter around the chest and shoulders. I am picking up 3-4 MPH on my swing and driver distances are stretching out to around 200 on a good contact, which I haven't seen in decades. I noticed hiking through the DCA and STL airports with my luggage last night that this was rather difficult, so I may need to add some cardio to the regimen. Fortunately I have a home treadmill and all the hotels so far have also had them, so should be an easy add.

It's great to hear you're already perceiving some results!  Mike has made the point on social media that there is a lot of low hanging fruit out there for golfers to make tangible gains, and this is proof.  Keep at it!

[ILMgolfnut]

I think I spoke too soon about weight loss. My home scale (accuracy questionable, but it's consistent across several weighings today) indicates I've lost about 4 pounds. And 34 waist shorts fit better; they're snug, but they fasten. For a long time they wouldn't fasten and I had to go with 35 or 36 waist.

I identified an exercise in the Home Based Bands and Dumbbells protocol that didn't have an accompanying how-to video, emailed Mike about it, and within hours he had replaced that exercise with a similar one that did have the video. So Mike is very interested in our feedback.

[Subdiver1]

Initial Impressions

-  Reviewing Mike webs site and the programs listed I initially planned to sample the Beginner (101) and Fundamentals programs.  After accessing the 2.0 app that plan changed, but I’d still like to be able to understand the gap between 101 and the more advanced programs. Access required some hurdling (great for building explosive power in those legs muscles ), but it is relatively easy to navigate with some coaching and the explanation of Google Play vs. Apple Store requirements makes sense; Mike and his team already identified the problem and were working to iron it out so I won't press details or provide a how to "navigate instructions" here since they were taking care of it (thank Apple, don't blame Mike or his team).

Simply put, go to the site, sign up and get working:

Getting your programs recommendations is pretty simple as well:

(Add screen shots)

 

I chose to look at three programs.  In Season, Home Based Dumbbells, and Home Based Dumbbells and Bands.  I started my first week while traveling and had access to a pretty well equipped gym.  That gave me a bit of a nostalgic feeling after having reduced most of my "gym" time to cross-fit and HIIT rather than cold steel. I worked through a couple of each of the workouts while traveling and really couldn't find any faults among the programs.  I am not a fan of bands (see my first review post on April 27th for more details, link here   

 

I set some objective and subjective metrics. While it is too early to really measure any "improvement" I have observed the following after 2 weeks on the program:

-       Objectively, metrics will most likely be based on:

o   What demonstrable improvements occur in repetitions, sets, weight or time depending on the workout format?  

o   Range of motion improvement?  The open book stretch - I could only get my left arm about 1 foot from the ground at extension, that has improved to 4-6 inches. 

o   How has my game been affected (scores/hcp)?

o   Has a there been a measurable change in clubhead speed or ball carry?  I measured swing speed using my SC300. I've dropped a few MPH since last year and was averaging 103 MPH so we will use that as my benchmark.

o   Any other measurable impact in health or fitness.

-       Subjectively speaking:

o   How do I feel after the workouts?  I already know stretching helps and had developed a pre-game stretching routine.  I have incorporated the Fit for Golf Dynamic Warm-ups into my pre-game and I am striving to at least do the Simple Stretching routine every day.  I need it after years of abuse and I can feel the benefits.  

o   How do I feel after working on a program for a period of time?  

o   How do I feel the program has affected my other workouts and general fitness?

o   How do I feel my swing has benefited/suffered?  Swing mechanics - One of the mechanical issues I have been struggling with has been keeping from straightening the rear/trailing (right) leg and getting to the outside of my back (right) foot.  The mechanics of the band, pulley and medicine ball movements have helped me rein-vision where my that rear knee needs to be in my back swing, slightly bent and ready to push, with weight on the inside of my heel.  I had been struggling to keep my weight where I know it needs to be (inside of the right heel) because of over extension and then shifting my weight forward (sliding) instead of rotating because of the extension.  The rotational work has helped.  I'll try to add some photos depicting old and new positions.

o   How do I feel after a round since starting the program?

Okay, that might sound like a lot to digest right out of the gate...but let's put this program to the test!

 

Edited Tuesday at 04:23 AM by Subdiver1
add date and link to previous post

[MaxEntropy]

Two weeks of workouts are in the books. Here are some thoughts I have so far:

1) The dynamic warmup is really good. There are a couple exercises that standout.

I REALLY, REALLY struggled with this one at the beginning and now it has become one of my favorites:

I have to do the "less advanced" version where I have my hands on the ground behind me and try to sit up as straight as possible, but I can feel mobility in my hips improving.

For whatever reason, I used to be able to do this, but now, it's like my body does not know how to do this motion anymore without too much movement in my upper body or lower body and I do not know why.

2) Due to an old injury, there are a few things that are tough, so I have to tread lightly. About 40 years ago, I separated the AC joint of my right shoulder and it never healed properly. As I understand it, due to the resulting misalignment in my shoulder this missing cartilage allowed, I tore my rotator cuff in grad school. At the time, my Dr said "if you played for the Royals, we could repair it and buy you 5 years in your career. You don't so we won't." My "insurance" at that time was terrible, so PT was not an option (too expensive for a grad student). I learned how to deal with it to avoid pain and even changed my throwing motion a bit to be able to keep playing softball/baseball/tennis, but things like bench press and pushups have always been a struggle - it doesn't necessarily hurt anymore, but that side is very weak and I've allowed it to stay that way. Hopefully, by easing into things, I can improve strength without hurting it. Like I said, I have to tread lightly (or I feel like I have to).

3) I actually like the band workouts, but there are times I should watch the various exercises before diving in as I need to try to plan things. What do I mean? My bands are not the same as Mike uses for his demos (mine are shorter), so I cannot anchor them the same way he does. The first time through some of the exercise, most of the rest period (and occasionally longer) is spent trying to figure out what to do to get a solid anchor.

I have been tracking my clubhead speed with the PRGR radar I got for the SuperSpeed test, and so far have not seen much difference - maybe a couple mph, but the data tends to be noisy over the short-term depending on time of day, what I ate that day, how much sleep I got, and various other things that can affect all-out effort from day-to-day.

Edited Tuesday at 01:14 PM by MaxEntropy

[ILMgolfnut]

I have difficulty with that hip rotation move in the warmup exercises. Never mind having to prop myself up with my hands; my left hip just doesn't want to rotate like that. It feels like it catches or something. I wouldn't be surprised if I have a damaged acetabulum. I keep remembering that Jack Nicklaus wound up having two hip replacements, having worn his out playing golf for 60 years.

I wound up buying the same set of bands that Mike uses in the videos; they were $33 on Amazon with free delivery (I'm on Prime). Very glad I did; they're much better than what I had.

My right shoulder is also screwed up; I was told 25 years ago I had a partial rotator cuff tear. Went back to the ortho before I started FFG; he diagnosed impingement, gave me a cortisone shot and it's better, but not pain free. I'm doing the shoulder presses and other similar exercises in the protocol but with limited weights and some discomfort.

[Subdiver1]

2 hours ago, ILMgolfnut said:

I have difficulty with that hip rotation move in the warmup exercises. Never mind having to prop myself up with my hands; my left hip just doesn't want to rotate like that. It feels like it catches or something. I wouldn't be surprised if I have a damaged acetabulum. I keep remembering that Jack Nicklaus wound up having two hip replacements, having worn his out playing golf for 60 years.

I wound up buying the same set of bands that Mike uses in the videos; they were $33 on Amazon with free delivery (I'm on Prime). Very glad I did; they're much better than what I had.

My right shoulder is also screwed up; I was told 25 years ago I had a partial rotator cuff tear. Went back to the ortho before I started FFG; he diagnosed impingement, gave me a cortisone shot and it's better, but not pain free. I'm doing the shoulder presses and other similar exercises in the protocol but with limited weights and some discomfort.

When I 'started' having shoulder issues i noticed a clicking and some pain, then I went to lift a couch over my head moving a buddy and my left arm just dropped; I could life the arm/hand above shoulder/head height, but if I tried to lift anything other than an empty hand it would just fail at ear/shoulder height.  I wish they had more on the stem cell stuff when that happened because I probably would have eaten the cost and tried that before surgery; now the limited range of motion is irritating to say the least, but I can lift and it does function so   

[Subdiver1]

3 hours ago, MaxEntropy said:

Two weeks of workouts are in the books. Here are some thoughts I have so far:

1) The dynamic warmup is really good. There are a couple exercises that standout.

I REALLY, REALLY struggled with this one at the beginning and now it has become one of my favorites:

I have to do the "less advanced" version where I have my hands on the ground behind me and try to sit up as straight as possible, but I can feel mobility in my hips improving.

 

I also like this one.  One of the coaches at the x-fit gym showed us this one and another similar to the "laying, open book" stretch (if I can find a video or diagram I'll post it) that I really liked.  It was nice to see those validated by Mike's program.  I too have to use my hands/arms to support myself when doing this one, which I think is kind of weird since I can do Russian twists with my feet up and significant weight as well as v-ups. 

[MaxEntropy]

22 hours ago, MaxEntropy said:

I have been tracking my clubhead speed with the PRGR radar I got for the SuperSpeed test, and so far have not seen much difference - maybe a couple mph, but the data tends to be noisy over the short-term depending on time of day, what I ate that day, how much sleep I got, and various other things that can affect all-out effort from day-to-day.

Even though I haven't really seen much in the way of swing speed increase at home, there must be some good coming from these workouts. Last night in league I did this:

OK, ignore the chili-dipped pitch for my second shot - short game was not that great last night (I've had some form of the yips on the 50-ish yarders). I haven't had a drive register around 290 in a couple years that wasn't heavily influenced by firm ground and it was raining a bit while we were playing. The ground wasn't exactly soft, but it also wasn't mid-August type of roll.

[GolfSpy AFG]

Some great initial impressions so far gents, Glad to see you're wading in and seeing some immediate benefits!

And, the iOS version got approved today, so our 2 remaining testers should have their app access up and running shortly!