Tiger Woods, Annika Sorenstam, and Camilo Villegas all will tell you that Pilates has improved their golf game. Here's why.

Let's face it, most golfers don't train for their sport like runners, or soccer players. In addition, golf stresses one side of the body more than the other, so it's easy to injure our backs or become so uncomfortable that the game isn't fun anymore. Pilates can prevent this. Pilates exercises are known for improving posture and, in the game of golf, maintaining proper posture can reduce the strain on your lower back and shoulders.

Statistically, after the age of 30, golfers sustain an injury every three years. After age 50 the number climbs to one per year! Many golfers have learned that conditioning improves their game, and significantly reduces their risk of injury. Boomer golfers are enthusiastically embracing this conditioning program in the hope that they can continue playing the game they love well into their sunset years.

The exercises that Joseph Pilates invented back in the 1920's are still a popular formula for strengthening all the muscles in the body and using your "core" body for movement. The breathing and concentration that one learns with these exercises also improves your game.

I have seen golfers who have taken Pilates knock several stokes off their game, improving flexibility in their shoulders and hips and strengthening lower back and abdominal muscles. When you learn how to move your body properly and use your core strength to drive the ball, the results speak for themselves. Here is my favorite quote attributed to Joseph Pilates: "In 10 sessions you will feel the difference; in 20 you'll see the difference, and in 30, you'll have a whole new body."

I recommend finding a Pilates instructor certified with one of the recognized certifying institutes (Stott, Physical Mind Institute, or Pilates Method Alliance). Check credentials before trusting your safety to an instructor.

Here's my tip on correcting posture and breathing: