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The biggest misconceptions a lot of golfers have about golf conditioning, is that it is something that should be done during the golf season, to improve their game immediately. Well, it is actually the opposite. golf conditioning is even more beneficial when it is started during the "off season" to prepare the body for the stresses it will endure during the golf season.

What all athletes should understand is that it takes 4-6 weeks of consistent and repetitive activity to best condition the body! Especially with a sport like golf which mostly favors one side of the body, creating in the long term what we refer to as muscular imbalances, which often lead to injuries and forced rest.

The "off season" is the best time to condition because it gives the golfer plenty of time to work on any physical limitations and muscular weaknesses, and to train the muscles to become more flexible, stronger and better coordinated. And a well developed program should not only focus on taking care of improving the obvious needs of golf, but should also include exercises that target specific muscular imbalances, lack of range of motion, cardiovascular endurance, and a little weight loss if necessary.

A "golf specific" fitness routine can be started any time of the year, and is most beneficial when it is performed all year around and re-designed every 60-90 days to keep the body motivated and challenged. But don't be intimidated by the long-term commitment it takes to optimize physical conditioning and improve your game. A Golf Conditioning Specialist can design a program for you based on the equipment you have at your disposal and time you have available to dedicate to improving your most important golf equipment: your body.

For more information about golf conditioning and to find about the different workout options you have, visit my website at www.theworkoutloft.com. You are sure to find lots of tools and information to answer all of your golf fitness questions and needs.

Nadia is a Certified Personal trainer (CPT-CPTN) and Golf Conditioning Specialist (CPTN) since 1999. She trains mostly amateur and professional golfers from the Greater toronto Area. To contact Nadia, visit her website at www.theworkoutloft.com.

meal plans are a great thing. Theyre convenient, easy, mindless all helpful qualities for someone who is trying to fit in healthy eating with a busy life. But, they can be too much of a good thing. If you are too attached to meal plans, you could be doing yourself more harm than good.

The south beach diet is built for flexibility and convenience. That is why there is no weighing and measuring of portions or rigid guidelines around what and when to eat. Instead, the diet aims to teach you about nutrition and give you the tools to choose healthy options in the right portions. That is also why there are three different phases. The first two are designed for weight loss. By Phase 3 (maintenance), you are expected to be familiar enough with the guidelines of the diet to make your own decisions and do without a food list.

If thats the premise behind the south beach diet, why provide meal plans at all? Well, meal plans can be very instructional for beachers that are just starting out or looking for new ideas. Sometimes, too much flexibility can lead to confusion. The meal plans are an easy way to illustrate a day in the life of a beacher and provide guidance when needed.

So, when should I use meal plans?
If you are just starting out, sticking to a meal plan can be a great way to get familiar with the principles of the south beach diet. If you have been on it for a while and are looking for new ideas, meal plans can offer you new options. Stalled weight loss is also another good reason to stick to a meal plan for a while. It could bring your attention to when and how you are indulging and what changes you need to make.

When should I stop using meal plans?
stop using meal plans if you are bored or if you find yourself eating meals just because they are listed on the meal plan. We want you to enjoy being on the program. If you find yourself avoid social outings or eating foods youre not too crazy about, take a step back. If you still feel the need for the meal plans structure, make sure to substitute items you like for items you dont. Boredom is your number one enemy on this plan.

Overall, meal plans can be an excellent tool. Just make sure you use them in a way that benefits you.

Reggie Dunn is a long time diet enthusiast and follower of the south beach diet.
You can find more information on the South Beach Diet at http://www.online-diet-reviews.info/south-beach-diet.html