Bowling and Fitness

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dukeblue1987
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Bowling and Fitness

Post by dukeblue1987 »

One topic that I feel is largely neglected on these forums (and our sport as a whole) is fitness. While a person doesn't necessarily need to fit and athletic to bowl, I don't think many people would argue against the notion that fitness training can improve bowling scores. I'm not anywhere close to an expert in this field, but I think a few points are fairly obvious:

1. Bowling requires incredible balance and stability
2. Bowling requires some degree of flexibility through the entire body
2. Bowling requires a moderate amount of strength and endurance
3. Newer styles such as two handed bowling require a greater level of strength, flexibility, balance, etc

With that being said, what are some recommended exercises?

I would think light to moderate cardio training would be beneficial. A tournament bowler should be able to complete an 8 game block without tiring.

Light to moderate strength training should benefit all bowlers. Leg and core work should be targeted, although some time does need to be given to the upper body to prevent injurys due to imbalance. No matter how you look at it, bowling with a 15 lb ball requires strength.

Flexibility exercises are important for maintaining form and preventing injury as a bowler ages.

Balance and stability exercises might be the most important to a bowler. It is hard to find a great bowler that doesn't have great balance, no matter the style. Stability ball and Bosu ball exercises can go a long way in posting a shot.

Again, I am not claiming to be an expert in fitness. I hope this thread can generate discussion of the topic though. Maybe someone with a fitness background could provide more insight, or possibly some specific exercises that can help bowlers.
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Re: Bowling and Fitness

Post by dtb300 »

At one time Briggs Consulting put out a manual called: "The Bowling Specific Training Manual". Had some great stuff in it for working out and training for bowling. Not sure if it is still available anymore.

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Re: Bowling and Fitness

Post by cheech »

fitness definitely helped my bowling in long blocks. i mostly concentrated on leg and core strength and my physical improved immensely
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Re: Bowling and Fitness

Post by kellytehuna »

cheech wrote:fitness definitely helped my bowling in long blocks. i mostly concentrated on leg and core strength and my physical improved immensely
Leg strength and core stability will be the most beneficial to bowlers. General flexibility and a decent stretching regime would help as well. The more flexible you are, the less likely you are to suffer muscle strains and the like.
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Re: Bowling and Fitness

Post by Mo Pinel »

kellytehuna wrote: Leg strength and core stability will be the most beneficial to bowlers. General flexibility and a decent stretching regime would help as well. The more flexible you are, the less likely you are to suffer muscle strains and the like.
You turn a ball with your hand, but you hook it with your legs. Leg strength and core strength are the key.
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Re: Bowling and Fitness

Post by russelldean »

My favorite. Bosu ball, round side down. Do squats with with bodyweight or light dumbells to start.
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Re: Bowling and Fitness

Post by MegaMav »

Legs & Back routine for P90X.
Try wall squats and super skaters.
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Re: Bowling and Fitness

Post by MathIsTruth »

MegaMav wrote:Legs & Back routine for P90X.
Try wall squats and super skaters.
Those wall squats are painful good!!!
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Re: Bowling and Fitness

Post by crazyjim »

Mo Pinel wrote: You turn a ball with your hand, but you hook it with your legs. Leg strength and core strength are the key.
agreed. you can really see the diff in power between being stable at the line and falling off balance
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kellytehuna
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Re: Bowling and Fitness

Post by kellytehuna »

Planks will strengthen your core up in no time flat!
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Re: Bowling and Fitness

Post by magicmike »

I agree with the impact of Fitness, since starting to hit the gym fairly regularly over the last year I have seen an impact on my bowling, the increased leg strength has been huge. Many people over look this but in longer formats and bowling more than just a 3 game league fitness is huge, if you tire and lose strength every other part of your game will suffer.
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coolerman
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Re: Bowling and Fitness

Post by coolerman »

Here is Dr. Jeff Briggs website.Briggs Consulting

A consulting firm specializing in:

* Bowling Education
* Training & Research



* Development
* ... and much more
http://webpages.charter.net/bowlfit/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
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Re: Bowling and Fitness

Post by coolerman »

Here is another site by
Tasha Weddle, CSCS, is an Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach at Vanderbilt University, where she works with the women's bowling, basketball, soccer, and lacrosse teams. She has also been an assistant strength coach at the University of Tennessee, Kent State University, and Purdue University. She can be reached at: natasha.d.weddle@vanderbilt.edu

http://www.training-conditioning.com/20 ... /index.php" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
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Re: Bowling and Fitness

Post by russelldean »

That is good stuff coolerman.....
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Re: Bowling and Fitness

Post by coolerman »

Thanks Russeldean.I have to admit that I found them on another site.MOTIV GIRL
posted them.They are nice articles though.
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kajmk
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Re: Bowling and Fitness

Post by kajmk »

Good topic, never gets old.
Many of you are too young to remember this.
Here is a piece of motivational music.

Those who refuse to learn from history are doomed to repeat it.

[youtube]https://m.youtube.com/#/watch?v=YZCHJd0JjpU[/youtube]

The earlier you start, the better off you will be.
Bowling can be a lifetime sport, maximize your experience.
May all beings everywhere be happy and free,
and may the thoughts, words, and actions of my own life
contribute in some way to that happiness
and to that freedom for all.

John
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kajmk
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Re: Bowling and Fitness

Post by kajmk »

Caveat, I'm not a therapist or trainer.
There are numerous resources available.
One that I've found that provides quite a few free YouTube videos is Athlean-x .
The female version is Athlean-xx. Yes, there are customized programs that are fee based.
Jeff Cavaliere Physical Therapist and Trainer, worked as such for the New York Mets for several years.
Jeff explains the science behind the methods.
Check him out, judge for yourself.
As always, multiple sources add perspective.
Always run fitness regimens by your physician as a safety measure.

As with anything, motivation is the key, getting started and keeping it going.
The younger you start, the more dividends you will enjoy as you age.


Cheers.
May all beings everywhere be happy and free,
and may the thoughts, words, and actions of my own life
contribute in some way to that happiness
and to that freedom for all.

John
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kajmk
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Re: Bowling and Fitness

Post by kajmk »

Much overdue kudos to the darkblue1987 for starting this very important and essential thread.

I'd previously mentioned Athleanx, the Ladies version is Athleanx.

There are USBC fitness videos out there.

Many FREE YouTube videos

Mo emphasized CORE and Legs, Jeff has the degrees, experience and creativity to help you improve. He will explain the science and rationale. The catch? You must really want to. Check it out.


Jeff at Athleanx shows you ways to improve your fitness whether you go to a gym or not, whether you have equipment or not.
His mantra is train you like an athlete.

All you need is an honest desire.

Hopefully, you will all live long lives, Jeff can show you ways to improve your fitness and quality of life. If you love the sport, train like you want to play it FOREVER.

Be the best version of YOU, that YOU can be.
Someday, you may stop bowling or lose interest, but your body is yours for life.
May all beings everywhere be happy and free,
and may the thoughts, words, and actions of my own life
contribute in some way to that happiness
and to that freedom for all.

John
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kajmk
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Re: Bowling and Fitness

Post by kajmk »

Good topic !
May all beings everywhere be happy and free,
and may the thoughts, words, and actions of my own life
contribute in some way to that happiness
and to that freedom for all.

John
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kajmk
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Re: Bowling and Fitness

Post by kajmk »

Here's something to try just for fun.
I'd advise taking some prudent safety precautions in case you "lose it" along the way.
With ANY exercise or drill, use caution and proceed gradually to establish just what you can do. Proceed accordingly

I went looking to see what he had regarding balance.
Some of us take balance for granted. Through time and or circumstance things can change.
You have 1 body and 1 mind.

WISH I COULD DO THIS AT ANY POINT IN MY LIFE ...


[youtube][/youtube]


On a related topic, the subject of Proprioception, in time that can wane.

Both of the above "senses" are vital to your well being.

More on Balance

[youtube][/youtube]


Try walking as if on tight rope, then do it backwards. No sweat? Try it with eyes closed.
If you can't do it, practice, establish those latent mind to muscle relations.
May all beings everywhere be happy and free,
and may the thoughts, words, and actions of my own life
contribute in some way to that happiness
and to that freedom for all.

John
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