Golfers aren't known for lifting big....
But Rory McIilroy is changing that!
Whilst heavy lifting is normally associated with NFL players or rugby league players in Australia, Mr McIIlroy insists his lifting program makes him stronger, more flexible, and injury free.
One thing's for sure though, Rory is doing something right...
The 26-year-old Irish man has been ranked world number 1 previously and has won 4 majors so far in his career.
But despite these statistics, there a some that disagree with Rory's lifting approach. Former PGA Tour pro Brandel Chamblee has remarked that Rory's squatting could eventually ruin his game.
"I say it with a lot of trepidation, because it's a different era for sure," Chamblee told the Golf Channel.
"I don't know the full extent of what he's doing, but when I see the things he's doing in the gym, I think of what happened to Tiger Woods. And I think more than anything that what Tiger Woods did early in his career with his game was just an example of how good a human being can be, [and] what he did toward the middle and end of his career is an example to be wary of. That's just my opinion. And it does give me a little concern when I see the extensive weightlifting that Rory is doing in the gym."
Rory has reportedly put on around 13 kilograms of muscle over his first 10 years on the tour, and some analysts say that his increased muscle size played a role in his derailment.
Rory McIlroy Squat Workout
Rory has responded to a tweet by the Golf Channel containing the thoughts from Chamblee, with the video below!
@GolfChannel @chambleebrandel pic.twitter.com/tz7lSH7Z6k
— Rory Mcilroy (@McIlroyRory) February 16, 2016
It's a solid effort from the golfer, who stands 5ft 9 and weighs just 75 kilograms.
In a recent interview with "Me and my Golf" McIilroy spoke about how he fells his golf has helped his game.
"I really started to work on my fitness and strength in the end of 2010 and the start of 2011. It was really from an injury prevention standpoint, but also from a biomechanical standpoint. I got biomechanically analyzed and we saw that my peak club head speed was about 18 inches before I actually hit the ball. My club head was slowing down when I hit the ball. And that was because I basically had no stability in my hips, my glutes and my legs, especially in my left side. So a lot of stability work in my legs, a lot of core work," McIlroy said.
It's suggested that the weight lifting has increased Rory's strength and stability to ensure a stronger and more efficient swing.
Rory is currently sitting at number 3 in the world rankings - I think he might just have something figured out!
"Stay Fit, Stay Flexed!"
Author
Dayne Hudson