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Great weight lifting exercise for seniors to build arm strength and upper body are the biceps curl and shoulder press. Lifting weights correctly with tips aprofessional personal trainer in this free video on exercise for seniors. Expert: David Dubail Contact: www. dubailfitness. com Bio: David Dubail is a personal trainer and professional and the owner of Dubail Fitness Institute in Miami, Florida. Director: Paul Muller

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The condition known as sarcopenia derived from the Greek words for vanishing flesh is the gradual wasting away of lean muscle tissue of one’s body. Twenty years ago this condition did not even have a name, but now is well on the way to becoming a household word like osteoporosis.

Responsible for robbing both women and men of their strength, health, mobility and independence in their senior years, sarcopenia is a significant global health problem and is one of the most serious long term threats to being able to remain healthy as adult’s age.

Usually seen in physically inactive people, sarcopenia exerts its debilitating effects in a slow, sneaky fashion over a period of decades. This loss of muscle begins at around the age of 30 at the rate of 10% per decade increasing to 15 % per decade in the 60′s and 70′s then about 30% per decade thereafter.

This insidious and crippling process not only robs people of their functional health and mobility but further pushes them into unhealthy and inactive lifestyles. This vicious cycle continues with increased risk of other diseases associated with a sedentary lifestyle such as cancer, diabetes and heart disease.

Research in the anti aging field is finding ways to prevent and treat muscle loss in aging adults and concludes that strength training exercise has a remarkable effect on recovering lost strength.
The negative attitude towards strength training by older adults has changed over time as they are learning how they can benefit from this old but proven form of exercise.

Strength training is exercise that uses resistance – to strengthen and condition the muscular system. This can be achieved with resistance training machines or free weights found in your local gym. The amount of resistance a muscle has to work against determines how strong it will get.

Strength training is not running on a treadmill, riding a stationary bike, or using an elliptical machine. Although those types of aerobic machines use “resistance” to increase your workout intensity, it’s not the same as strength training and will not strengthen muscles.

Any exercise that involves contracting your muscles many times with little or no resistance such as walking or cycling doesn’t prevent loss of muscle mass. Runners still lose muscle mass even if they’re highly active. When challenged by strength training exercise your muscles and bones are continually forced to renew themselves, sweeping out old, degenerated cells and rebuilding new tissue that is younger, stronger, and healthier.

To get started a properly prescribed exercise program should be set up and the initial sessions monitored by an Exercise Professional at your local gym or health club. This program should include both strength training and cardiovascular exercise at about a 60/40 ratio.

If you risk losing your functional health and mobility as you get older, you risk losing your precious independence – and your dignity along with it. The good news is, as a health-conscious adult you can take immediate steps to get started on a strength training program to ensure this will never happen to you.

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Finding the right Pilates studio in San Diego County

If you live in North County San Diego (Encinitas, Carlsbad, Oceanside, etc), it may seem like a challenge to figure out which Pilates studio to try since there are so many Pilates classes in San Diego. One reason for the hgih number of Pialtes studios in San Diego is that many people realize that Pilates is a great form of exercise for a wide range of people, from young to old and with a wide range of fitness levels. The fact that Pilates offers a great low-impact workout makes it a great exercise program for older people as well as people with previous back or neck problems.

If you are starting out new to Pilates

If Pilates intrigues you, consider taking a Pilates mat class to familiarize yourself with the program before committing to a series of classes or personal instruction. Although Pilates DVDs are widely available, it’s strongly recommended that you study first with a certified Pilates instructor in order to learn proper form before you practice on your own.

If you decide that Pilates is right for you, you’ll want to do a little research before you commit to a program or instructor.  The information you need to know includes:

Is the Pilates instructor correctly trained? Look for studios and teachers that have formal Pilates Instructor Certification.
How long has the instructor been teaching? If you’re new to Pilates, be sure you find an instructor who has been teaching actively for at least two or three years.
Can the instructor handle any special needs? If you have injuries or health conditions like diabetes or heart disease, you’ll want to be sure your instructor is knowledgeable about how best to work with you. If you’re a senior, try to find instructors who teach seniors regularly.
Does the instructor respect your pace? If the instructor pushes you further than is comfortable or tries to force your body into positions it can’t achieve, find another instructor. Too much force can result in injury.

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Product Description
For a preview of this DVD, please visit askyogimarlon.com/dvd-goldenyears.html One of history’s finest yoga teachers, Krishnamacharya, said: There’s an appropriate yoga for everyone. More and more cardiologists are rec… More >>

Yoga for the Golden Years

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Longer Lasting Erections plus topics on Senior Dating Advice plus topics on How To Increase Your Penis Size

Every man wants a bigger penis and there is a time in any and every man’s life where he does think about his penis size and is always on the lookout for thing which can help him enlarge his penis. There are several safe ways of enlarging your penis but they do not work on every person. Also the results may vary from person to person as some people are more receptive and others aren’t to such techniques. Read on to discover some of the best ways to enlarge your penis and achieve the desired results.

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The majority of men would like to get a bigger penis however most are not willing to endanger themselves in anyway to achieve this. With the potential dangers of surgery and the all too common side-effects of pills us guys seem to be turning to exercising to enlarge the penis naturally. This is a good thing as penis exercises can make your penis bigger and even have medical evidence to back them up!

Is penis male enlargement possible? Always people ask themselves because they know all the benefits for having a longer and bigger penis. Medical studies show us that only one method can really increase your penis size. It is nothing but an exercise. There are various ways to do penis exercises.

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penis male enlargement exercises are one of the methods to make a bigger penis. Through these exercisesthe penis becomes able to fill with more blood than before. Natural enlargement exercise programs include a warm up jelq session plus other exercises and cool down routine. Penile exercises are an effective way to add permanent growth in a few months of regular practice.

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Many a men desire longer and thicker penises and penis exercises can really be an effective method of doing so. However you need to gain access to the right program so that you can perform exercises properly. Moreover you need to be patient to experience real penis growth since it is a time consuming process.

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Choosing the right fitness equipment is the first step many people take toward better health and fitness routines they can live with. We can save a lot of our valuable time & hard earned money in this search for the best fitness equipment that’s not only the best to use but affordable and geared directly to your specific goals and needs.

Fitness equipment is a huge industry, and the consumer’s choices are immense. Choosing the right fitness equipment is the most difficult task. The key to choosing good exercise equipment is doing research and using your own personal experience to figure out what equipment you’ll actually use on a regular basis.

Types of Equipment

Dumbbell set

If you are serious about burning fat and gaining muscle then you must have a at home to help you achieve your goal. Dumbbell exercises incorporate stabilizing muscles helping to develop a balanced posture and perhaps reducing the risk of over-use injuries. They also allow you to work through a potentially greater range of movement than resistance machines.

Treadmills

A treadmill is a piece of indoors fitness equipment used to allow for the motions of running or walking while staying in one place. Running or walking on a treadmill can be an effective way to workout compared to other complex cardiovascular exercises. Treadmills offer the benefit of reduced impact since all treadmills offer some sort of shock absorption. Exercising on a treadmill can reduce the strain to the ankles, knees and lower back of users.

Rowing machines

Rowing machines offer the benefit of an all-over workout with little impact on the joints, and they’re something teens to senior citizens can use. Vigorous rowing is one of the most effective calorie burner, potentially using up more than 800 calories per hour. In addition to the aerobic benefits these machines provide, they also are excellent for strengthening arm, back, shoulder and abdomen muscles.

Exercise bikes

An exercise bike has been a long time favorite in the rehab clinics because of the low-impact cardiovascular exercise it provides. It allows you to perform safe, as well as an effective cardiovascular exercise. The low-impact movement involved in operating an exercise bike does not put much stress on your joints and does not involve herky-jerky motions that some other fitness equipment may require. The best use of indoor stationary bikes is as an option for beating obesity.

There are many other fitness equipments that relieve your stress and strain. They are cross trainer, running machines, stepper, strength machines etc.

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1.  What is Classical Tai Chi?

Only the Yang style will be discussed.  However, similar types of training were used in other classical styles (Chen, Wu and Sun), since these were also internal forms of Kung Fu for health and self defense.  These styles have also been altered and shortened.

The original (old) Yang Tai Chi form was devised by Yang Lu-Chan (1799 – 1872) and consisted of about 128 postures, not counting repetitions.  It had both fast and slow movements in it.  One of the purposes of the fast movements was to teach fa-jing, small, explosive movements to generate tremendous power in punches, kicks, etc., for self defense.  The (new) long form, practiced by most Yang stylists today, was derived from the Yang Lu – Chan form by Yang Cheng – Fu (1883 – 1936).  He removed the fast fa-jing moves, all leaping kicks and made slightly different moves the same.  It has about 108 postures.  To learn the original form properly took about 5 or 6 years.

Each move in the old form not only showed how to strike acupoints, but the proper direction for striking them, with devastating results.  This could result in death of an adversary and was known as Dim Mak.

However, learning the form was not enough for combat and so the following two-person exercises are practiced to learn how to attack and counter.   Martial Push Hands (Toi Sau), consisting of countering punches, strikes, kicks, locks and throws.  This is not the same as the modern, popular push hands, whose purpose is to push the opponent off-balance.  Chi Sau (sticky hands) are also practiced, as well as Pushing Feet, in which only the feet are used to attack and defend.  These exercises are mainly to train the student to combat single attacks.

More complex exercises are used for continuous attacks, such as Da Lu (the Great Repulse) and Small San Sau (Free Hands).  These exercises only use a small number of the techniques from the old form. 

Students then learn Pauchui (Cannon Fist), the remaining movements from the old form, done powerfully rapidly.  Puchui consists of two different formulas, a fixed sequence of moves, which are practiced alone.  Later, one student does one formula, while his opponent does the other so that they can practice a sequence of attacks and counters (Large San Sau) without stopping between techniques.  At first, they practice slowly and then, gradually faster, with full power.  Later, the techniques are applied randomly, leading to free sparring.  Usually the Large San Sau is not taught until a student has practiced for at least four years.

Weapons, such as the sword, spear, are also taught as solo forms and then, two-person sparring exercises.

There are several associated medical and health aspects in Tai Chi connected with the old solo form associated martial training exercises.  There is a natural, biorhythmic Qi flow in the body every 24 hours, known as the Horary Cycle.  In the Horary Cycle, the Qi makes its way through the meridians with its associated organ so that there is a two-hour period during which it is at maximum energy. The order of flow and the maximum energy time periods are:

 Lung (3-5 AM) ? Large Intestines (5-7 AM) ? Stomach (7-9 AM) ? Spleen (9-11 AM) ? Heart (11AM – 1PM) ? Small Intestines (1-3 PM) ? Bladder (3-5 PM) ? Kidney (5-7 PM )? Pericardium (7-9 PM) ? Triple Energizer ( 9-11 PM ) ? Gallbladder ( 11PM – 1AM) ? Liver (1 – 3 AM)  ? Lung …..

Performing the old Yang form causes your Qi to flow through the Horary Cycle 3 times, energizing the body and helping balance your Qi flow.  In addition, each posture in the Yang form can be practiced alone as a Qigong exercise to treat various conditions in the body –for example, holding the single whip posture is beneficial to the joints. In addition, greater difficulty than normal in doing a certain posture can be used to diagnose diseases.

Most people cannot learn to relax sufficiently by only doing the solo form.  Practicing the two-person exercises is required.   In addition, practicing the San Sau form can energize the practitioners if the acupoints are struck lightly.

In classical Tai Chi, the goal was not to just to make students warriors, but also healers. Dim Mak is not studied just for self defense to injure people.  Techniques for resuscitating attackers and treating accidental practice injuries must also be learned.  Moreover, the same Dim Mak technique, when done gently and with a healing mind –set can be used to treat diseases.

Auxiliary Qigong training, which includes holding postures, is also an integral part of training.  This helps students increase their internal energy, learn to feel Qi, helps relaxation, rooting, and projecting Qi.  External Qi healing is also taught. 

Classical Tai Chi takes years of dedicated study.  It is very difficult to learn in modern times because of many distractions.  To teach Tai Chi to the masses, several different shorter versions of the new, long, Yang Cheng – Fu have been devised such as: the Beijing 24 movement version, Chen Man-ching 37 movement form, the 42 movement competition form developed by the Chinese National Wushu Association, and a 48 movement Yang style version by the Chinese National Athletic Association.  There is even a fast set version developed by Master Dong Ying-jie.

Practicing the old Yang style probably has more health benefits than practicing a modern, shorter version simply because there are more varied movements in the old form.  It is unlikely that the short form causes the Qi to flow 3 times through the Horary Cycle, because different movements influence the Qi flow in different ways and many movements are omitted.  There are also many principals for doing the postures correctly.  In some modern, shorter versions, these principals are not obeyed.  Even if the student is taught the principals and has them memorized, it takes years before they can be performed correctly. 

Tai Chi research is usually not done on all parts classical Tai Chi as described above, but only some shortened version or even a few postures from some solo form.  The results should really be entitled the effects of trying to learn Tai Chi, since the research is usually carried out for months and not years.  Beginning students are not doing real Tai Chi and so using a control group that danced or walked might give similar results as doing Tai Chi (9).  Further studies, using a walking control group as in (21), should be done.

The Chinese medical health benefits, such as the Horary Cycle effect and postures used as Qigong, have been passed on from Master to student without explanation or justification in terms of traditional Chinese medical theory.  Clinical trials have not been carried out to justify all of these claims.

2.  Is Tai Chi a Form of Qigong?

The movements in the solo Tai Chi form cause the Qi to circulate. A Tai Chi expert can feel the Qi circulate and after years of practice the circulation of Qi produces the movements.  Thus, Tai Chi can be considered to be a form of Qigong according to the Qi definition of Qigong (1) 

Even some beginners claim to feel Qi or some of its manifestations.  However, often this is just the result of muscle tension restricting blood flow and brainwashing by the instructor.  Initially, because beginners must concentrate on the postures and principals, their minds are too preoccupied to feel Qi.  Electrical sensations in the back, legs and arms, may be an indication of multiple sclerosis (MS) and not an indication of Qi flow in vital energy channels (2). “The common form of Lhermitte’s sign, which occurs in about a third of multiple sclerosis (MS) patients, consists of a feeling of an electric current moving down the back to the legs on flexion of the neck. The spread of the sensation is usually downwards, terminating either at the lower end of the spine or passing down both legs. However, all four limbs may be affected or less frequently the arms alone.  Even in the absence of any other symptoms or signs, Lhermitte’s sign is a strong indication of MS.  In our patient electrical sensation compatible with Lhermitte’s sign occurred during bow stance (cervical extension) and push hand practicing (flexion). These positions represent the classical postures of flexion or extension that are associated with Lhermitte’s sign. They evoke, due to mechanical deformation of the cord impulses in demyelinated, sensory fibers.”

The first definition of Qigong is not suitable for research, since the exact nature of Qi is unknown.  However, Tai Chi is a self-training technique or process that integrates the body posture, breathing, and mentality into oneness to achieve the optimal state for both body and mind.  Thus, Tai Chi is a form of Qigong according to the second definition in (1).

3.  Tai Chi for Relieving Stress

Sandlund and Norlander (3) reviewed more than 20 studies published from 1996

to 1999 on the effects of Tai Chi on stress response and well-being and concluded that, although the slow-movement Tai Chi may not achieve aerobic fitness, it could enhance flexibility and overall psychological well-being.  Tai Chi exercises led to an improvement of mood. The researchers concluded that all studies on the benefits of Tai Chi have revealed positive results and that Tai Chi was an effective way to reduce stress.

Wang, Collet, and Lau (4) reviewed general health outcomes of Tai Chi. Among the six studies they reviewed with psychological measures, five reported positive or significant effects of Tai Chi on reducing stress and anxiety.  However, biases existed in some of the studies, and it was difficult to draw firm conclusions about the benefits reported. Therefore, more well-designed studies are needed in the future.

The review (5) states that the majority of studies on Tai Chi conducted between 1996 and 2004 had focused on health and well being of Tai Chi exercise for senior adults. The results show that Tai Chi may lead to improved balance, reduced fear of falling, increased strength, increased functional mobility, greater flexibility, and increased psychological well-being, sleep enhancement for sleep disturbed elderly individuals, and increased cardio functioning.

Jin (7) conducted one of the first studies to examine the effects of Tai Chi (new long Yang and Wu forms) on the endocrine system.  Changes in psychological and physiological functioning following participation in Tai Chi were assessed for 33 beginners (8 months or less experience) and 33 practitioners (more than a year’s experience).  The variables in the three-way factorial design were experience (beginners vs. practitioners), time (morning vs. afternoon vs. evening), and phase (before Tai Chi vs. during Tai Chi vs. after Tai Chi). Phase was a repeated measures variable. Relative to measures taken beforehand, practice of Tai Chi raised heart rate, increased noradrenaline excretion in urine, and decreased salivary cortisol concentration. Relative to baseline levels, subjects reported less tension, depression, anger, fatigue, confusion and state-anxiety, they felt more vigorous, and in general they had less total mood disturbance.

Heart rate for practitioners was higher than that for beginners. Jin attributes this effect to the lower stance and more controlled form of experienced practitioners

The data suggest that Tai Chi results in gains that are comparable to those found with moderate exercise. There is need for research concerned with whether participation in Tai Chi has effects over and above those associated with physical exercise.  A later paper by Jin (9) investigated this query. 

The study (9) compares the stress-reducing attributes of Tai Chi to those of brisk walking, meditation, and sitting and reading.  There was no difference in the magnitude of cortisol reduction between the Tai Chi group and the other three groups.  Hence, an additive effect of the physical exercise component and the cognitive exercise component in the practice of Tai Chi is not evident

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Paul Kalil has been attending Beach Boot Camp training conducted by Lt. Col. Bob Weinstein, USAR-Ret. on Fort Lauderdale Beach for fifteen months. He is 39 years old and has been overweight since childhood. At 5’8″, Paul weighed approximately 240 pounds in high school, but lost 80 pounds in his senior year by moderating his calorie intake and exercising daily. Paul’s weight fluctuated in the following years while he attended college, but he remained relatively fit and active and enjoyed running. However, during law school and the ensuing years, Paul slipped into a sedentary lifestyle and gained significant weight. When he started the Beach Boot Camp program, he weighed in excess of 270 pounds. After nine months of training, he had lost over 40 pounds and completed his first half-marathon. Paul continues to struggle with his weight, but regular exercise and mindful nutrition keep him on the right path. He looks forward to many half-marathons in his future.

Colonel Bob: What lessons have you learned on your weight loss journey?

Paul: There is an exercise program for everyone. I never thought I would ever get involved with a fitness class. But I learned that exercise can double as entertainment if you choose the right activity for you, be it a class, a sport, or your own program.

I don’t exercise just because I want to lose weight. I find activities that I really enjoy doing just for the sake of doing them. Through those activities, I have made friends, faced challenges and accomplished things I never imagined I could. The weight loss is almost an afterthought.

Colonel Bob: What were some of the phases of weight and eating habits you went through?

Paul: My weight fluctuations have always coincided with personal changes. I tend to eat less when I am stressed or distracted. I eat considerably more when I am inactive or bored.

I am addicted to carbs, especially sweets, but I find that I crave sweets less when I exercise regularly. I don’t know if this is physiological or psychological, but it definitely is so.

My most recent weight loss has coincided with some significant lifestyle changes which have been both positive and negative, and have resulted in changes in diet and routine. Overall I have tried to stick to a reduced calorie, low sugar diet, and maintain my regular exercise routine. But I have fallen off the wagon from time to time and given in to cravings, or missed workouts here and there. Change is inevitable and nothing is forever. That includes good and bad habits, too.

Colonel Bob: What keeps you on track?

Paul: The people who travel with me, for the most part. I will admit that my motivation often comes from external sources, and not always from within.

Colonel Bob: What is your weight history starting from high school?

Paul: I have been overweight since I can remember. By my senior year of high school, I was 240 lbs. I lost 80 pounds that year by simply eating less and exercising moderately each day (brisk walking for an hour or so). My waist size went from 44 to 36 inches.

My weight fluctuated through college, and eventually I put about 40 lbs. back on.

After college I started running. I was relatively fit, and lost some weight, but I was still pretty heavy. I never weighed myself, but my blood pressure was quite low and my Resting Heart Rate was around 54.

Law school was the killer. All I did was study, commute and eat, for three years. By the time I graduated, I was back at 240 lbs., or more. For the next ten years, I continued to gain weight. When I started Beach Boot Camp I was over 270 lbs. (my scale maxed out at 270).

Since starting Beach Boot Camp in May, 2008, I have lost over 40 lbs. I’m not sure exactly how much because my scale was maxed out when I started. I have gained about 12 pounds back in the last couple months, but I am now on the downward trend again.

Colonel Bob: What changes have you made in your eating habits?

Paul: I think my biggest change has been the reduction of sugar intake. Much fewer sweets, no more sugary cereals, and I look out for hidden sugar in other foods that appear to be healthy. I eat fruit in moderation, always mindful of the sugar.

No white bread. Ever. I do not keep bread at home anymore. But I still buy the occasional wheat bagel or sandwich on decent bread. Pasta is an occasional indulgence rather than a staple.

I have also eliminated most dairy products from my diet, especially cheese, which had been a big source of excess calories and fat/cholesterol.

Colonel Bob: Did you use a support system or was someone else there to support and encourage you?

Paul: Of course, I have had a lot of support from friends and co-workers who have noticed my weight loss and improved fitness. But the greatest encouragement has come from my fellow “Troops” at Beach Boot Camp. It is one of the few places where it seems that nobody wants someone else to fail. That has been crucial to my success.

Colonel Bob: How do you see your health over the next five, ten and twenty years and how can you impact on your health over the long-term?

Paul: At 39, I am already feeling the effects of a largely sedentary lifestyle and decades of bad habits. I have greatly improved my health in the last year, and barring some catastrophic illness or injury, I foresee continued improvements in health and fitness for the years to come. I can’t control my genes, stop myself from aging, or change my past behavior, but I am confident that I can reduce my health risks and improve my quality of life staying active and maintaining responsible habits. But I know it will always be a struggle.

Colonel Bob: Have you or do you have set-backs and how do you or have you overcome them?

Paul: I have had some injuries from trying to do too much, too fast. Injuries are not only physically uncomfortable, the pain damages your confidence and leads you to question whether you can continue exercising. With training and weight loss come greater strength and better health. But there are times when you have to back off a little so you don’t get hurt. When injuries happen (and they will happen) I try to keep things in perspective. The pain may be great, but the injuries aren’t usually serious. The pain will go away, and I will be back to working out soon enough. When faced with any kind of adversity, I always try to remember: “This too shall pass.”

I have also “fallen off the wagon” from time to time and indulged in bad food and laziness. When this happens, I accept it for what it is: a setback in my road to better health and fitness. I try not to get too down on myself when I do this. I see it as part of the process. It doesn’t mean I have to continue down a bad path, it just means I need to set things right again. And I can set things right again.

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We’ve all found ourselves criticising our shots and swings for our performance at one stage in the past – no matter how much time and effort you invest in perfecting your golf shots – you’ll never achieve your ultimate targets if you’re using unsuitable or substandard golf clubs.

If you intend to purchase or receive a set of used golf clubs be sure to inspect them closely. Club-heads and shafts must show no sign of neglect from its previous owner – natural signs of wear can be expected on the grip. If purchasing a used set of from an online advertisement – don’t be afraid to request emailed confirmation of the exact contents of the golf set.

More importantly research the Internet using shopping comparison websites like pricegrabber.co.uk, nextag.co.uk and shop.com for the latest prices on new golf club sets. The cost of purchasing a brand new golf set can be more cost-effective than acquiring golf clubs individually from various sources – where the addition of postage is charged per club. If you’re a beginner the purchase of a new set of clubs will provide a degree of consistency and confidence – for example, the Chicago SGS golf set for beginners can be purchased in many variations including 1″ shorter, ladies and men’s editions – each set of clubs offering the optimal match in terms of shaft length and flex. Texan Classics produce a hybrid golf set in 1″ taller (6′ 1″+ over) and 1″ shorter (for players under 5′ 6″) editions. Both brands can offer a complete set of 14 golf clubs with stand bag for under £90.

Custom fitted golf clubs can offer the most practical solution in finding the best golf clubs to match an individual’s unique characteristics. Online custom fitting is the latest revolution to hit the golf industry with manufacturers like Forgan of St. Andrews – the world’s oldest golf brand, offering one of the most easy-to-use custom fit services. A player simply enters the following details: gender, dexterity, height, floor to wrist height, glove size and swing speed; the website then calculates which golf clubs are best suited to their game from shaft flex to lie adjustments.

The type of golf club shaft can also help in predicting how well a player will progress in their game. Graphite and steel shafted golf clubs each possess their own characteristics – steel shafts have always been considered to be more durable than graphite for example; like all golf equipment the key is to try out both kinds to determine which type best fits your swing. Graphite being a lighter material to steel can produce an extra 6-12 yards of distance. Steel shafts are typically recommended for players of a mid to low handicap. Graphite shafts are therefore better suited to ladies, junior and senior players – with varying degrees of flex to match the individual characteristics of each swing type. Given the increasing popularity and demand for graphite shafts – prices are typically higher compared to steel shafts.

Online retailers offer the lowest prices on graphite and steel shafted golf clubs. The Sports HQ for example supplies graphite shafted drivers from £6.99 and complete all-graphite golf sets with bag from £89.99. Junior golf sets with graphite shafts can also be purchased from £29.99.

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