[Vickie]

hue, Let me first say that the pull down that simulates the swing is a great tool as long as you have your back adequately supported by your abdominals and you have proper hip and foot placement. On occassion I see people trying to do these type of sport specific exercises with more weight than they can do without creating compensatory body shifts that creep into their golf game and undermine the very goal they set out to accomplish. Don't worry about bicep work. If you don't keep a balance of tension around the elbow and shoulder you are creating an opportunity for elbow problems. Also it is the bicep that flexes your arm on approach so . . . Also realize that your bicep attaches to the top of your shoulder blade, so if you don't have strength and flexibility relative to the tricep which also attaches to the scapula.

The very fact that you have a repetative motion influence in both golf and tennis creates an impetis for muscular development in the much used and preferred muscular function. Don't give over you training to the left side. Instead, when you start a set begin on the left side, do the same number or reps on the right side and then return for a half set again on the left. In the process of bringing a muscular balance you don't want to create a new level of imbalance. Only do this every second or third workout and you'll be surprised that the balance will come in a few weeks with no problems. Be patient and let it work slowly as rehab always is.

We may be off page here but I will tell you that your power comes from a balance of strength. Light weight/high reps increase your endurance which just means you can have more energy in to display your power as sufficiently at the end of your game as in the beginning. If you are talking about ballistic training that's another story.

I like yoga and pilates and fedenkrais. You mentioned you also play tennis. The best way to keep balance during your play in both sports is to simulate your stroke to the left side as many times as you do in your game. Wheneever I change sides I put my tennis racket in my left hand and create tension in a poor replication of my traditional forehand and backhand. It feels strange at first but it keeps you back relaxed and your shoulders balanced.

Ecto with a little meso is the best mixture but requires much more food to keep your weight up. Just eat more frequent, smaller meals to bring your calories up by 200-500 per day and I think you will see some added muscle after about four weeks. Again you want it to be slow because muscle adds weight but it's hard to see on a leaner frame.

Sounds to me like you have a really good handle on your training. Keep me posted. Vik