During the off-season, people are full of ideas on how to improve their games by visiting the driving range, working out and focusing on their mechanics. For those of us living in the colder regions of the country, there's something you can do that can improve your swing from the ground up.

More and more people every year are learning the art of Tai Chi, an ancient Chinese martial art that focuses on slow movement, muscle control, balance and mental focus. Sounds a lot like the ingredients for a good golf swing? Maybe that's why more and more of those new Tai Chi students are athletes and golfers.

Let's face it, a good golf swing is a balanced golf swing. You're not rocking from toe to heel, your posture is such that you stay stable. After practicing Tai Chi for just a few months will teach you how to maintain that center of gravity through slow, control movements. Those movements do wonders for your tempo.

One of the focus points in any good Tai Chi practice is a full turn from the waist, not just turning from side to side with your torso. Do your warm-ups and then make sure you're making good turns while performing the Tai Chi form and that can't help but get translated into your golf swing.

I've been practicing Tai Chi for over a year now and had one of my best years ever on the golf course last year. Find a teacher in your area and give it a try, it might be the best thing you do this Winter.

Labels: fitness, golf, tai chi