How riding my Peloton consistently has helped my golf game

I will be the first to admit I’m an addict. It all started in December 2018. I came home from work and there it was, a Peloton bike! My first thought was, we belong to a nice gym, we do not need this. But my husband told me to just try it and if I did not like it, we could return it.  

I reluctantly agreed, clipped in, and that is when my addiction began. After my first ride, I realized that this amazing piece of equipment would never leave our home.  For the past two-and-a-half years, I have rarely missed a day riding my Peloton.    

In addition to keeping me fit, my Peloton addiction has benefited both my golf game and my instruction. Taking classes from some of the fabulous Peloton instructors, I have received advice that has been very beneficial to my mental game on the course.  

Fitness

As we all know, the mental aspect of golf is one of the most difficult parts of the game. There is a very fine line between thinking too much and not thinking enough. During a challenging interval workout, one of the Peloton instructors says, “You can do anything for 15 seconds.”  

This advice also applies to golf. You hit a drive in the fairway, get to your ball, assess your lie, select your club, go through your pre-shot routine and execute the shot. This process should take 15 to 25 seconds. Taking more time than this can negatively affect your game. Rushing this process can also have a negative impact. You should find a comfortable routine that can be completed in a reasonable amount of time. Remember: “You can do anything for 15 seconds.” 

Another benefit I have received from my Peloton experience that is directly applicable to golf is the ability to disassociate. In addition to helping  you get through a tough ride, disassociation can get you through a long or intense round of golf.  

It is very difficult to maintain your focus for 18 holes, let alone a multi-day tournament. If you can disassociate between shots — taking a mental break to think about your favorite TV show, sports team, what you want for lunch or maybe a favorite vacation spot — it will help keep your mind focused during the important part of the round, when you are executing shots.  

Luckily, my Peloton bike is a healthy addiction, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to learn more about the game we all love through other beneficial athletic endeavors. And I hope my experience can help you too.   

Edie Wessel, PGA, is the teaching professional at The Silverleaf Club in Scottsdale, Ariz.

Golf.com