I’ve been working in golf fitness for over 15 years and I have used many devices for developing rotational power in the golf swing and recently I started using the TRX Rip Trainer. The Rip Trainer is a fantastic tool for helping to teach people how to create separation between the hips and shoulders as well as developing rotational speed and power using ground reaction forces and the natural push/pull rotational relationship of the shoulder girdle. Basically, I like it!
I wanted to show case a challenging exercise with you to help you understand the concepts I mentioned above. This exercise requires a tremendous amount of lower body stability to create pure rotation throughout the mid spine and shoulder girdle. First set up the Rip Trainer on an anchor point, walk away from the anchor point until the band is tight. Set up into a lunge position with your left leg forward, cradle the Rip Trainer in your arms so it is parallel with your shoulder line and the band is attached to the right end of the stick. Slowly rotate to the left being careful to not let your knees sway and the right end of the stick should be pointed at the ground, then rotate fully to the left. You will notice that you have to switch muscle groups and use your back muscles behind your right shoulder blade as you turn fully to the right. Continue to turn right and left, maintaining good core control and your spine angles. If you can do this with proper form, start to increase your speed, be careful to push yourself but not to lose control of your body. Watch this video from my You Tube channel to get a better idea how to do this exercise.