Golf assessment and improvement system

Abstract

A method and system for remotely assessing the physical fitness of a golfer is disclosed. Preferably, a golfer performs one or more fitness tests to determine his/her physical fitness level. Based on the golfer's performance of each of the one or more fitness tests, a workout regimen may be generated to assist the golfer in improving his/her performance of the one or more fitness tests, as well as his/her golfing performance. It is desirable for the method and system to be remotely accessible using a webpage accessible via a data network. In this manner, a plurality of golfers may have a customized workout regimen designed for them without the expense typically associated with such services.

1 . A golf assessment and improvement method, comprising: 
 determining the kinematic characteristics of a golfer's golf club swing;    providing a plurality of input information about a golfer, wherein the input information includes a fitness professional's evaluation of a golfer's physical fitness; and    generating a workout regimen based on the kinematic characteristics and the golfer's physical fitness evaluation.    
   
   
       2 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the evaluation of a golfer's physical fitness comprises: 
 directing a golfer to perform one or more fitness tests;    evaluating the golfer's performance of the one or more fitness tests based on predetermined criteria, wherein the evaluating is performed by a fitness professional; and    generating a first golf fitness handicap based on the fitness professional's evaluation of the golfer's performance.    
   
   
       3 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the generating comprises: 
 generating a workout regimen for a predetermined evaluation period;    directing the golfer to perform one or more fitness tests after the evaluation period is over;    evaluating the golfer's performance of the one or more fitness tests based on predetermined criteria, wherein the evaluating is performed by a fitness professional;    generating a second golf fitness handicap based on the fitness professional's evaluation of the golfer's performance; and    generating a second workout regimen based on the second golf fitness handicap, wherein the second workout regimen is generated for a predetermined period of time.    
   
   
       4 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the fitness professional can modify the generated workout regimen based on at least one of modality or body part.  
   
   
       5 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the workout regimen includes a plurality of exercises, wherein instructions for each of the plurality of exercises are provided over a data network, and wherein the instructions comprise at least one of audio, video, and text.  
   
   
       6 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the determining the kinematic characteristics of a golfer's club swing is performed by a launch monitor.  
   
   
       7 . The method according to  claim 2 , wherein the fitness tests include at least one of a toe touch test, a deep squat test, a seated trunk rotation test, a hip rotation test, a single leg balance test, a pelvic tilt test, a single leg bridge test, a side bridge test, a supine latissimus dorsi test, a reach, roll, lift test, a open book test, and a shoulder rotation 90/90 test.  
   
   
       8 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the workout regimen includes at least one of cardiovascular exercises, weight lifting exercises, stretching exercises, Pilates, meditation, and yoga.  
   
   
       9 . A physical fitness assessment and improvement method, comprising: 
 directing an athlete to perform at least one fitness exercise, wherein the athlete's performance of the at least one fitness exercise is evaluated by a fitness professional; and    generating a workout regimen directed towards improving the athlete's performance of the at least one fitness exercise, wherein the workout regimen includes a plurality of exercises, and wherein a video demonstration of the one or more exercises is provided over a data network.    
   
   
       10 . The physical fitness assessment and improvement method according to  claim 9 , further comprising determining the kinematic characteristics of the athlete's golf club swing.  
   
   
       11 . The physical fitness assessment and improvement method according to  claim 9 , wherein the data network comprises at least one of a local area network, wide area network, a private local area network, and a private wide area network.  
   
   
       12 . The physical fitness assessment and improvement method according to  claim 9 , wherein the video demonstration is transferred to a portable storage device.  
   
   
       13 . The physical fitness assessment and improvement method according to  claim 9 , wherein the fitness professional can modify the generated workout regimen.  
   
   
       14 . The physical fitness assessment and improvement method according to  claim 9 , further comprising more than one athlete, wherein a workout regimen can be generated for each of the more than one athletes.  
   
   
       15 . A sports assessment and improvement method, comprising: 
 using a fitness professional to administer a plurality of fitness tests to one or more athletes; and    generating a workout regimen for each athlete based on a fitness professional's evaluation of the one or more athlete's performance of the plurality of fitness exercises.    
   
   
       16 . The sports assessment and improvement method according to  claim 15 , wherein the fitness professional uses a webpage to manage the workout regimen for the one or more athletes.  
   
   
       17 . The sports assessment and improvement method according to  claim 16 , wherein the plurality of fitness tests and the workout regimen include instructions, wherein the instructions are transferred to a portable storage device.  
   
   
       18 . The sports assessment and improvement method according to  claim 15 , further comprising determining the kinematic characteristics of the athlete's golf club swing.  
   
   
       19 . The sports assessment and improvement method according to  claim 15 , wherein the evaluating comprises providing a quantitative evaluation of each of the plurality of athlete's performance.  
   
   
       20 . The sports assessment and improvement method according to  claim 17 , wherein the instructions include at least one of a video demonstration, audio instructions, and written instructions provided via the webpage.