"Golf and fitness are colliding" states instructor, Joey Corona, addressing his "Synergy Golf Conditioning" class at the Doral Golf Resort and Spa. "If you're going to play golf, play well, and play for a lifetime, you realize that golf is more than just recreation--it is about fun--and it's more fun to have low scores. If you are looking for ways to improve, fitness is one way to do it," he explains.

At Doral, golf and fitness smoothly transition from one end of the luxurious resort to the other. A class with Corona at the Spa at Doral can be a pre-round warm up, or a post-game cool down--before or after an encounter with the Blue Monster, the new Great White, or a round on the Red, Gold or Silver courses. As an amateur championship golfer, yoga teacher and cruise ship activities director, Corona's diverse experience culminates in a comprehensive routine that he shares with members and guests at Doral--those who want to improve their bodies--and their games. By blending various exercise disciplines, Corona created a unique and enjoyable approach to fitness for golf, which he tailors to the ability levels and interests of his students.

"The golf swing can be traumatic for the back so it is important to build strength in the lower body," he says, "Likewise, abdominal core strength is key to hold the body in correct posture. Fitness is preventative maintenance for common golf injuries that effect the back, shoulders and neck," he adds.

The group class starts with yoga stretches, which address breathing, focus and balance, all important elements of the golf swing. "Whether you're on the first tee, or standing over an important putt, you need to know how to relax and focus," says Corona, "And the standing postures re-enforce the correct, neutral pelvic tilt needed to facilitate the biomechanics of the swing."

Moving into aerobics, the class members elevate their heart rates to build stamina. They also get the feel of the golf swing, using specially cut-down 2' Tour Edge clubs, that they swing safely and smoothly, while moving to music.

Next comes strength training for the shoulders, neck and back, with exercise bands, using moves that mimic the golf swing. Medicine ball passes are added to work on core flexibility and rotation. Further flexibility training involves stretching through the hips, to avoid the dreaded sway or slide--often the body's compensation for lack of hip rotation.

Then it's back to yoga for the cool-down, where back stretches, spinal twists and diaphramatic breathing, prepare the body to assimilate what it has just accomplished in the hour of movement.

"Golfers are athletes," Corona emphasizes, Tiger Woods is a world-class athlete. He has the flexibility of a ballet dancer, the speed and quickness of a figure skater or boxer, and plus, he has the strength to hit the ball. Combined with his talent and work ethic, he is the model of fitness in golf."