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Couples Snapshot:
15 PGA TOUR Titles
Masters Title 1992
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Kelly
talks with Fred Couples
Fred's Fitness
Program
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| Fred
and Kelly walking the course |
The man whose
gallery is often lined from tee to green with no less than five people
deep, was gracious enough to give me two hours of his undivided attention
to talk about his game and his fitness regimen to stay healthy on
the TOUR.
Couples experienced
the worst nightmare a golfer can encounter 45 minutes prior to his
tee time at Doral in 1994. While warming up with an 8-iron, he experienced
what he called "an explosion" in his low back. "I
looked at my teacher and told him I was in trouble and couldn't
move," said Couples. A cart was dispatched to transport Fred
to the rehabilitation trailer for examination. "After being
worked on for 20 minutes I thought I was ready, but when I went
to stand I couldn't put any weight on my legs," Couples said.
Fred returned to Dallas where he was under the care of a physical
therapist. After one week he saw improvement, but upon his return
to the TOUR, it was just a matter of time before the pain returned.
 At
the advice of fellow TOUR player Don Pooley, Fred sought
out physical therapist Tom Boers of the Human Performance
and Rehabilitation Center in Columbus, Georgia. Tom immediately
went to work diagnosing the problem and implementing the fix. "Tom
required a three day stay in order for me to go through the treatments
and follow-up. The results were immediate," said Couples. To
maintain a healthy back, Boers prescribed strength exercises using
bands and exertubing, stretching exercises to increase range of
motion, and cardiovascular endurance training.
 Fred
still sees Tom three to four times annually. Now over 40, he realizes
that his fitness regimen is a must to keep his back in shape and
continue to be competitive on the TOUR. His pre-game format starts
with a warm-up on the Versa Climber cardio machine followed by stretching
exercises. After his round he completes his day with 30 minutes
of cardiovascular endurance training followed by strength exercises.
Couples plans
the year to include 15 to 18 tournaments. He continues his fitness
program off the TOUR at his home in California. Tom Boers has treated
many TOUR players over the years. He is referred to as the man with
the magic hands. Couples fans, including myself, have him to thank
for keeping Fred healthy for his game.
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