Why it works: It helps stregnthen your glutesand hamstrings, in addition to your core muscles (midsection), and this creates a solid foundation for your swing. Plus it improves your posture, allowing you to maintain the proper body angles throughout the swing for more solid contact.

How to do it: (1) Lie on your back with your arms at your sides (hands flat on the floor) and heels resting on an exercise ball or a chair. (2) Keeping your shoulders on the ground, push your hips straight up toward the ceiling, forming a solid bridge from your feet to your shoulders. (Tip: Squeezing your butt cheeks will automatically lift your hips.) Hold for two seconds, then return to the starting position. Do three sets of 10 reps.

Extra Tip: before you start any exercise, tighten your abs for additional support, drawing your belly in toward your spine.

Advanced move: (3) Ball bridge with pike

Your hamstrings are key to good posture. To isolate and strengthen them even more, start from a bridged position and roll the ball toward you, curling your heels toward your glutes. keep your hips stable so your butt doesn't sag. You're finished when your body forms an upside-down "L" (the pike) with knees and shoulders in a straight line. Hold for one second, then return to plank position and repeat.

Darryl Estrine

AARON BADDELEY ranks seventh in top-10 finishes (3) on the 2005 PGA Tour (through March 28).

COREY DEGENSTEIN, a certified strength and conditioning specialist with Gainey Village & Spa in Scottsdale, AZ, contributed to this story.