Getting to know his body better and the way muscles move is a reason why Deck sought advice of Roy Khoury, a fitness instructor who educates clients on the importance of knowing your body and the way it moves.
Whether it be flexibility in the hips, torso rotation or strength in the legs, Khoury's emphasis is on how a person moves to get the maximum benefit from the movement.
He teaches at an office in Newport Beach and clients include college players and a few tour professionals.
Khoury, 29, who studied body movement en route to a bachelor's degree in kinesiology at Cal State Fullerton, wanted to capitalize on the increased awareness on fitness the golfing world within the last decade.
Golfers comprise a majority of his clients. Khoury receives many referrals from physical therapists.
Khoury said physical therapists differ from fitness instructors in that the former treat single injuries such as an anterior cruciate ligament. Khoury looks at the site of an injury and how that affects overall movement. It's a holistic approach.
Perhaps it's looking at the reason why a person can't move their leg a certain way.
Khoury said many people are not aware of their posture. Every golfer has his or her individual swing. Khoury must adjust his teaching to the particular golfer's needs.
His best advice is to get a fitness evaluation so one discovers his or her strengths and weaknesses.
Deck said he can refer students to Khoury who may have questions or seek help if they have trouble moving a certain way during the swing.
Fitness as integral to golf is an idea that's been around in recent years and gained momentum, Deck said.
"It makes my job easier when they work with [Khoury]," Deck, a Golf Tips magazine senior instruction editor, said. "They are more in tune with their bodies, have better strength, stability, mobility or flexibility.
