Michael Butler, BA, PTA; CSCS*D

For more than half a century, people have flocked to the desert to play golf and tennis on our world-class stage. Many consider these to be leisurely games, while others plan their life around time on the course or the courts.

As both sports can be seasonal, keeping in shape year round in an effort to avoid injury and play your best takes work. For this, many players from around the globe and our desert turn to strength and conditioning specialist Michael Butler of Kinetix Health & Performance Center.

Butler is a certified “golf biomechanic” and has trained many pros including Mike Weir, Paul Stankowski, Jennifer Johnson, Kelly Kuehne, Jamie Fischer, and Byron Smith. He also has substantial amateur clientele from Canada, Italy, Asia and the U.S. with most returning annually to sharpen their skills and technique.

“While players tend to spend a lot of money on the latest equipment for their sport,” says Butler, “many ignore the most important aspect of the game – their physical condition.” That is where a sport-specific training program comes in. “No matter how high-tech the gear, an athlete will only be as good as their body allows them to be.”

“For both tennis and golf, it is important that players enhance their stability, flexibility, strength, and power which is what we focus on through our conditioning program.”

A client’s first session includes a 2-hour comprehensive evaluation from which an individualized program to address that golfer’s specific needs is developed. Elements include the SwingFit, speed stick training, weights, balance exercises and more. Workouts are filmed so clients may continue their program at home, and periodic reassessments are performed until fitness goals are reached.

Kinetix also features a full-service spa, and Butler incorporates tailored massage, ART body work, cryotherapy and pulsed electromagnetic frequency (PEMF) therapy as needed. “We want you to get the most out of your body so that you can play your best game all season long and avoid getting injured.”

The golf and tennis programs are also offered to groups and Kinetix’s 8,000 sf facility makes the teamwork comfortable and easy. Sports prevention seminars are also offered off-site.

Butler, who has also written several books on training, has been in the fitness industry for 30 years. He gives back to the community through youth sports and has been honored by cities locally for his work and contributions.

“I love what I do, and the passion I have for my work directly reflects on the outcome for my clients.”

Golf and tennis conditioning programs cost $85-$225/hour. Kinetix Health & Performance Center is located in Palm Desert and can be reached at (760) 200.1719.