Chris Carullo combines his deep knowledge of fitness with his passion for golf through Art of Flight Golf, located inside Bethlehem Golf Club. Offering programs and memberships designed to cater to golfers of all levels and interests, Art of Flight Golf is open to everyone and is intended for anyone who is looking to move better, play better and enjoy pain-free golf. Carullo is proud to be creating a unique and impactful service for golfers, calling it incredibly rewarding to help clients enhance their skills on the course while also achieving better overall wellness.
Describe your personal philosophy when it comes to overall wellness!
Fitness is the cornerstone of moving and feeling better; it’s essential for living a long, pain-free and active life. I see fitness not just as a routine but as a lifestyle. It’s about making consistent, healthy decisions that enhance our physical capabilities and overall well-being. By prioritizing fitness, we set ourselves up for a more fulfilling life, where we can engage in the activities we love without limitations.
How did your fitness journey begin?
My fitness journey began with a strong foundation in sports during my childhood. I was always active, which instilled in me a love for movement and physical activity. In my early teens, I started lifting weights, and this experience opened my eyes to the transformative power of strength training. By the time I was 16, I was so passionate about fitness that I began taking on my first personal training clients.
How did those early experiences shape your path?
These early experiences were pivotal, as they not only honed my physical abilities but also allowed me to share my passion with others. Helping people achieve their fitness goals became incredibly rewarding, and it solidified my commitment to a lifelong health and wellness journey. Fitness, for me, is not just about staying in shape—it's about living a balanced, active lifestyle.
Tell us about the decision to pivot and start Art of Flight Golf after a decade of owning your own personal training facility in Bethlehem.
My decision to pivot was driven by a combination of personal passion and a desire to fill a unique niche in the fitness industry. While I thoroughly enjoyed helping clients achieve their fitness goals through personal training, I realized that my love for golf presented an opportunity to blend my expertise in fitness with my enthusiasm for the sport.
Tell us about the inspiration for Art of Flight Golf.
Over the years, I noticed that many golfers were looking for specialized training programs that not only improved their game but also enhanced their overall physical health. I saw a gap in the market for golf-specific fitness programs that addressed the unique demands of the sport. This realization inspired me to create Art of Flight Golf, offering comprehensive training programs designed to help golfers of all levels improve their performance, reduce the risk of injury and enjoy the game more fully.
What do you love most about the sport of golf?
What I love most about the sport of golf is its timeless nature and the sense of community it fosters. Golf is a unique sport that you can play your entire life, offering both relaxation and competition regardless of age. Whether you're out on the course to disconnect and enjoy time with friends or to test your skills in a competitive setting, golf provides a versatile and enriching experience.
I've met so many incredible people on the golf course, all united by a shared passion for the game. This camaraderie and the connections formed are truly special. Golf isn't just about the physical aspect; it's also about the relationships and memories you build along the way. The lifelong enjoyment and the community it brings are what make golf such an extraordinary sport for me.
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Marco Calderon Photography
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Marco Calderon Photography
Explain the significance of being Titleist Performance Institute Certified!
Being TPI Certified holds significant importance in the realm of golf fitness and performance. This certification signifies that a coach has specialized knowledge and skills to help golfers optimize their physical conditioning and enhance their performance on the course. With over 20 years of experience as a coach in the fitness industry, I have always prioritized continuous education and professional development. I traveled extensively to obtain a wide range of certifications, with TPI certification being a cornerstone of my professional journey. TPI is renowned for its comprehensive approach to golf fitness, combining biomechanics, functional movement and sports medicine to create tailored training programs for golfers.
What exactly is golf performance training?
Golf performance training is a specialized form of fitness training focused on improving a golfer's physical abilities, such as strength, flexibility and balance, to enhance their performance on the course. It combines exercises and techniques tailored to the specific demands of golf, aiming to optimize swing mechanics, increase power and reduce the risk of injury.
What does a typical golf workout look like?
A typical golf workout typically begins with movement preparation exercises to activate muscles and increase range of motion. It then progresses to strength and stability movements targeting key muscle groups for golf performance. Mobility exercises follow to enhance flexibility and joint function. Finally, the session may include skill-specific drills using simulators and speed sticks to refine swing mechanics and develop a repeatable swing. This structured approach aims to improve overall fitness and golf-specific abilities effectively.
Should all golfers consider golf-specific fitness training in the off-season?
Golfers in the Northeast face a unique challenge with a playing season typically limited to about half the year due to weather conditions. This makes it crucial to maximize the off-season by focusing on golf-specific fitness training. Improving physical conditioning during this time not only enhances performance when on the course but also allows golfers to maintain and refine skills consistently throughout the year, despite the shorter playing season. This proactive approach ensures that when the season begins, golfers are well-prepared to perform at their best.
What is your preferred exercise/go-to workout?
My preferred exercise regimen revolves around full-body functional workouts, which are akin to golf-specific training routines in their focus on overall body function and balance.
What are your favorite eateries and restaurants to visit in the Lehigh Valley for a good meal? What do you order?
Copperhead Grille. Their chimmi chicken is awesome, and you can’t beat the double portion of protein. Their food is always consistently delicious, and the staff is great. The owner must really know what he’s doing!
400 Illick’s Mill Rd., Bethlehem | 610.638.6888 | artofflightgolf.com
Published as “Living Well With” in the September 2024 edition of Lehigh Valley Style magazine.
