Improve your golf game


Better flexibility in golf

Flexibility is the buzzword in the golfprogram.
world! The more flexible a golfer is the
better chance he/or she has at making anStretch  Before  Golf
optimal backswing, and producing maximum
clubhead speed. There is still someStretching before golf should be part of your
controversy over which flexibility exerciseswarm-up. Active or dynamic stretching is
are the best for golf and how often youcrucial in preparing a golfer to perform at
should stretch. Knowing your limitationstheir best. Warming up first is essential.
going into a stretching program is veryYour core body temperature should be raised
important. If you have joint or muscleto avoid injury. This can be done by walking
limitations, you should see your doctorfrom your car to the practice range at a fast
before you start. Flexibility training shouldpace, thus preparing your body for active
be done consistently (daily) to obtainwarm-ups  specific  to  golf.
significant improvement. As we get older,
flexibility becomes a greater issue whenThe shoulder joint is the most active joint
attempting recreational activities such asin the golf swing. Movements such as arms
golf. Follow the guidelines I have writtencircles and crosses are needed to prepare for
below, and you will get the most out of youran aggressive golf swing on the first tee.
flexibility program, and play your best golf!The hamstrings and low back are also critical
areas to warm up before swinging a club.
Doing some easy toe touches (ease into it)
Always  Warm  Up  Before  Stretchingwith slightly bent knees will adequately
loosen up your lower back and hamstrings and
A warm muscle is much more easily stretchedprovide  more  freedom  in  your  golf swing.
than a cold muscle. Never stretch a cold
muscle; always warm up first to get bloodStretch  After  Golf
circulating throughout the body and into the
muscles. A warm-up should be a slow, rhythmicMost golfers head for the clubhouse after the
exercise of larger muscle groups done beforeround. This is a crucial time for stretching
an activity. Riding a bicycle or walkingbecause you have just put your body through a
works well. This provides the body with alot of stress. Spending only 5 minutes after
period of adjustment between rest and thethe round doing static stretches will prevent
activity. The warm-up should last about 5-10a lot of soreness and tightness. The areas to
minutes and should be similar to the activityconcentrate on are the low back, hamstrings,
that you are about to do, but at a much lowerhips, and shoulders. If done consistently,
intensity. Once you have warmed up at a lowyou will be able to play or practice the next
intensity for about 5-10 minutes and haveday  with  very  few  residual  effects.
gotten your muscles warm, you can now
stretch.Stretch  Between  Strength-Training  Sets
Stretch  Before  and  After  ExerciseTo improve functional flexibility, we
recommend stretching the muscle being worked
We recommend stretching both before and afterin between strength-training sets. The
exercise, for different reasons. Stretchingbenefit: maintaining and improving full range
before an activity (after the warm-up)of motion while muscles are recovering. This
improves dynamic flexibility and reduces theis a very time-efficient method because by
chance of injury. Stretching after exercisethe time you have gone through each of your
or golf ensures muscle relaxation andstrength-training exercises; you will have
facilitates normal resting length,stretched each muscle without taking-up any
circulation to joint and tissue structures,more  time.
and removal of unwanted waste products, thus
reducing muscle soreness and stiffness. BodyGolfers are very concerned about losing
temperature is highest right afterflexibility from strength training. This is
cardiovascular exercise or after strengthone way to ease your mind about maintaining
training. In order to achieve maximum resultsfull range of motion, even while strength
in range of motion and other benefits, it istraining. Applying all of these principles
highly recommended that you do staticwill allow you the best chance at improving
stretching at this point in your workout,your flexibility and ultimately your golf
just after your cardiovascular program andgame!
during or after your strength-training



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