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From Mike Pedersen
If you want to maximize your golf potential, you must choose stretching exercises for golf that are specifically beneficial to an efficient golf swing. Haphazardly doing random stretching exercises won't improve your golf swing for the long term.
Creating a stretching program that hits all your golf swing muscles is critical. There are key muscles that should be at the top of your list to maximize your results and time investment.
Stretching exercises for your core are critical. Your core range of motion dictates how big a backswing you'll be able to make, resulting in a higher level of clubhead speed and distance.
More specifically, rotational stretching exercises for your core will give you the best "bang for your buck." Since the golf swing is a rotational movement, it only makes sense to incorporate rotational stretches and core strength into your golf stretching routine.
An example of two simple stretching exercises for golf are:
Standing twist
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Backswing stretch
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Standing Twist With Club
• Hold club chest high, with grip shoulder width apart.
• While keeping feet and hips fairly stable, rotate club to the right and then the left.
• Try to breathe out on every turn to release tension.
• Repeat each side 10 times.
Backswing Stretch With Club
• Extend left arm out in front of you (if you are a right handed golfer).
• Take both hands and put on top of club.
• Drop upper body down against club to feel a stretch in your left shoulder.
• Hold for at least 15 seconds, repeat once more and do the opposite for follow thru side.
These are just two examples of simple stretching exercises for golf that will improve your golf swing flexibility, power and ultimately driving distance.
Go slow with any new exercise you have not performed in the past. Check with your physician before undertaking any new physical training program.
Photos courtesy of Perform Better Golf, Inc.; used with permission
About the Author
Mike Pedersen is a well-known golf performance training expert who has produced DVDs, books and websites focused on improving golfers’ physical abilities to play their best golf. For more information about Mike and his programs, visit www.performbettergolf.com.
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