Four Easy Stretches for Golfers
Dr. Suzanne Crix, Chiropractor
It’s that time of year again,and throughout the world men, women and children of all ages are hitting the greens. Golf has long been heralded as a great way to exercise the body and relax the mind. Like any sport, however, injuries can occur if the proper precautions aren’t taken. Warming up is essential when it comes to staying in the game - however, most golfers admittedly do not. Here are four, easy and simple stretches to assist your swing and overall health. Why not give them a try!
1) Hip Flexor Lunge: Stand with your feet shoulder width apart. Step one foot forward into a lunge position. Keep your body upright and back straight. Bend both knees, tuck tailbone and press hips forward so that you feel the stretch. Do not let your forward knew pass over the ankle of your front foot. Use a gold club to keep your balance. Hold 15 seconds. Repeat 2 times each side.
2) Seated Twist: Sit on a bench or golf cart with your knees together and feet flat pointing forward. Reach across the front of your body and grasp the back of the bench or cart. You should experience a stretch in muscles along your spine. Hold 15 seconds. Repeat 2 times each side.
3) Seated Figure 4: Sit on a bench or golf cart, knees bent and feet flat. Place one ankle onto your opposite knee and relax this leg so that your knee falls out to the side. Slowly bend forward, keeping your back straight. You should feel a stretch in your buttock area. Hold 15 seconds. Repeat 2 times each side.
4) Side Bending Stretch: Stand with feet shoulder width apart. Hold the gold club above your head with your arms straight. Slowly bend to one side, without rotating, until you feel a stretch along the side of your back. Hold 15 seconds. Repeat 2 times each side.
Benefits of stretching and warming up before your game include:
Greater swing flexibility and motion, allowing for a solid follow-through without straining any muscles.
Improved muscle endurance.
Fewer aches, pain and lessened chance of injury.
ENJOY & BE SAFE!