7 Stroke Saving Stretches for Your Golf Game!


by Craig LePage - Date: 2007-03-10 - Word Count: 724 Share This!

Millions of dollars and countless hours are spent each year by people trying to better their golf game. Whether it's the latest hi-tech equipment or practice time out on the driving range, golfers are striving for that edge that will lower their handicap and better their overall game. The majority of golfers are nowhere near their full playing potential due to the fact that their body is unable to perform at its utmost ability. They are simply hampered by tight muscles that decrease their range of motion, throw off their accuracy and diminish their power.   

The seven simple stretches listed in this article will increase both power and accuracy which will result in strokes off of your game. Common postural distortions caused by tight muscles keep the average golfer from performing at his or her true potential.

Perform each stretch 2 to 3 times each for 20 to 40 seconds. Stretch the muscles to a point of discomfort but not pain. On a scale of 1 to 10, 8 is a good level to shoot for. Stretches should be performed when the body is warm to avoid injury. If you are unable to do a legitimate warm up perform your first stretch of each muscle at a mild level of intensity (50%).

Stretch #1

Seated Rotation Stretch

Sit on the front edge of a chair with a strong posture. (golf cart seat)Rotate your torso as far as possible and grab hold of the back of the chair behind you. Hold the stretch that is felt throughout the core muscles for 20 to 40 seconds.Repeat on the opposite side.

This stretch can also performed by lying flat on your back. Keep your shoulders touching the floor as your cross one leg over the other and rotate your hips to one side as far as possible.

Stretch #2

Shoulder Rotator Stretch

Hold a golf club, rope or towel up over your shoulder behind your head. Let the golf club hang behind your back. Take your opposite arm and grab the club down around your lower back area. Slowly pull the club up until a good stretch is felt in the shoulder rotators.Hold for 20 to 40 seconds. Repeat on opposite side.

Stretch #3

Hip Crossover Stretch

Stand with a strong posture and hold onto a fixed object for balance (golf cart). Lift one knee up toward the chestGrab the raised knee with your opposite hand and pull it across the front of your body until a good stretch is felt in the hip and gluteal area. Hold for 20 to 40 seconds. Repeat on opposite side.Do not rotate your body as you pull your knee.

Stretch #4

Chest Stretch

Stand next to a fixed object with your arm extended. Grasp the object (golf cart) just below shoulder height with your hand.Turn your body away from the object until a good stretch is felt through the chest area.Hold for 20 to 40 seconds. Repeat on opposite side.

Stretch #5

Hamstring Stretch

Stand with a strong posture and place your straight leg up on a raised object (golf cart, step, etc.) Slowly lean forward from the hips until a good stretch is felt in the hamstring. (Keep your feet parallel to each other and your back straight.)Hold for 20 to 40 seconds. Repeat on opposite side.

Stretch #6

Quadriceps Stretch

Stand with a strong posture holding onto a fixed object (golf cart) with one hand.Bend at the knee and grab your leg behind your back with your hand on same side.(Keep your knees even and pull your foot toward your buttocks to increase the stretch.)Hold for 20 to 40 seconds. Repeat on opposite side.

Stretch #7

Lat (back) Stretch

Stand with a strong posture at arms length holding onto a fixed object (golf cart) with both hands. Hold on tight and lean back from the hips until a good stretch is felt in the back.(Bend your knees slightly and gently tuck your chin to increase the stretch.)Hold for 20 to 40 seconds.

Perform these stretches prior to tee time or as part of your weekly golf fitness program. Flexibility training will not only improve your golf game it decrease the likelihood of injury. Change your game today!  

If you would like more information about this article and article subjects similar to this one, please e-mail me at craig@fitnessprogramsplus.com or visit us at www.fitnessprogramsplus.com .

By Craig LePage, CSCS, NASM-CPT, President of FitnessProgramsPlus.com

Source: Free Articles from ArticlesFactory.com


Related Tags: stroke, golf, saving, for, your, 7, stretches, game!

Craig is the President of Fitness Programs Plus and www.FitnessProgramsPlus.com a website that offers printable fitness programs, audio interviews/clips, video clips and a wealth of other information to the fitness enthusiast. Craig is a well respected professional of the fitness industry who has authored his own fitness and nutrition system as well as co-authoring the golf exercise book (Play Better, Longer - Golf).  Additional work includes writing for a number of newspapers, magazines and websites. Craig has been dedicated to helping people reach their fitness goals for almost 15 years.

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