GOLF WARM UP
Stretching prior to beginning your round of golf helps prepare and prime your muscles thus improving and enhancing your golf performance. In addition to achieving a smoother, more complete golf swing, stretching will help prevent injury. Begin with a 10 minute warm up of aerobic type exercise such as walking briskly or stationary biking prior to the stretching routine. Remember not to bounce when performing stretching exercises but rather steadily stretch the muscle tendon units.
WARM UP STRETCHES:
Wrist extension stretch
Hold arm extended in front of body with palm down.
With other hand, grasp fingers and pull wrist up and towards body and hold.
Wrist flexion stretch
Hold arm extended in front of body with palm down.
With other hand, grasp wrist and pull wrist down towards body and hold.
Shoulder stretch #1
With elbow bent 90 degrees position arm across body.
Use other arm to push elbow towards body and hold.
Shoulder stretch #2
Stand holding a golf club with both hands behind back, elbows extended.
Push club back and away from your body and hold.
Chest stretch- Stand with feet shoulder width apart.
Hold a golf club slightly more than shoulder width apart.
Raise club over head and hold.
Lateral side stretch
Stand with feet shoulder width apart.
Sweep one arm over head as you bend to opposite side and hold.
Can also perform holding golf club overhead with both hands and bending to side.
Back stretch
Stand with feet shoulder width apart.
Bend forward at waist with fingers reaching down to toes.
Body rotation
Stand with feet shoulder width apart.
Grasp a golf club with both hands and hold behind neck.
Twist body to one side keeping hips facing forward and hold.
Can also perform with club at chest level in front of body and rotate.