Playing golf is more than just about the right equipment. Technique is equally important. To play like a pro, it is crucial to be flexible. With this, you need to master yoga for golfers. Even with just as little as 15 minutes to spare daily, you can become more flexible and improve your game. Read on and we’ll talk about some of the best yoga poses for golfers to up your game and unleash your full potential.
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Benefits of Yoga for Golfers
When it comes to good golf workouts, yoga is hard to match. If you are not yet convinced, below are some of the benefits that might make you change your mind.
Yoga is one of the best stretch exercises for golf, which will considerably improve your flexibility. This way, you will have a full range of motion. You can improve your swings in a way that it does not put too much strain on your body. It enhances the movements of your joints and muscles.
Increase Strength
Your muscular strength is also critical in a good golf game. While golf isn’t a contact sport, this does not mean that you do not need strong muscles. It is vital for increasing your core strength, which will make your swings better.
Enhance Endurance
Aside from strength, golf yoga stretches will also enhance your endurance. When you are doing yoga, you will need to sustain specific positions for a long time. This will build endurance, allowing you to handle a long game without being too much of a physical burden.
Develop Mobility
When you are playing golf, you will be moving a lot. Even when there is a golf cart, the walks can be exhausting, especially on a hot day. Yoga can improve your mobility. You will be moving faster, which can also improve your accuracy when playing.
Improve Balance
Golf also requires balance, and one of the best ways by which you can improve this is through yoga. When you swing, you might lose your balance. Yoga can prevent this from happening. It can improve your center of gravity, which is vital for your swing.
Improve Focus
You need to be in the moment when you are playing golf. Concentration is crucial for the best swings. This is one more thing that you can learn when you are doing yoga. With a focused mind, it is easier to visualize your swings and shots.
The Best Yoga Exercises for Golf
Now that we have established the clear link between yoga and golf, its’ time to learn how you can do it. Below are some of the best yoga poses for golf.
Wrist Stretch
This is one of the simplest but most effective stretching exercises for golfers. This is also a good way to start your daily yoga routine as it will warm up your body. It stretches the muscles and prepares you for what lies ahead.
To do this pose, extend your right arm in front of your body. The palm must face outward and your fingers should face down. Pull the right pinky using your fingers. The thumb, on the other hand, must support your knuckles. As you hold this pose, inhale, while rolling your shoulders down. Exhale as you pull your fingers closer to your torso. Release and do the same thing on the other fingers.
Cowface Arms
This is another simple yoga pose but will benefit your flexibility. Start by kneeling on the floor with your knees together. Sit down in a kneeling position. Lift your right arm, lower your elbow, and touch your back with the face of your palm. Put your left hand on the back and slowly reach for your right palm. Try to keep your elbows as straight as you could. You can use a tie or belt if you are having a hard time reaching. Repeat this position on the other side.
Sphinx Pose
Stretches for golfers don’t have to be complicated, and that is exactly what you can expect with this pose. Lower down on the floor with your belly touching the ground. Align the elbows on your shoulder and put your open palms on the floor. Lift your heart by squeezing your shoulder blades. Make your neck slightly longer by tucking in your chin. While doing this, the top of your feet must be touching the mat or floor.
Bird Dog
It’s time to up your routine with this slightly more difficult yoga for golf. Nonetheless, even as a beginner this will be easy. This is a good stretching for golf swing as it can enhance your core strength, coordination, and balance.
Your starting position should have your hands and knees on the floor. Put your hand beneath the shoulders. Spread your fingers without sinking your wrist. Hold firmly to support your body while you bend one knee. Stretch your right knee while you extend your left hand. While you stretch, make sure that your back is flat. Inhale and exhale as you hold the position for a few seconds. Return to the center and repeat the steps on the other side.
Downward Dog Twist
This swinging pose can be quite difficult, so do this only once you have already mastered the fundamentals. To start, position your body on the floor as if you are doing a push-up. Slightly bend your knees lifting your back and hips. Once you are up, make sure that your fingertips are gripping the mat. Maintain a stable position to support the weight of your body. Do not arch your back or bend your legs. Reach your left heel with your right arm. Slowly turn your head to the direction of your arm and breathe. Remove your arm from the heel and repeat the same position on the other side.
Conclusion
Without a doubt, golf flexibility stretches will elevate your game. Yoga is a great way to train your body not just to become more flexible but to also improve endurance, become more stable, and increase focus, among other benefits. Whether you are a beginner or an expert, the golf exercises and stretches mentioned above should be part of your daily yoga routine to help improve your golfing skills.