Setting yourself up for the best game requires a little more than just a couple practice swings before you load up your bags and head to the green. Improving your game and keeping your body free of aches and pain means taking the time to stretch as part of your pre-game warmup. This holds true for all golfers whether they play daily or only a couple times per month. A solid warm-up is sure to make a world of difference in your overall game. Prep work should be done before your foot steps on the 1st tee. You will notice a difference in your game and how your body feels postgame. Time is of essence so don’t sweat it, these exercises were designed to be efficient and effective without consuming your game…
Torso Stretches
Torso stretches are easy enough to do while standing up prior to your game. The idea is keep your torso flexible and smooth during your follow through. Here’s how you can practice your torso stretches… hook your arms around your club behind your back. Keep the club sideways and pressed against your back. Pivot your head and torso from side to side, holding in place for 30 seconds once you notice there is indeed a stretch. Repeat on the side and rotate back and forth 3 to 5 times before your game.
Standing Hip Stretches
There is a reason that this stretch is a popular choice for golfers as it helps to loosen you up while helping you to prepare for a solid stance. Here’ show you can complete standing hip stretches… Put both of your hands on the top of your club to help you maintain your balance. Cross your right ankle over your left knee and then bend that knee. Take the time to inhale as you bend in either direction. Sit comfortably in your chair. Move your chest toward your shin to help you lengthen that stretch as you roll your shoulder blades inwards. Hold in place for ten seconds and repeat equally on each side.
Pelvic Tilt Stretches
Pelvic control is a vital part of your pregame workout as it helps you strengthen and protect your lower back using your abdominal muscles. This can ultimately keep you from experiencing lower back pain during your game. Here’s how to properly execute a pelvic tilt stretch… Cross your arms and place them on your chest. Exhale while pulling your belly button in closer to your spine along with your abdominals. Tilt your tailbone beneath your pelvis while holding for a couple seconds. Inhale as you return to your initial position and repeat while you exhale.
Squats
Strong legs means a strong golf swing. Not only are squats excellent for your legs and glutes but they help to get your blood flowing while increasing your heart rate. Steps to a solid squat are as follows… Stand with your feet shoulder distance apart. Keep your head up while you bend your knees and hips, pushing your bottom towards the ground. Ideally, your squat will mimic a 90 degree angle. Your knees should not bend out farther than your toes. It is important that you maintain the correct squat stance as you get down as low as you can. Hold the squat for two seconds or more then repeat at least ten times.
—
Golf Lessons
- Lessons for Beginners are Essential – Simply put, golf is not intuitive. Everyone has to learn how to swing a golf club. No one, not even the best pros have simply picked up a club and knew what to do with it.
- Lessons are the Best Way to Improve Your Game – Lessons can help knock the rust off your skills or pinpoint why your game got worse. They are also a direct way to improve your game once it plateaus and your professional’s opinion about your gear, can save you money!
Contact Heidi Mitchell (678-637-2802) to Learn More!
Lessons | Clinics | Simulator | Events
—
About Heidi Mitchell
I’m an LPGA Class A golf professional with over 26 years of experience in teaching golf. I can bring your game to a new level by teaching the fundamentals, psychology and functional body movement of golf based on each student’s individual learning style. I use techniques learned from highly acclaimed golf instructors and organizations such as Jimmy Ballard, David Leadbetter, Dr. Gary Wiren, Jim McLean, Dr. Debbie Crews, The LPGA, and The Titleist Performance Institute. I’m on the NIKE golf staff and I’m a TPI level II instructor, US Kids certified instructor as well as a PGA Hope Veteran program instructor and a GSGA adaptive golf instructor.
Stop Talking About It and DO IT!
See it, here it or do it! I will find the quickest way to communicate the fundamentals of the game. I use video analysis and send you images and notes for a better understanding. This means you get out on the course playing to your potential sooner!
What You Get…
Golf instruction that lets you understand the how, what and why about ball flight. Learn about the body swing connection and how YOU create the most efficient and effective swing for you. When we are done you will have practice drills and stretching tips to get you better quicker.
