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Golf stretching and flexibility exercises will enhance your game, the power & precision of your swing and will help prevent common golf injuries. Regularly sticking to a golf stretching program can improve your range of motion and prevent stiffness, as well as injuries - both chronic and acute. But, these golf stretches should be done on a regular basis in order for you to experience maximum, long lasting benefits and game improvements. You will surely hear arguments suggesting that this negatively affects your shot distance and the mechanics of your swing. But I can tell you from first-hand and hands-on experience that proper stretching, on a daily basis, no matter what your golf schedule is, will help you and your game in ways you can’t even imagine. Simple, yet dynamic, full-body exercises can be used for warming up, because they do not overstress the body. Warming up may include walking briskly for three to five minutes (although its not mandatory), followed by core looseners, slow arm swings, hip rotations and torso twists. These exercises do not increase your golf flexibility; they simply warm up your muscles, making a muscle strain less likely. You may be surprised to learn how many choices you have for a golf stretching program. Pilates type moves and rubber band training are two well-known choices. Full-body range of motion exercises increase flexibility in all areas of the body, relatively quickly. Static stretch positions are also a good way to speed recovery after a round on the course. Elastic band conditioning provides a targeted golf range of motion program and has other benefits, including increased strength in the shoulders, hips and deep muscles of the core. Sports training and rehabilitation pros in many settings are including rubber band conditioning in their golf training programs because the bands provide dynamic resistance that regular weight lifting and traditional machines do not provide. For example, routines can be designed that simulate the golf-swing, with smooth resistance, that doesn’t rely on gravity, throughout the movement. Videos or DVDs are advisable for any golf flexibility routine. You need to "see" how the movement should be performed. Otherwise, you could injure yourself doing an exercise that was designed to prevent injury. For some, it’s also a good idea to stretch in front of a full length mirror. That way, you can watch your form and be sure that you are doing the move as the instructors in the DVD or on the video are describing. If you exercise regularly, your golf stretching program can be incorporated into your regular workout. Choose one that you enjoy, something that feels good to you. Everyone is slightly different. Your current level of fitness and physical ablity is an important consideration, as well. Don’t overdo it - and don’t just guess at what you should be doing.. Remember to stay well-hydrated when you are on the course to get the most out of your golf flexibility program. Drinking some water or mid electrolyte beverage will help prevent muscle cramping, and ensure that you are fully energized to realize the benefits of your golf stretching program. And don’t forget about...
About the Author
Golf Conditioning Specialist, Joey Atlas, MS - Exercise Physiology, is the creator of ’Optimum Flexibility for Golf’. To get FREE access to his ’Instant Results’ golf exercise video clips visit www.ProGolfStretchingExercises.com You can also visit his former site at www.OptimumFlexibilityforGolf.com
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