Do you think Tiger Woods stays fit by eating potato chips in front of the television in between golf tournaments? Think again! Like many pro athletes, Tiger hits the gym and keeps himself in top shape physically. Of course you don’t have to maintain as rigorous of a schedule when it comes to your workout. If you are an avid golfer, it doesn’t hurt to take some time out for a good warm up to help you prepare.
Golf may seem like a game that’s pretty simple in terms of what’s needed physically. But there is actually a way to hurt yourself while playing golf, just like any other sport. If you’ve never heard of other fellow golfers warming up before playing a few rounds that’s because not many people heed such advice. While that may not seem surprising, it may surprise you to know that medical studies have shown that those who frequent the hospital emergency rooms and sports clinics with minor injuries are often golfers. Unless you’re a pro athlete or already an avid gym-goer, your body may not be in the best condition to handle the stress placed on it during multiple golf swings.
There are a number of ways you can warm up before a game. You can wait until you get to the golf course and spend a few minutes doing some practice swings, while increasing your range of movement and strength. Or you can do simple aerobic exercises at home to get your body temperature up and loosen your muscles. Stretching works wonders for golf warm ups. Be sure to stretch your lower back, chest, hands, wrists, forearms, shoulders, hamstrings and even your groin area.
Aside from sprains, back injuries are pretty common for golfers. If you want to alleviate yourself of this type of pain, there are two simple exercises you can do at home before heading out to the golf course. The first exercise involves stretching your hamstrings, glutes and calf muscles. First sit down in a chair next to a desk and put your right foot up on the desk, while keeping your other foot on the floor. Flex your knee slightly and reach forward. You’ll feel the stretch in your lower back, calf muscle and hamstring. While doing this, keep your back as straight as possible and don’t allow yourself to slouch. Hold this position for 10 seconds, repeat and then switch feet. The next exercise works your lower back, abdominals and obliques. This exercise also calls for sitting in a chair but this time you’ll be keeping your back straight and your chest high. Reach behind you with your left arm and rotate your upper body. Take your right hand and grab your left knee to create a gentle pull. Hold this position for 10 seconds, repeat and then switch.
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