As you prepare to hit your tee shot.. do you feel physically strong, flexible and balanced in your stance?  Is your mind quiet and focused with a smooth cadence in your swing?

Golfers face many physical and psychological challenges in the golf swing.
 
The goal: bring the mind and body into one effortless motion - sometimes called “the zone”. The mind-body connection combines strength, flexibility, balance, breathing and concentration for golf performance. Millions of people are discovering similar benefits through the practice of yoga and significantly improving their
golf game as a result. 

Thinking you can’t do Yoga because you’re not a pretzel?
Not true. Yoga is now the fastest growing form of exercise in America with numerous beginner yoga classes available. There are many styles of yoga, from the most physically active called Ashtanga or Power yoga, to the more meditative and gentle style of Kundalini.

Let’s take a look at the mechanics of the golf swing. You ask the body to perform a series of complex movements involving over fifty muscles - all executed from a standing static position with explosive force.  When golfers perform this repetitive movement and it is understandable that the majority of professional and amateur golfers suffer from low back, shoulder and neck strain. Many of the yoga poses are designed to bring greater flexibility to the muscles of the body impacted by the golf swing - primarily the spine, shoulders, and legs.

Many PGA and LPGA professionals like Gary McCord, Andrew Magee and Annika Sorenstam utilize the benefits of yoga for better golf.  In the words of Gary McCord, “Preparing for golf, from the viewpoint of a professional, is an exhaustive task. You have to tighten your swing, practice your short game, get in the right frame of mind and get physically fit. Or you can practice yoga and accomplish all of the above,”

Try this exercise called the Cat Pose which is intended to work the muscles of the spine: it will gently and effectively increase your spinal range of motion and increase distance.  

On the floor, come to all fours - hands are placed directly under the shoulders - knees directly under the hips.

As you begin a deep inhalation, breathing through the nose only, engage (tighten) the buttocks and curl the spine towards the ceiling, tucking your chin into your chest, resembling a cat.

As you begin the exhalation, arch your back bringing your shoulder blades together, moving your shoulders away from your ears. Be sure not to “scrunch” or hyper-extend your neck during this exercise.

Perform this ten times in each direction moving very slowly.

Once you make the commitment to enhance your golf game through Yoga you will see tremendous benefits in distance, focus, recovery time and over-all wellness.

"Next time you’re tempted by the newest piece of titanium - remember a strong, flexible body will give you more distance than any piece of equipment".

Katherine Roberts is a nationally recognized speaker, writer and presenter for corporate events on yoga and golf fitness.  She is the creator of  the award winning video Yoga for Golfers.. Because Your Body Doesn’t Get A Mulligan.

She will make a difference in your health, fitness and golf game!


Yoga content provide by Katherine Roberts

"Working with Katherine for the last couple of years has allowed me to compete at a very high level. Following her yoga program for golfers is keeping me fit and feeling like Gumby. Loosen up and give it a try!"

Gary McCord, Professional golfer and CBS Broadcaster

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