The Proper Pre-Round Golf Warmup

THE PROPER PRE-ROUND GOLF

WARMUP

As golfers, we love the idea that the “latest and greatest” can give us a few extra yards on our drives and sharpen the accuracy of our irons. Frequently, a simpler solution lies in plain sight and is much less expensive. It is a proper pre-round warm up.

Athletes in numerous sports prepare their bodies prior to competition without giving it a second thought. In golf, we frequently forget the explosive nature of the swing and its risk of injury only to be reminded by post-round soreness.

The truth is that the golf swing produces significant forces through our body’s kinetic chain in a very short time, in some ways, like jumping or sprinting. So why not approach your next round in a similar mindset: as a jumper or sprinter?

You should. You can. And here’s how.

Before taking your first full swings on the practice range, perform the following simple but effective dynamic exercises. I’ve included links to the Titleist Performance Institute video library at MyTPI.com showing the exercise. 1. Marching in place: thirty to sixty seconds

(https://www.mytpi.com/exercises#marching)

2. Helicopters: thirty to sixty seconds

(https://www.mytpi.com/exercises#helicopter)

3. Deep squat: ten times

(https://www.mytpi.com/exercises#deep_ squat_-_supported)

4. Standing knee to chest tucks: ten times on each side

(https://www.mytpi.com/ exercises#standing_knee_to_chest_tucks)

5. Split stance lunge turns: ten times

(https://www.mytpi.com/ exercises#split_stance_lunge_turns)

6. Standing prayer stretch: two times each side; hold ten seconds

(https://www.mytpi.com/ exercises#standing_prayer_stretch)

7. Front leg swings: ten times each leg

(https://www.mytpi.com/ exercises#front_leg_swings)

8. One-arm cross body stretch: two times each side; hold ten seconds

(https://www.mytpi.com/exercises#one_ arm_cross_body_lat_stretch)

About the Author

Jeff is a clinical exercise physiologist with almost thirty years of experience. He has a master’s degree and multiple certifications from the American College of Sports Medicine, Cardiovascular Credentialing International, and the American Heart Association. Jeff has been certified by the Titleist Performance Institute as a level three medical evaluator since 2006.

The above exercises also serve as a great cool down after the round to prevent stiffness or soreness commonly experienced the following day.

Keeping in mind the explosive nature of the golf swing reminds us that we should start and finish our round with a proper warm up and cool down like sprinters or jumpers. By adopting this simple strategy, you’ll see the difference in your score and feel the difference in your body.

DISCOVER YOUR HEALTHIEST SELF WITH US!

No matter what your age or fitness level is, the St. George LiVe Well Center has a program to help you live the healthiest life possible. Our services focus on improving health and wellness through:

• Physical Activity • Good Nutrition • Better Sleep • Managing Stress

We also focus on helping athletes, at every level, perform at their best with sports medicine specialists and our sports performance labs, now including golf fitness programs. Come discover for yourself why we are able to help so many get well, stay well, and live well!

Call or email to find out how we can help. 435-251-3793 | dx-wellness@imail.org