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Warm-Up Before Teeing Off


A proper warm-up consists of exercises to increase blood circulation
in the golfing muscles, plus stretches for these muscles. Pre-game
stretching reduces the chance of injury and improves performance
(pre-stretched muscles can exert more force than non-stretched
muscles). What pre-game stretching won't do is increase body
temperature. Since cold muscles and tendons are more prone to injury
than properly warmed-up ones, stretching should follow 5 minutes of
light exercise.
Exercises that
increase blood circulation in the golfing muscles:
Walk around or
in place
Step Sideways
Right foot out and back, left foot out and back.
Arm Swings
Keep arms straight as you slowly cross arms in front, spreading
shoulder blades apart, then slowly swing arms out to the side while
squeezing shoulder blades together.
Arm Circles
Keep arms straight as you slowly circle left arm up, back, then down.
Repeat on right arm.
Partial Squats
Stand with feet hip-width apart and hands on hips. Bend from the hips
and slowly sit back 2-10 inches. Make sure your knees don't go past
your toes!
Stretches that
increase flexibility in the golfing muscles:
To stretch properly, go slowly and
gently to the point of mild tension. Hold each stretch for 10-30
seconds--no bouncing! Perform a stretch for the same length of time on
each arm or leg. To relieve sore or tight muscles, stretch after your
game as well as before.
Low Back
Sit with good posture on a bench or golf cart seat. Slowly turn to
your right to a point of mild tension. If it's comfortable to do so,
grab the back of your seat. Keep feet on floor. Hold, then repeat on
left side.
Hip
Sit and cross right leg over left with right ankle resting on left
knee. Keep back straight as you lean forward to a comfortable
position. Hold, then repeat on left hip.
Hamstring
Extend left leg with knee straight on a bench or golf cart seat. Keep
back straight and chin up as you slowly reach toward toes. Hold, then
repeat on right leg.
Shoulders and
Arms
Grip head of golf club with right hand and extend it behind your head,
letting the club hang vertically. Reach up with the left hand and grab
the club as far up the shaft as you comfortably can. Gently pull down
with your left hand until you feel a mild stretch in your right
shoulder. Hold, then repeat on left shoulder.
Chest and
Shoulders
Standing with good posture, hold a golf club horizontally behind your
back with both hands, palms facing out. Slowly raise your arms until
you feel a mild stretch in your chest and shoulders. Keep
upright--don't lean forward.
Side Bend
Standing with good posture and feet shoulder-width apart, hold club
horizontally above your head with both hands. Slowly lean to the right
until you feel a mild stretch along the left side of your trunk. Hold,
then repeat on opposite side.
For prolonged improvement in flexibility, you should stretch after
your strength-training workout or other exercise, when your connective
tissue and muscles are thoroughly warmed up. Another good time to
stretch is after a hot bath or shower.

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