Simple Warm-up Exercises

Finding a warm up routine that works for you is like cleaning the grooves on your irons - an essential but oft neglected part of your golf game.

This video gives a simple 5 minute routine to get you started. Some things to remember is that static stretches should not be done just prior to playing a round of golf. You will notice that the stretches highlighted in this video are all dynamic in nature. These help to 'wake up' the muscles by incorporating reflexive neurological responses with tensioning of the myofascial system.

Our bodies are held together by a network of very strong fascia (fa-sha). This network allows energy to be stored and transferred evenly and efficiently when it works well. With time and inflammatory processes, this fascia tends to become less supple and less hydrated (See Golfer's Hydration...) leading to stiffness and poor flexibility.

Static stretching can help to elongate tissues and increase fascial flexibility. However, a warm up routine should incorporate dynamic stretches that progressively mimic the swing sequence beginning from the ground up. This means starting with non golf specific movements and ending with very golf specific motions.

Remember that every long ball hitter has the same sequence to the swing. They transfer force from the ground, through their legs into their hips, then into the torso, then the arms, hands, club shaft and into the club head. (see "Getting There")

All the equipment that you will ever need for these warm up exercises you already possess as you come to that first tee: A club and your own body.

So, remember to clean the grooves and learn the moves for a successful start to each round of golf and...

Have a Great Game!

Mr Stiv