Golf is often considered to be a sport that requires very little physical ability, when in fact it requires a huge amount of effort, with each and every swing.
As you age, in general you will become less agile and lose flexibility and power.
This is all part of your personal evolution and is something that cannot be avoided.
But we can try to reduce the effect by becoming more aware of what we are doing and what we can do to try and maintain our games.
The most basic and easy to do is begin a stretching program.
If you are unsure of how to do this then speak to a physio, doctor or golf instructor that can point you in the right direction.
You should never try to this on your own if you have no experience of what you are going to be doing.
A stretching program should take a few minutes to complete.
Which muscle groups should you focus on?
The hamstrings: A great stretch for the hamstring is to spread your feet shoulder width apart and from the hips bend forward keeping your back straight. Repeat twice and hold each repetition for around 30 seconds.
Obliques: Standing up straight turn to your left and place your hands flat on a wall, keep your feet on the ground. Repeat to the right and repeat the stretch twice. Hold each repetition for 30 seconds.
Hip abductor and adductor muscles: Kneel on a mat, with one knee on the floor (the other foot flat) and push your hips forward until you feel a stretch in your leg with the knee on ground. Repeat twice for each leg holding for 30 seconds.
Shoulders: Facing a wall place your hands flat on the wall at eye level. Bend at the hips moving your chest and head forward and down toward the ground. Repeat twice and hold for 30 seconds.
Calves: Place your toe against the wall, with the heel on the ground. Lean forward towards the wall until you feel the stretch in your calf. Repeat twice with each leg and hold for 30 seconds.
Please take care when performing these stretches and make sure to seek professional advice if you have never performed them before.
Stretching is just one thing that you can do to help maintain a good, solid swing.
Each of the exercises above are designed to improve your posture and flexibility.
You may not see immediate improvements, but if you are struggling with muscle stiffness or poor flexibility then you should certainly try this.
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