By: Brian Rog, Eric Buck MBA, ATC and Tyler Nohren, MS, ATC
How often do we find ourselves full-throttling it to the course, quickly slipping on the cleats and running at the pace of an Olympian to the first tee box? While we like to think that the run from the car to the first tee and those sweat-infused efforts at the range days before a round will translate into that once fantasized single digit handicap, the reality of the situation couldn’t be further disconnected from that fantasy. Unfortunately, many of us overlook the simplest of necessities before squaring up on the first tee box – setting aside time to stretch!
By not stretching, our bodies are never given that opportunity to properly adapt and adjust to the physical demands on the course, resulting in a serious lack of longevity, and ultimately distancing ourselves from that below-par round.
Let’s all make a promise to ourselves to weave in at least 30 minutes of stretching prior to that 18-hole adventure. Your body and scorecard are at the helm of your disciplinary skills, so take control of both and incorporate these stretches before and after a round. Take a look at the following short video where the reasons why and benefits of pre- and post-round stretches are discussed and demonstrated.
Golf pre-round stretches
- Hip swing
- Trunk rotation
- Forearm strengthening
- Hamstrings and back
Following your round of golf, it’s not uncommon for aches and pains to creep up on you, so to combat these adversities, be sure to fit in time for the following stretches. Your body will thank you later!
Golf post-round stretches
- Lat stretch
- Golfer’s elbow prevention
If aches and pains are getting in the way of your golf game, it’s time to take action. Stop by your nearest ATI Physical Therapy clinic for a complimentary injury screening where one of our licensed providers will take a look at your areas of discomfort and provide next-step suggestions in care.