Using Yoga to Improve Your Golf Game

Each spring we take inventory of our clothing, clubs, bag, shoes, balls, tees, but have you ever stopped to take a look at your physical condition? I'm not talking about the swim suit variety ladies; are you physically prepared to play golf?

Being conditioned for the game is important throughout the season. But injuries in any sport are more likely to occur if you don't take the time to prepare. Having an off-season conditioning program is just as important as a pre-shot routine.

During the golf swing we put strain on our shoulders, back, hands, wrists, knees, quads, hammies - oh heck, our entire body. Take a look at the design of the swing. It requires good balance, the ability to twist, all while maintaining the proper spine angle. Bill Harm, the teaching professional at Silver Spring CC and Willow Run in Milwaukee explains how golf mirrors every day motions. "Look how many times a day you twist, bend, and lean - these are all essential movements in a consistent, rhythmic golf swing. Flexibility in the core allows your body to twist and turn from side to side, in return, this flexibility will add acceleration to the forward swing. Strength in the core allows your body to hold the correct spine angle through the entire swing, this strength keeps the body in consistent position." The question then is, how do we get this?

Tour Pro Brett Quigley has discovered Yoga as a way to improve his "on the course" conditioning. And, you should consider it too. As a female golfer, I know that I'm not going to get to most par-5's in 4, let alone in regulation, unless I improve my ball striking ability through swing technique and equipment. Equipment is another article. Today, I wanted to tell you about the benefits of yoga and the affect it could have on your game.

Meg Galarza Studio Director/Owner of Yoga One Studio in Cedarburg, Wisc. tells us why so many professional athletes have taken up Yoga. "Yoga complements any strength/fitness regime. Professional athletes have found that by practicing yoga they experience improved mobility, increased endurance, and greater mental clarity. Besides, it makes you feel good." And, that's the truth. Yoga unites mind, body and spirit. Translating those elements into golf terminology you get focus, a mechanically correct swing and resulting pars. By practicing yoga, you become aware of your body position, including alignment, improve flexibility and learn to relax in stressful situations.

Let's begin by examining how yoga helps the golf swing. We've all seen footage of Tiger's swing. He coils his upper body while keeping is lower body still, maintains the proper spine angle and finishes in balance on the other side. Being able to accomplish that generates more distance off the tee. "When your spine is strong and flexible you need less energy to rotate," explains Galarza. "Many Yoga poses will help you build strength in your lower back and thoracic spine and create openness in your chest." Additionally, twisting helps to lengthen the muscles on the sides of the body. This allows for a fuller rotation in your swing. Pictured is a seated twist. According to Galarza, "this is a great pose to keep the core and shoulders loose."

Sitting up as tall as possible, bend the right leg and cross it over the straight left leg, right foot remains flat on the floor. Place the right hand behind you on the floor, as additional support for a straight spine. Inhale, sitting up as tall as possible, hug the left arm on the outside of the right knee. Exhale and increase the twist. Take five deep breaths and switch sides.

Next, how many times a round do you end up falling backward when you finish a swing? I hate to tell you this, but that's not supposed to happen. "Practicing balancing poses will help students strengthen their stance by focusing on grounding to the earth with their feet and rising up through their legs and torso, connecting with their core and then radiating out from the center," explains Galarza. Balance as a part of the swing is critical. But, flexibility and balance are nothing without core strength. A strong core increases your ability to maintain your balance and spine angle. It all should work together seamlessly to produce greater distance off the tee.

Finally, we mentioned the other benefit of yoga is the ability to focus. In yoga class, "students are reminded to find a "drishti", fixing the gaze on an unmoving point, you can assume the characteristics of that point, becoming stable and balanced and completely focus on that," says Galarza. In golf, the ball is our point of focus. But the greater lesson here is the ability to tune out what is going on around you while you work to hold the pose. Much like completing a "rhythmic golf swing" amidst the distractions on a course.

"Yoga can help you connect with the body and breath assisting to a deeper state of embodiment. By paying attention to physical sensations, pain and stiffness, or ease of movement, Yoga will help you focus, be present, and assist you in being one on the field," says Galarza. It's the perfect compliment to your established exercise routine. Or, if you are looking to start one, yoga is a great way to kick it in gear. Don't be intimidated by the names of the poses -you can't be expected to know something you've never done before. And, I promise, no one will be watching you except the instructor.

"Regular stretching can promote increased circulation, improved flexibility, and prevent injuries," explains Galarza. It has enhanced my life by helping me develop good physical condition with great muscle tone. And, it's cultivated a calmness in my spirit. For information on classes and workshops visit www.yogaonestudio.com or call (262) 376- YOGA (9642).

Remember, preparing for your round is not only stretching on the first tee box. It begins well before then by being educated and having a regular fitness routine that will prove well throughout your life. So ladies, take the time and get fit for the game.