Many
have underestimated the athleticism necessary for golf, but with more and more
fit golfers like Jordan Spieth and Camilo Villegas, the truth is that to
compete in the hyper-competitive PGA Tour, one must be in tip-top shape.
In
order to stay at a peak physical level, many players practice yoga, which helps decrease back and
knee injury. Yoga is extremely helpful not only out on the course, but for
one’s health in general. In a sport like golf, every detail matters so players
want every advantage possible.
Below are some of the many benefits yoga offers, which can help your flexibility and ultimately lead to better scores your next time at Pound Ridge Golf Club.
1. Flexibility
First
and foremost, one of the most beneficial results of yoga is increased
functional flexibility. Yoga helps move muscles and joints at different angles
and ranges of motion. Not only does this improve mobility, but also helps
increase club speed as well as accuracy.
Yoga poses like the revolved crescent lunge or the pigeon pose will help your body to become more flexible as your joints will have a greater range of motion. This will allow you to withstand more physical stresses and thus make your body less prone to injuries.
2. Balance
Balance is the ability to sustain a center of gravity even while other forces act on it. Having poor balance can be difficult to deal with on the course as awkward lies, heavy winds and hard swings can throw off your center of gravity.
Poses such as The Eagle and The Tree require standing on one leg can help increase balance. Repetition of these poses will result in a more powerful and reliable golf swing.
3. Muscular
Endurance
Yoga
poses such as wall sits and planks
will improve muscular endurance, which can be extremely helpful for long rounds
on the course that can be physically exhausting.
Constant and consistent practices of these poses will result in the ability to compete at a high level over a sustained period of time, whether it be a tournament, a long season, or even a whole career.
4. Body
Composition
Body
composition is the ratio of muscle to fat in the body, which effects how the
body function
Yoga
poses dynamically stretch and strengthen your internal fabric and connective
muscle tissue which can change the appearance as the ratio of lean tissue to
fat is increased, causing your body to naturally shift things around. Not only
will you look good, but you will feel better which is important especially when
you’re treading through all 18 holes.
Once you’ve mastered these poses and are feeling relaxed, come over and book a tee time at Pound Ridge Golf Club to see how much you’ve improved.
