This is the 2nd series of On the Fly. Ive taken your suggestions and comments and developed this series covering all aspects of your physical needs to improve your golf game while using workout tools that you can easily take with you anywhere!
For this series Flexibility on the Fly well use a stretching aid. If you do not have one, simply visit the golf fitness pro shop The Golf Channel subscribers receive a generous discount!
Flexibility is vital to the game of golf and general fitness. Stretching while the muscles are warm and supple will increase long-term range of motion. These exercises will speed recovery and reduce the likelihood of residual stiffness. All of the exercises will be performed two times using a static technique (no bouncing) before advancing to the next exercise. The stretch will be accelerated slightly farther the second time, which will produce maximum gains in flexibility. Move into each stretch to a comfortable position. Never stretch to the point of pain and hold each stretch, including acceleration, 30 seconds each.
Here are the benefits of this series:
1) Improve flexibility to lower the risk of injuries and improve range of motion
2) Increase flexibility of the shoulder girdle for more stability at the top of swing
3) Increase flexibility of the upper legs for improved balance during your swing
4) Increase flexibility of your hip girdle for more power and club head speed
5) Increase flexibility of the lower legs for more push-off power in the downswing
6) Increase the flexibility of the trunk which is critical in making an effective turn
7) Increase the flexibility of the forearms and wrists for better club control
8) Ultimately increase your overall fitness level!
Let’s get started!
Start: Sit with your legs extended, feet upright and wrap the center of the stretch trainer across the right ball the foot. Sit upright holding on to each side of the stretch trainer.
Action: Slowly pull the stretch trainer toward the torso keeping equal tension to create the stretch.
Finish: Return to the start position and repeat, but the second time increase the stretch.
Tips: Keep the abdomen flexed. Insure upper back posture.
Golf & Fitness Connection: Keeping the lower leg flexible will add more push-off power in the downswing.
Start: Lie back with both knees bent and feet flat on the floor. Pull the right leg to the chest and wrap the center of the stretch trainer around the back of the thigh.
Action: Hold the stretch trainer equally on both sides and slowly bend the knee into the chest to create the stretch.
Finish: Release the tension and repeat but the second time increase the stretch.
Golf & Fitness Connection: Flexible low back will promote a fuller turn
Summer is around the corner so get started and improve your game! See the golf fitness DVDs and training aids available in the pro shop at a considerable savings! Remember you will need resistance tubing to continue this series!
Click here for training aids from the Golf Fitness Pro Shop!
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Editor’s Note: Kelly Blackburn has traveled the PGA Tour and Champions Tour circuits as a fitness consultant and trainer for 12 years. Kelly welcomes your email questions and comments, contact her at BlackburnOnTour@aol.com. Visit KellyBlackburn.com to learn more about health and fitness for golf.
