Unlock Greater Distance
By Lauren McMillin, Special to Lone Star Golf
I have never met a golfer who didn't want more distance. In fact, I’d say it’s one of the top priorities when golfers work on their swing. Pounding balls on the driving range might seem like a clear solution, but when you spend too much time on the range, it increases your chance of an injury. It can put too much stress on some muscles, while neglecting others.
Adding mobility training to your routine just might be the missing piece. Improving your flexibility increases your range of motion in the golf swing, reduces swing flaws caused by tight muscles and produces more club head speed. The result? Greater distance.
Here are three exercises that will help improve your posture and range of motion. These yoga exercises also will help you build a stronger foundation for every shot.
Dynamic Cobra
Lie face down and place your hands under your shoulders. Exhale and squeeze your legs together to activate the lower body.
Next, inhale and lift your chest off the floor with your elbows bent. Focus on keeping your shoulders down and away from the ears. Exhale again to lower to the floor. Repeat five to seven times.
Twisting Table
On all fours, place your right hand behind your head, elbow out to the side. Inhale and twist open toward the ceiling. Exhale and tuck your right shoulder under your left shoulder. Repeat five to seven times on each side.
Rotating Extended Side Angle
Stand with your legs in a wide stance. Turn your right toes outward and bend the right knee at 90 degrees. Make sure your knee is tracking in line with the toes.
Extend your left leg behind you and rotate the leg and foot internally at 45 degrees. Bring your right forearm to your quad and extend your left arm forward.
Inhale and reach your left arm toward the sky. Then exhale to rotate your arm and torso toward the floor. Repeat seven times on each side.
Lauren McMillin is a Yoga & Movement Specialist and Comprehensive Pilates teacher. She works with golfers across the country and applies yoga-based physical and mental conditioning to the biomechanics of the golf swing to help golfers play better, longer and stronger. To find out more or to book an online session, click here.
