Top 5 Golf Flexibility Exercises To Help You Improve Your Technique

Flexibility is considered by many experts as the single most important physical attribute that every golfer must possess. It can rightly be called the x-factor that differentiates an amateur from a professional. The hip rotation, shoulder turn, hamstring, and wrist movement – the success of these four key elements of a swing all depends on the flexibility of a golfer. Flexibility isn’t something that you can develop overnight; you need to work out regularly. Here are the top 5 golf flexibility exercises you need to do.

Dynamic Twist

For this workout lie down with your back on the floor; slowly flex your right knee and bring your foot closer to the butt. The right leg would be at 90 degree angle and the right foot firmly rested on the floor – it should resemble inverted-V. Let the right leg drop and rest on the left leg. Pin down the right leg on top of the left leg with your left hand. You should feel the back muscles stretching. The dynamic twist exercise with its upper body rotation like movement will help you improve flexibility of the hip muscles.

Twisting Table

Get on all fours and inhale deeply. Then take the right hand and place at the back of your head. Obviously, your right arm would be flexed at the elbow. Begin the routine by turning your elbow 180 degrees to point it towards the sky; maintain this posture for 5 seconds. At this point your face must be pointing sideways – at right angle to the ground. After 5 seconds go back to the normal position and repeat this routine 10 more times. Repeat the same exercise with the left hand. The Twisting Table exercise will help you in thoracic spine extension and shoulder rotation.

Hamstring Stretch

Sit on the ground and stretch both legs forward. Both legs must be fully stretched with no bend at the knee. Now, flex your left leg and bring it back so that it presses on the inner area of the right thigh. Keep your back straight and shoulders erect. Next, slowly bend forward and with your right hand clutch your right ankle. You will feel the back muscles and left hamstring muscles stretching. After 10 seconds, repeat the same routine with the other leg. Repeat this exercise 10 times to complete a set.

Russian Twist on Swiss Ball

On top of the Swiss ball rest your head and shoulders. The feet must be firmly on the ground, balancing your upper body on the Swiss ball. Clasp the hands and stretch it forward pointing towards the sky. In the normal position the back of the head and upper back region must rest on the ball. Now, slowly rotate on the ball, to the right, so that the right shoulder comes to rest on the ball and the clasped hands are pointing to the sides and parallel to the turf. Repeat this maneuver on the left side. Doing this exercise 15 times makes one set. The Russian Twist on Swiss Ball will increase the flexibility of the back and shoulder muscles.

Spinal Rotation

The spinal rotation is an excellent exercise to increase flexibility of your hips, shoulders, and spine. In this workout, you lie down with your back on the floor. Your arms must be resting on the ground stretched sideways. Lift both your legs and feet off the ground. Flex the knees so that they are at 90 degrees to the ground, the lower legs parallel to the ground, and the feet pointing forward. Now, turn your hips and both legs to the right till they rest on the floor. Maintain this position for 5 seconds and then, do a 180 degree turn and rest the legs on the left side. Repeat this routine 15 times to complete a set.