To enhance your overall performance on and off the course, stretching is extremely important. There are two different ways to stretch your muscles, including static and dynamic stretches. So, how do you know which type of stretching is best for you? The answer is – both are! Work in some dynamic stretches to help reduce muscle stiffness and prevent soreness. Dynamic stretching will greatly improve your performance throughout your game. When you are dynamic stretching, you are moving your body. Incorporating static stretches into your routine will help to increase flexibility; when you are static stretching, your body is generally in one place and you are holding each stretch for a set number of seconds. Here are some great stretches, both dynamic and static, that you can try out on the course, before and after your game!
- Squatting. Squatting is a great way to keep your legs in shape, and also raise your heart rate and get your blood pumping! You can squat freely or hold on to something such as a bar or club for support. To ensure that your blood is flowing, try to get in at least 10 squats.
- Trunk Rotations. While holding your club on the back of your shoulders, turn your body from side to side, mimicking your swing. Trunk rotations will help to loosen your muscles and get your body prepared for swinging.
- Toe Touches. Stand up straight and, with posture in mind, lean forward and reach your hand to your opposite foot. Toe touches will help to stretch out your lower back and your hamstrings.
- Quad Stretch. Begin by standing on one leg and bending your other leg so that your knee is backwards. Stretching out the backs of your legs will allow you to feel a stretch in your thighs and your hips. Be sure to switch off so that you are stretching out both of your quads and legs.