Playing golf comes with plenty of health benefits. Walking 18 holes three to five times a week improves muscle tone and endurance. Not to mention it’s great cardio. Golfers stay fit and active. However, staying fit won’t matter if you injure yourself while playing this beautiful game. Check out these ways to prevent injuries while working on your golf game.
Don’t Go in Cold
Golf is like any other sport—minus the physical contact. You need to warm up a little bit. You can’t go into the game stiff and cold because exerting without stretching could cause a back or neck injury.
People tend to think they don’t need to stretch because golf is a relaxing sport, but how relaxing can it be if you go into it stiff? Take a least 15 to 20 minutes to loosen up your muscles and get the blood flowing properly throughout your body.
Exercise Beyond the Links
The links don’t have to be the only place you get a good workout. It shouldn’t be the only place you get a good workout in. Golf requires you to have a tight middle. Yes, your core will strengthen with every round you play, but it won’t reach its full potential playing golf alone.
If you want to avoid pain and harness more power, you need to build up the muscles in your core. Strengthen the abdominal and gluteal muscles because these areas experience the most force when stepping up to the tee.
Work Smarter, Not Harder
It’s always better to work smarter, not harder. Don’t work with equipment or under conditions that make your game difficult to improve. Not all practice swings happen on the green. If you’re like most avid golfers, you try and get a good workout at the gym or at home, or maybe even while on the job.
You need a quality mat for your at-home golf simulator. Not only will it improve your game and make you feel like you’re on the course, but it also helps prevent injuries. The surface is easy on the body and makes it easier to do those repetitive motions without jarring the joints.
Stay Mobile and Balanced
Believe it or not, the more parts of your body you use, the better your game. Don’t try to fight against what feels natural during a swing. Mobilize your hips and throw them into the swing. Use your hip swing to replicate your golf swing so you exert less power.
Improve your balance by shifting your weight. If you feel yourself leaning towards one side more than the other, reposition yourself at the tee. Doing so will also help control your swing and prevent either shoulder or elbow pain.
Injuries are common in any sport, including golf. Stay sharp and informed to help prevent your body from sustaining one.
