Continental Country Club

Stretching

It won't be long until the golf season is upon us. So, now is a great time to prepare by doing various stretching exercises. Regardless of age or physical condition, stretching before you try to swing a golf club can decrease the chance of injuries and enhance your overall performance.

Follow these easy steps when stretching:

Warm up sufficiently before stretching
Make each stretch slow and smooth
Never bounce or push into pain
1-2 repetitions are sufficient if performed regularly
Hold each stretch for 30 seconds

Here are a few stretches to consider:

Chest Stretch - Stand while holding golf club behind your back. Slowly raise your arms up behind your body until a stretch is felt. Keep chest up and don't lean forward.
Back Rotation - Standing, position the club across your shoulder blades and keep it in place with your arms. While keeping your feet flat on the ground, slowly rotate your upper body to one side as far as comfortably able. Hold that position, then slowly rotate in the opposite direction.
Trunk Side Bending - Stand with arms overhead holding the golf club. Slowly lean to one side, then the other.
Hip Rotation - While sitting down, cross right leg over left knee with right ankle resting on left knee. Keep your back straight and slowly lean forward as you apply downward pressure on your right knee. Hold and repeat with opposite leg.
Shoulder Stretch - Reach arm across chest toward back of shoulder. Using opposite hand, help stretch arm towards your chest. Hold and repeat with opposite arm. Hold and repeat on opposite side.

Another helpful tip before starting the season is to check each grip on your golf clubs for wear and tear. If your grips are smooth and slippery, you'll have to squeeze too tight just to hold on to them. When you have to apply too much pressure to grip the club, nearly all your muscles tighten up, adversely affecting your ability to swing fluidly. If your golf grips are in need for a change, stop into the Pro Shop to get your clubs regripped. Right now, we are offering 25% off and if we don't have the grip you want, we can special order. Call the Pro Shop for more information. 527-7997. [top]