We thought it fitting to celebrate the season with a popular “TEE” time. For golf fans, it’s one of the best parts about enjoying life after retirement: more freedom to pursue the love of the game.
For all the advice out there on every swing, driver, putter, or shank, it’s easy to scoff at the value of stretching and warm-ups. Think again. Even a little bit of increased flexibility can add surprising distance to your drive. In addition to helping you win the round, try a couple of easy favorites. Just ten minutes “at a stretch” can keep you feeling strong, fluid and full of it on and off the course!
Shoulder Shrugs
- Helps: Prepare shoulder muscles for full swings from tee or fairway.
- Difficulty: Easy
- With arms relaxed at your sides, smoothly lift both shoulders to ear-level.
- Roll shoulders forward and lower to starting position.
- Repeat, this time roll shoulders backward and lower to starting position.
- Alternate or do in sets of 10 to 15 forward and 10 to 15 back before each game.
The 4-Iron Backswing Roll
- Helps: Align and stretch your trunk to prepare spine, hips and shoulders for the backswing.
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
- Lay your 4-Iron across the top of your shoulders (behind head).
- Let your hands relax in front of the shaft as the shaft rests under your wrists.
- With feet facing forward, shooting distance apart, turn smoothly as far to the right as possible (envision your backswing) and hold for three seconds.
- Repeat 10 times, then switch sides for 10 swings to the left.
Stretching is important before being active. It will help your muscles stay strong and flexible and lead to an overall healthy lifestyle.
