Golf is a sport that requires excellent flexibility in the low back. The spine needs to bend, straighten, and rotate during the golf swing. By maintaining good flexibility and range of motion in the low back, you can have an injury free golf season.
Here are a few simple exercises to try:
- Prone prop ups. While on your stomach, prop yourself up onto your elbows. Stay in this position for 1-2 minutes and breathe slowly and deeply in this position. Once this position becomes comfortable, move on to the next exercise.
- Press ups. While lying on your stomach, put your hands flat on the floor under your shoulders, like you are going to start a push up. Press your shoulders up and let your hips and low back relax. Your hips should remain in contact with the floor as you press up. Hold the end position for 1-2 seconds and return fully to the starting position. Perform 10 repetitions.
- Rotation stretch. While lying on your back with your knees bent, slowly rotate your knees to one side. Keep your shoulders on the floor and allow your back to relax. Return to the starting position, then repeat to the other side. Repeat 10 times.
These exercises should be performed once per day to maintain flexibility. The exercises can also be performed just prior to golfing to ensure that your back is flexible and ready for golf.
