Flexibility, Stretching, Golf and a Pain-Free Back

[Dr Ray]

The 3rd of the 4-Core Competences of In The Zone Performers is
Flexibility. (i.e. Relaxation, Balance, Flexibility and Focus)

Flexibility is as important to a good game of golf, as it is to a pain-
free back.

I introduce the overall subject of flexibility in golf to Group
Members with another section taken from Teeing Off With The Masters:

TEEING OFF

What do you do first, Charlie?

I always start a round of golf by warming up.

What do you have in mind?

Chip shots with a wedge, maybe driver. We can also practice putting.
It's the way I like to start a round.

Do you do warm-up exercises, Charlie?

I do some stretches now and again, but nothing much.

If you want to play good golf for a long time, we'll want to look into
that. You know what Trevino said about Snead?

What’s that?

He said, Snead’s a fantastic athlete and flexibility is what kept him
in the game so long. They say Sam can stand flat-footed in a room and
kick an eight-foot ceiling. He does a lot of stretching and about a
hundred sit-ups in the morning and another hundred in the evening. He
also does forearm and biceps curls. In the early years he didn’t have
the advantages we have today, with fitness trainers and great exercise
equipment, but he kept fit. He knew he had to, to survive the wear
and tear of the game.

Nicklaus feels the same way, Doc. He said he avoided back surgery,
despite a couple of herniated discs. He said he’s proud he had the
intelligence and discipline to take the self-care road as early as he
did.

Jack said that?

He did, several years ago. He also said, “One of the reasons he was
able to play golf later in years was because he was fitter at age 39
then he was at any time in his life to that point.” He also said,
“You have to learn about your body if you want to be a great
athlete.” Jack takes care of himself, just like Woods, Snead, Player
and so many others.

Talking about flexibility Doc, did you know Tiger Woods is extremely
flexible, especially throughout his back?

That’s what they say.

I know you’re right about the importance of flexibility, Doc. I
learned how to stretch doing yoga in college, but don’t take the time
now. I guess I’m like so many others who can’t wait to get on the
tee.

Back to the purpose of this Post:

Whether you are focused on a better game of golf or freedom from back
pain, it all adds up to the same thing.

Everyone benefits from stretching exercises, but only when the
exercises are performed correctly, which is often NOT the case.

IT IS BETTER NOT TO STRETCH AT ALL, THAN TO STRETCH INCORRECTLY !

Principles for correct stretching exercises will be presented in a
forthcoming Post.

Dr. Ray