Best Fitness Blog

It’s probably been a few months since your last golf outing.   What better training, you think, than getting out there and playing?  You're at the first tee, shaking the rust off your golf swing, and you feel a pull in your back or your hamstring. Sound familiar?  

While golf isn't a contact sport, it puts significant demands on your body which can easily lead to golf injuries. Before you hit the links this year, take a little while to prepare your body for what’s about to happen.

Understanding the mechanics behind your golf swing can help you prevent golf injuries.  Maintaining proper posture before and during your swing will keep your back healthy. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and distribute your weight equally on both feet to keep from tightening on one side. Avoid hunching over the ball, which may contribute to neck and back strain.

Think of your body as one unit and move smoothly through your swing. The power of your golf swing comes from force transferred through all of your muscles, from your wrists to your ankles.

If you depend on one part of your body for your hitting power, you may be more prone to golf injuries. For example, overemphasizing your wrists during your swing can lead to a strain of the muscles on the inside of the forearm which is commonly referred to as golfer's elbow.

Lastly, make sure you warm up before you take your first swing of the day.  Walk around a bit before making your way to the first tee, and take some practice swings without the club in your hands to get your body used to the motion.