Put more punch and power in your swing.
Add a Golf Flexibility Program.

A strong golf swing requires a high level of both flexibility and mobility to be executed properly. For that reason alone, a golf flexibility program is an essential element in a comprehensive fitness program for golfers.

Flexibility and mobility are both terms used often when describing a golf swing. While similar, they refer to slightly different functions. Flexibility is the ability of your muscles to lengthen during movement. Mobility refers to the joints' ability to go through a specific range of motion.

The good news is that both can be improved considerably with a solid stretching program.

Bottom Line: Start Stretching!
Want to improve your golf game? Don't skip the stretch! Stretching exercises for golf are essential to improving your golf game.

Stretching for golf can be done in a number of ways. Static stretching refers to holding a position for 20-30 seconds or longer. I use static stretching when focusing on correcting dysfunctional positions, such as changing posture or influencing one or more specific muscle groups.

Dynamic stretching for golf is used to help prepare your body for executing the swing. Since the golf swing is dynamic in nature, your warm-up program should consist of dynamic movements, not static stretching.

Along with static and dynamic stretching, I also use various manual techniques to enhance my clients' joint mobility and flexibility.

How's Your Shoulder Turn?
The most significant benefits of golf flexibility exercises can usually be seen in the shoulder turn and the X-Factor. A good shoulder turn in the golf swing is an important factor in a powerful swing.

The X-Factor, which is the difference between the shoulder turn and the pelvic turn, is also an indicator of club head speed and power. The greater the X-Factor, the more powerful coil you'll have in your backswing, resulting in more power and longer drives.

Clearly, improved golf flexibility—with control and stability—will not only improve your golf swing but will result in longer shots. It's a win-win situation!

Benefits

• greater X-Factor
• a more powerful swing
• longer drives
• injury prevention
• improved flexibility

"I play a lot of tennis and a little golf. Mark's recommended exercises have helped me increase power and balance on both the courts and the links. I'm also enjoying quicker recovery time and better overall fitness."

Barry Dempsey
Buffalo Grove