By Fred Altvater
As golfers age our bodies do not respond well to the twisting and turning a full golf swing requires. Flexibility exercises will help alleviate some of those issues. Here are a few more ideas on how to enjoy the game as we grow older.
Exercise at Home
Gaining flexibility and better movement does not require spending a bunch of money on expensive equipment, or a gym membership. There are plenty of on-line tips for exercises and routines that can be done in the comfort of your own home.
A quick Google search, ‘golf exercises for seniors’ yielded over 44 million options.
USA Today had an informative article last year about several easy Yoga poses for senior citizens. You can find it HERE.
Start slow, you will not be able to fully reach the full yoga pose the first day. It will not take long, however, for you to see positive results and your overall flexibility will improve rapidly.
While you are waiting for something to finish cooking in the oven, bend over and touch your toes, kick your legs like a Rockette, and turn from side to side. Just a few minutes every day of these simple stretches will yield valuable results.
Pilates, Yoga & Zoomba Classes
Your local fitness center offers classes for gaining flexibility. Google gyms in your area and find one that fits your needs.
Just Walk Baby!
One of the best exercises you can do is simply go for a walk. Take your dog, take your spouse, or just go by yourself. Walking not only helps with flexibility, but also helps grow stamina and the peacefulness may even help clear your mind.
If you are adventurous, carry your bag, or take a pushcart and walk nine holes. You can start with a few holes and work your way up to a full round.
GolfForever Adds Distance
Scottie Scheffler is a believer in the GolfForever program. Their unique training equipment and program will not only add strength to your swing, but also helps with flexibility, swing speed and recovery time after your round.
If it works for the World No. 1, it will probably help you too.
Stretchy bands are available at any sporting goods store and can be a valuable addition to any exercise regimen.
Play It Forward!
It’s been over ten years since the PGA came up with this catchy phrase and still most golfers play from tees not aligned with their ability.
A National Golf Foundation survey of core golfers found that 73% could recall the Tee It Forward initiative, but only 30% had actually moved up. Those golfers, who actually did move to a forward tee, have enjoyed the benefits with 75% saying their scores are lower, plus 80% agree that their fun quotient has improved dramatically.
Finally, accept the fact that your 300-yard driving days are well behind you. Find more fairways, gain accuracy with the WMD and work on your short game. Remember, a five-foot putt counts just the same as a long drive into the rough.
Don’t be afraid to move up to the forward tees. Why struggle from the normal tees you formerly used? If your driving distance struggles to 225 yards, you should be playing a course in the 5,800 yard range. Don’t be afraid to Play it Forward.
Conclusion
The main idea for seniors to enjoy golf more, get your nose out of the television, or your technology, get up off the couch and out of that recliner. Stretch, walk, swing a weighted club, or get some exercise equipment and just do it! Yes, it will hurt and you will find new aches and pains along the way, but that is just God’s way of telling you that you are still alive and able to move more than what you thought.
Pickleball is fine for seniors, but get healthy and enjoy golf, ‘the game for a lifetime.’
