It is never too late…Golf fitness

When Jim, a 62 year old golfer walked into my studio I saw a man who was depressed
and desperate to play golf again. Ten years ago Jim’s physician recommended
he give up the game due to the pain he experienced in his low back. Imagine if
you could not play golf and the physically, socially and emotionally toll it would
take on your life. For many years Jim was resigned to the notion that he was too
old to change his body.

After conducted a comprehensive physical assessment, I established that most
of Jim’s concerns were related to a lack of flexibility. One assessment
I used on Jim was the cat cow pose. I asked Jim to perform the exercise expecting
to see movement in his spine. Jim insisted he was moving his spine when in actuality
he had no movement. Within two months we had total mobilization of Jim’s
lumbar spine. Now in retirement, Jim plays golf three days a week, pain free!

Some of these poses may look familiar to you as I have suggested them as a
series of warm up poses. For senior golfers I recommend you begin the poses
by moving very slowly, inhaling and exhaling through the nose with each pose.
Practice the poses four days a week, in the morning (right after coffee) and
in the evening right before bedtime. Studies prove stretching before sleep support
faster muscle integration and faster results.

Cat / cow pose:

On all fours, inhale as you pull the navel towards the spine, pressing
the spine towards the ceiling. Exhale, pressing the spine towards the floor,
rolling the shoulders away from the ears and lifting the head slightly. Repeat
ten to twenty times.

Gentle Dynamic twist:

Preparation position: Bring the arms perpendicular to the body, keeping the
feet on the floor (Par Level) or lifting the feet off the floor (Birdie Level).
Pose: Inhale, pressing the navel towards the floor, engaging the core and rolling
the legs to the right. Exhale brining the legs back to the starting position.
Repeat to the left side, and repeat the pose ten to twenty times.

Seated Twisting pose:

Sitting up as straight as possible with the assistance of the right arm, place
the right foot on the outside of the left knee. Maintain connection of the right
foot to the floor. Inhale, lengthening the spine, exhale as you twist to the
right. Repeat five times and switch sides.

Child’s pose:

This pose stretches the back and relaxes the mind. Sit in this pose for approximately
two minutes. Note: If you feel discomfort in the knees, place a rolled towel
in the crease of the back of the knees. RELAX!

The mind is a powerful tool. Taking the leap of faith, exercising and visualizing
your body as strong, flexible and full of vitality will transform your thoughts
to reality.

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