From a physical standpoint, achieving a more athletic, free swing isn’t just about flexibility; it’s about unlocking the true potential of your body’s mobility. At FitGolf, we understand the crucial difference between mobility and flexibility, recognizing that efforts to improve flexibility through stretching are often wasted by missing key ingredients.
So, what is the difference between flexibility and mobility?
Flexibility is the ability of a muscle to lengthen passively through a range of motion, while mobility is the ability of a joint to move actively through a range of motion.
Stretching alone doesn’t comprehensively improve mobility because it primarily addresses one aspect of movement- muscle flexibility- without considering the broader factors that contribute to functional mobility. Here are two key reasons why stretching alone falls short in improving overall mobility:
Limited Impact on Stability:
Stretching targets muscles, leaving out the crucial element of stability. Stability is the ability of the body to maintain control and support during movement. Without stability, increased muscle flexibility may not translate into improved functional golf movements. Stability combined with flexibility provides the foundation necessary for a controlled and efficient golf swing.
Potential Muscle Imbalances:
Focusing solely on stretching without strengthening opposing muscle groups can lead to muscle imbalances. For example, the opposing muscle of the hip flexor is the glute. If you continuously have tight hip flexors, your glutes are likely weak, and unless you strengthen your glutes, the hip flexors will remain tight! A well-rounded approach considers both flexibility and strength to promote balanced and functional movement.
In summary, while stretching is valuable for increasing muscle flexibility, it should be part of a broader approach to mobility. Incorporating stability and strength exercises ensures a more effective strategy for improving mobility for golf that goes beyond the limitations of stretching alone.
If you try these exercises and you find them to be too challenging or uncomfortable, do not continue, until you have consulted with your physician. All exercises for golf should be customized to your needs after a proper evaluation.
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