Trying to swing a golf club with a sore back invites pain, stiffness and high scores. Many individuals have turned to yoga to improve their game because it increases muscle strength and flexibility and gently conditions the body after injury. Yoga exercises for back pain also help by using muscles throughout the body to improve posture and provide pain relief. Conveniently for golfers, many poses, such as the forward bend, can be done between holes to alleviate tension in the back.
Cat Stretch
Increase flexibility and strength along the spine by performing the cat stretch pose. Position yourself on your hands and knees on the floor or ground. Align your back parallel to the ground and place your hands aligned under your shoulders with fingers splayed. Align the knees under the hips and relax your neck to allow the head to hang freely with eyes directed at the floor. Inhale and exhale in this position. Repeat the breathing and on each exhale, arch your back like a cat, tucking your chin to your chest as you look toward your knees. Return to the starting position on each inhale. This movement also encourages you to tuck your bottom down and inward.
Corpse Pose
Although this pose sounds rather ominous, it relieves pressure on the lower back. Lie on the floor flat on your back with your arms extended near but not touching your side and with the palms facing upward. Keep your legs in a natural, relaxed position: Your knees should turn out slightly just as they would naturally. Hold the pose for several minutes. Breathe in and out slowly as you feel the tension leave your lower back. If the corpse pose causes pain, try placing your feet flat on the floor.
Bending Forward Posture
The bending forward posture targets the hamstrings and sciatic nerve to relieve lower back pain. Stand with your feet together and relax your entire body from the shoulders to the feet. Take a deep breath and lift your arms straight up to the ceiling and feel the stretch. Breathe out as you bend forward toward your toes in a slow, measured movement. Try to touch your toes: The ultimate goal of this posture is touching your head to your knees. Don't overextend or you'll risk injury. Move slowly and smoothly through this posture, continuing to breathe the entire time.
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