YOGA & FITNESS
By Katherine Roberts
How your breath affects your swing
course. Did you know your breathing pattern
L
is a direct reflection of the amount of stress you carry in the body and mind at any given moment? There are many positive benefits to breathing deeply, all of which translate into better play on the course. With such a strong connection
existing between body and mind, bringing awareness to the breath is the fastest way to reset both. Holding the breath triggers a “fight or flight” response in the sympathetic nervous system, resulting in muscle tension; rapid, erratic breathing; and loss of blood flow to the brain and other extremities. This makes it extremely tough to execute an effective golf swing. When the breath is rhythmic and free flowing, the body relaxes and the lungs, diaphragm and intercostal muscles move freely. This enables the mind to quiet, allowing for greater mental focus and visualization of the shot. Posture is also vital for efficient
breathing. Poor posture inhibits proper position and function of the diaphragm, the major muscle of respiration. This limits oxygen intake, which contributes
42 | AZ GOLF Insider | ANNUAL 2016
et’s face it: Breathing happens whether we think about it or not. So often we don’t. But we should, especially on the golf
• Facilitates one-pointed concentration.
When the breath is rhythmic and free flowing, the body relaxes and the
lungs, diaphragm and intercostal muscles move freely.
to physical and mental fatigue. Yoga For Golfers poses promote good posture, which is important through the entire swing plane. Drawing a deeper, more efficient
breath also: • Releases muscle tension, increasing eccentric stretch and load for maximum concentric contraction and explosion in the golf swing, which results in more power and distance.
• Activates the parasympathetic nervous system, turning off the “fight or flight” response, which reduces stress hormones that negatively impact brain function.
• Contributes to rhythm and tempo in the golf swing.
• Helps manage energy level throughout the round.
Try this diaphragmatic breathing technique:
1 2
3
Lie on your back with your knees bent, eyes closed. Bring your fingertips to your lower ribs.
Without forcing the breath, inhale and exhale deeply. Then, inhale for a count of four and exhale for a count of six. Repeat for five to seven rounds.
When you feel comfortable with this pattern, try extending the breath further by inhaling for a count of five, hold for three, exhale for five, hold for three. Repeat for five to seven rounds.
Incorporating breath awareness into
your pre-shot routine will calm the mind and prepare the body for the task at hand. n
Katherine Roberts is the founder of Yoga For Golfers. For more information on her organization, please visit
yogaforgolfers.com, Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.
www.azgolf.org
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46