The Loop
Fitness Friday: Stretching for people who don't like stretching
I very rarely do long-hold stretches before I play golf. I prefer muscle-activation exercises. I want my muscles to fire when they're needed, and I believe stretching them for long periods hinders that process. Elasticity is key to muscle function so most trainers will tell you it's better to warm-up the body with dynamic movements. Even a brisk walk can help.
However, when the workout, round of golf, or day is done, there is one stretch that I love. And the reason I love it is that it covers most of the major muscle groups in one shot. I can stretch for a minute or two and be done with it.
It's called "The world's greatest stretch," and it comes from my buddy Mark Verstegen at Exos (@teamexos), formerly Athletes' Performance in Phoenix.
Click on the video below to see me demonstrate it:
Ron Kaspriske is the fitness editor of Golf Digest.