If you do a quick Google search for “Golf Fitness,” you’re likely to come across someone suggesting that golfers don’t need specialized workouts—just yoga. Since yoga is often seen as a workout focused on stretching, and many golfers feel tight or restricted in their swing, this sounds like the answer.
However, I want to clear up some misconceptions about yoga, especially when it comes to mobility and flexibility training. This isn’t a blog telling you not to do yoga—in fact, I took a 75-minute yoga class yesterday and married a former yogi. But understanding what yoga truly offers can help both golfers and yoga practitioners set the right expectations.
The True Focus of Yoga
At its core, yoga is far more than just a physical practice; it’s a discipline deeply rooted in mindfulness, breath control, and mental clarity (which, yes, is also great for golfers). The primary aim of yoga is to unite the mind and body, fostering inner peace, balance, and space. While the physical postures (asanas) in yoga can improve flexibility, their primary purpose is to cultivate awareness.
Mobility Requires More Than Flexibility
Flexibility is the ability of muscles to stretch, while mobility is the ability to move a joint through its full range of motion under control. Mobility training—the type that enhances the golf swing—involves dynamic movements, strength-building exercises, and stability work, targeting joints and muscles to improve functional movement patterns. This type of training is essential for the golf swing, which requires strength and control across various planes of motion.
The Limitations of Yoga for Mobility
Yoga typically emphasizes static stretching and holding poses, which can increase flexibility but may not sufficiently address the strength, stability, and dynamic control needed for true mobility. For example, holding a deep stretch in a yoga pose might lengthen the muscles, but it doesn’t necessarily train the body to maintain control and strength throughout a full range of motion.
Combining Yoga with Mobility Training
While yoga offers significant benefits for mental and physical health, those looking to enhance their mobility may need to complement their yoga practice with specific mobility exercises. Incorporating movements that focus on joint health, muscle activation, and dynamic control can lead to more significant improvements in mobility.
Should Golfers Take Up Yoga?
As discussed, yoga is much more than just a stretching class. When I hear comments like “Just do yoga,” it shows that people might have the wrong idea about the practice. I believe yoga can be extremely beneficial for a golfer’s mental game but might not offer as much for the physical game.
I recommend following a well-rounded program that targets mobility, strength, power, and conditioning training. This will check all the physical boxes needed to help you play better. As for the mental side and the overall enjoyable experience of a yoga class—you’ll just have to try it for yourself and see if it’s right for you.
That said, don’t expect a yoga class to fix tight muscles or improve your mobility. Instead, go to yoga to find mental clarity, inner peace, and community.
