WHAT IS YOGA?

In practice, yoga is an applied science of the mind and body. It comes from the Hindu vedas (scriptures). The practice and study of Yoga help to bring about a natural balance of body and mind in which the state of health can manifest itself.

Yoga itself does not create health; rather, it creates an internal environment that allows the individual to come to his own state of dynamic balance, or health. Basically, yoga teaches that a healthy person is a harmoniously integrated unit of body, mind and spirit. Therefore, good health requires a simple, natural diet, exercise in fresh air, a serene and untroubled mind and the awareness that mains deepest and highest self is identical with the spirit of God.

As a result, to many devotees, yoga becomes a philosophy that offers instruction and insight into every aspect of life: the spiritual, the mental and the physical. Of course, because it is all-encompassing, people who want to pick and choose from its smorgasbord can do so without being disappointed. Yoga is equally satisfying as a physical therapy alone.

HOW PRACTICING YOGA CAN IMPROVE YOUR GOLF?

FLEXIBILITY - To bring about a long powerful drive you must be able to rotate fully. Flexibility increases your range of motion in the golf swing, reduces swing faults caused by short, tight muscles and produces more club head speed.

STRENGTH, ENDURANCE and TONE - While it may not be a vigorous as running a marathon, a round of golf can be very demanding, even for those who are in excellent condition. Strength is achieved in yoga by engaging the muscles, using the force of gravity and your own body weight to build strength. Long, lean muscles develop, increasing strength without restricting the golf swing.

BALANCE and SYMMETRY - A consistent and reliable stroke requires balance in your stance and throughout your swing. Balance also affects the ability to transfer your weight with consistent ease during the downswing. Correspondingly, it is important to pay attention to correcting the inherent asymmetry created from swinging from one side of the body. By creating equality on both sides of your body you can achieve a more fluid, accurate and powerful golf stroke.

CORE CONDITIONING - Strengthening key abdominal and back muscles supports posture at address, reduces fatigue in the golf swing and is a direct correlation to trunk rotation. A strong core gives you a consistent spine angle from address to finish and is a clinically proven correlation to low back health.

BREATH AWARENESS - The quality of the breath reflects the state of the mind. Controlling the breath has a direct effect on relieving tension in the golf swing, the number one reason for swing flaws. Anxious and stressful thoughts will result in a tight and inflexible body. Achieving a relaxed but focused state where golfs natural rhythm can be realized will increase blood flow to the muscles, enhance the rhythm, tempo and fluidity in your swing, increase endurance, and overcome the stress tied to bad lies, hard shots, and first-tee jitters.

MEDITATION and VISUALIZATION - Tools that will give the ability to quiet your mind and direct your focus completely on the present moment or shot, withdrawing your attention from any distractions on the golf course. To achieve consistent peak performance it is critically important to train and discipline the mind to be clear and quiet.