Golf injuries are surprisingly common, but most are relatively mild and
respond well to simple treatment. You can prevent them by keeping the following
in mind:
Get in shape for golf before golf can keep you fit. Walk to build
up your cardiovascular endurance. Do exercises that improve flexibility and
strength. Your health, and your game, will improve.
Stretch and Warm up. As muscles are used, they get stronger but
also tighter and stiffer. Age, too, takes a toll on flexibility. Stretching
before a game warms up the muscles and ligaments, reducing your risk of injury
and helping you develop a smoother stroke.
Build strong muscles and bones. You lose muscle mass and bone calcium
as you age. Resistance training will reverse the trend. Take the right amount
of protein, calcium, and vitamin D in your diet. Dietary supplements do help.
Ask your physician which ones are right for you.
Take lessons. Bad swing habits – improper weight shift and poor
rotation are common – can cause serious problems. Ask a teaching pro to check
your fundamentals to protect yourself against injuries and improve your scores.
Spot problems early and treat them immediately.
Enjoy the 19th hole, but don’t overindulge. Any fitness routine
should include a healthy diet. Eating and drinking in moderation is vital.
And remember: don’t let your competitive juices spoil a lovely day or sour a
friendship. Golf is a testing sport, and each round is a great experience, a
trial of physical and mental skills that can be both demanding and relaxing.
It’s no wonder that golf is the sport of choice for many NBA, NFL, and Major
League athletes because it hones their competitive edge in a setting conducive
to mental serenity.
Golf can be good for your health and your mind, and safe for your heart, but
only if you play it right.
Remember, safe and healthy golf means happy golfing!