A good golf swing is a combination of body movements that involve almost the whole body. As we get older or more sedentary we lose muscle tone and flexibility. If you are not involved with a regular exercise routine you muscle will shorten and your joints will tighten up. Come the weekend and you want to head to the local course you will find that your performance is less than desired. Many golfers will take a bucket of balls and try to loosen up and revive muscle memory. This is a good Idea  as it acts a warm up and will prevent injury out on the course. In order to maintain or improve your golf swing you should be exercising days before you head to the range or course.

A good golf swing comes from flexibility and flexibility comes from stretching.

The goal is to lengthen the muscles and loosen the joints. You should start by flexing and rotating all of your joints. Start with your wrists by rotating them first to the left then to the right. Interlock your fingers and place your palms facing away from you and stretch your fingers.

Shoulders are a major player when it comes to making a good golf swing.  Raise your arms out in front of you and begin to make small circles with your hands. Slowly move your arms out to the side continuing to do the shoulder rolls. Rotate your arms as far to the back as is comfortable then reverse the rotating and start moving the arms back to the front.

Your head and neck are also an important part of your golf swing. A flexible neck will add to your swing speed while help you to maintain the proper plane. Stand straight up and slowly roll your head to the right 3 times and then reverse the process. Next take you right elbow and place it straight up next to your head then grasp it with you left hand and pull straight to the left holding for 6 to 10 seconds. Then reverse the process stretching the left shoulder and neck.

Every golfer knows that the power of a good golf swing comes from the hips. Find a broom or long pole and place it on your shoulders just behind the head. Extend your arms out in each direction reaching as far as you comfortably can. Stand with your feet about shoulder width. Next turn your torso left as far as it will flex using your hips only then swing back the other direction for at least ten repetitions. Do not use your arms to force the rotation. After about a week of using this exercise you can begin to lead your rotation with your shoulders to get maximum rotation. You must keep your arms quiet during this exercise.

Stretch your hamstring muscles by standing with your feet slightly wider than shoulder width and slowly bend down reaching for the floor. Take your time and when you have reached about as far as you can go let your body weight just hang there stretching your back and hamstring muscles. Do not bounce your weight up and down. After about ten seconds stand up straight and slightly arch your back. Then turn slightly to the right and reach for your right foot slowly stretching. Repeat the movement to the left each time straightening up fully before making an extension.

One additional exercise that will help you develop a good golf swing is called the chair squat. Stand behind a sturdy chair that has a good back to it. Again your feet should be about shoulder width. Place you hands on the top of the back of the chair and slowly squat down until you upper legs or hamstring muscles are parallel with the floor. Don not go down any further. Then stand up again slowly. If your legs are too weak to handle the weight of your body use the back of the chair to help lift your body. Your goal should be to do at least 10 to 20 repetitions each exercise period.

You should plan on doing your golf swing flexibility exercises at least three days a week. You flexibility and strength will increase each week. The beauty of this exercise routine is that you can almost do it anywhere even in your office or at home. Maximum benefits appear in about 5 to 6 weeks. You will be amazed at how much stronger and more flexible you will be and how much your golf swing has improved. Your handicap and scores will be lower and the game more fun.  A good strong flexible body means you will have a better chance of developing a good golf swing.