Mental Coaching
How about that Chattering Mind?

by Katherine Roberts

The root of the Sanskrit word yoga is yug, which translates to the union of the mind, body and breath. A yogi or one who practices yoga, uses the postures to change the body from inflexibility to flexibility, from fatigue to strength, from an over active mind to level of quietness never experienced before.

Many PGA and LPGA professionals like Gary McCord, Andrew Magee and Annika Sorenstam are utilizing the benefits of yoga for better golf. In the words of Gary McCord, "Preparing for golf, from the viewpoint of a professional, is an exhaustive task. You have to tighten your swing, practice your short game, get in the right frame of mind and get physically fit. Or you can practice yoga and accomplish all of the above,"

Amateur golfers looking for increased strength and flexibility are gravitating toward yoga. Bruce Ollstein, Super Coach and author of the bestseller Combat Golf believes, "All warriors and athletes must be highly conditioned and maintain flexibility to protect themselves from injury and increase the probability of success. Yoga is an excellent path to gaining that advantage."

Thinking you can’t do yoga because your leg doesn’t go behind your head? Not true. Yoga is now the fastest growing form of exercise in America. There are many styles of yoga, from the most physically active called Ashtanga or Power yoga, to the more meditative and gentle style of Kundalini. There are numerous beginner yoga classes and tapes out on the market; even yoga tapes specifically designed to address golf specific issues. When investigating the style that is right for your fitness level, ask the instructor about the necessary physical requirements, duration and intensity of the class.