This exercise, a modification from the STOTT PILATES® Reformer repertoire, is perfect for golf conditioning and is one of Merrithew® Instructor Trainer Erin Her’s favorites.
While it’s a great conditioning drill for golfers who want to increase functional mobility and range of motion to improve their overall swing, it’s just as effective for other types of clients as well.
Use the power of breath to bring focus and connection to the movement, improve range of motion in shoulders, hips and spine, and develop greater torso rotation while engaging the abdominal muscles— all key components of an outstanding swing.
Merrithew Instructor Trainer Erin Her explains how to properly execute this simple, but effective rotation.
Tips:
- Maintain the same amount of weight on both sit bones
- Focus on engaging the contralateral obliques to rotate the rib cage and spine
- Focus on the retractors to drive the scapula and elbow back against resistance and the protractors on the non-strap arm when rotating back to center to get oppositional pull
- Continue the rotation into the neck and head for the first few repetitions; once you’ve got it, keep the head forward for more functional mobility