As golfers, we love the idea that the “latest and greatest” can give us a few extra yards on our drives and sharpen the accuracy of our irons.

The simpler solution of a proper pre-round warm-up lies in plain sight and is much less expensive.

Athletes in all kinds of sports prepare their bodies before competing without giving it a second thought.

In golf, we often forget the explosive nature of the swing and its risk of injury only to be reminded by post-round soreness.

The truth is that the golf swing produces significant forces through our body’s “kinetic chain” in a very short time, and in some ways it's like jumping or sprinting.

So why not approach your next round in a similar mindset as a jumper or sprinter?

Before taking your first full swings on the practice range, do these simple but effective dynamic exercises used by the Titleist Performance Institute and the Lifestyle Medicine and Wellness Center Golf Fitness Program in St. George.

1. Helicopters for 30 to 60 seconds - Click here for the video demo
2. Deep squat 10 times - Click here for the video demo
3. Standing knee to chest tucks 10 times on each side - Click here for the video demo
4. Split stance lunge turns 10 times - Click here for the video demo
5. Standing prayer stretch; hold for 10 seconds and two times per side - Click here for the video demo
6. Front leg swings 10 times per leg - Click here for the video demo
7. One arm cross body stretch; hold 10 seconds and two times per side - Click here for the video demo

The above exercises also serve as a great cool-down after the round to prevent stiffness or soreness, which is commonly experienced the following day.

Keep in mind that the explosive and rotary nature of the golf swing should encourage us to start and finish our round with a proper warm-up and cool-down like sprinters or jumpers.

By adopting this simple strategy, you’ll see the difference in your score and feel the difference in your body.

You can get more golfing insights from the certified professionals at the St. George Lifestyle Medicine & Wellness Center.