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Expert Q&A
Question:
I'm pregnant and love to golf. What major muscles are used in golf?
Answer:

The major muscles used in golf are:

  • Back – The back muscles help stabilize your posture during the swing. Try this: On hands and knees, tighten the abdominals and stretch one arm out, parallel to the floor. Keep hips and shoulders straight and hold for five seconds. Switch sides, repeating four to six times.
  • Abdominals – Strong abs aid in posture, balance and rotation. Traditional ab exercises (like crunches) won't work past the first trimester since lying on your back can restrict blood flow to the uterus. Alternative: On hands and knees, gently pull your abdominals toward your spine while exhaling. Release and repeat four to six times.
  • Legs – The legs aid in balance and stability while providing power throughout the swing. During early pregnancy, traditional exercises such as squats or lunges can be done to increase leg strength. During late pregnancy, avoid these activities, as they might strain your ligaments. Stick with walking or swimming to strengthen the lower body.
  • Shoulders – The shoulders stabilize your arms throughout the swing. Try this: Stand 2 feet away from a wall, placing both hands on the wall at shoulder height, shoulder-width apart. With abs tight, bend your elbows and lower your chest toward the wall. Exhale and push back, repeating eight to 10 times.

Before attempting any exercise, however, check with your doctor.

While your body will change throughout your pregnancy, with a little adjustment, your golf game doesn't have to. By taking the simple precautions listed above and being aware of your posture, balance and flexibility, you'll be able to enjoy golf throughout your pregnancy.

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