Fitness Tip #1: Correct Posture for the Shoulder

In golf, many people mention rotator cuff exercises but neglect the shoulder blade/scapula. While exercising is very important, if your scapula is protruding, your shoulder will not be as strong or as stable as it should be. Your stabilizing muscles in the rotator cuff are attached to the floating bone that is designed to assist you during a golf swing.

To protect your shoulder blade and create a stable scapula, you must position your shoulder blades correctly by: raising your shoulders up towards your ears; next pull your shoulders backwards and together; then down your back (away from your ears).

This may feel awkward at first due to the shortened pectoral muscles but a mental picture would be a soldier standing straight and tall with his chest up. Squeezing your shoulder blades together will strengthen the upper/middle back and decrease your risk of injury due to muscle imbalances.

If your scapula is in the proper position, your entire back may tighten but correct posture will stabilize the shoulder for a stronger, enjoyable lifetime of golf. –Kelly Shobe, Fitness and Nutrition at GNCGA