Every part of your body is important in the golf swing, but the hips are a major factor in generating power in your golf swing. The hip joints and surrounding muscles need to rotate in the golf swing. Where many people go wrong is that they slide their hips or stand up as they swing, mostly because we spend the day sitting and our hips are generally tighter than other muscles and joints causing these compensations.

Incorrect

Correct

Creating mobility in the hips will help you turn more efficiently and generate more power. Try these two hip mobility exercises that can be done as a warm up before play or practice.  These may seem like simple exercises but they will help you increase the range of motion in your hips, challenge your balance and even help you strengthen the supporting leg.

Front Hip Swings

Stand tall with feet shoulder-width apart. Hold a golf club  for balance. Lift one leg so you knee is slightly bent and begin to swing your leg forward  and up, then swing your leg backward. Imagine you are hinging from your hip socket.

Increase the pace and range of motion gradually. Repeat for 8 to 10 repetitions on both legs.

Side Hip Swings

Stand tall with feet shoulder-width apart and change the motion so each leg swings out to the side and then across your body. Keep your leg straight. Increase the pace and range of motion gradually. Repeat for 8 to 10 repetitions on both legs.

To learn golf-fitness exercises, take the Cardiogolf 30-Day Challenge.

Take the Cardiogolf 30-Day Challenge to find the best exercises for you.

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 Karen Palacios-Jansen is an LPGA Teaching Professional and Certified Personal Trainer.  She developed Cardiogolf, a golf-specific fitness system available at KPJgolf.com.