Stretching (and ducking...)

Hello, good doctors. Thanks so much for all your great content and free advice…it is much appreciated.

At the risk of beating a long-dead horse, I have questions about stretching and flexibility. While I am very aware of the efficacy (or, rather, the lack thereof) of stretching in improving barbell training and its results, what if flexibility is a big asset in other physical pursuits? In my case, would be for golf.

As a 54 year old desk jockey, I’m creaky and stiffer than I’d prefer. While I have no flexibility issues with squat depth, deadlifting, etc., I’d sure as hell like to limber up for a better golf swing (back in the day, I could really play). Being tight and inflexible acts as a “brake” on expression of speed, I sense…my body restrains itself from moving with explosiveness if it knows it’s going to hurt or tug too hard at the limits of the motion (especially shoulders and hip flexors on the top of backswing and then follow through). Sort of like how a weak grip will limit your effort on a heavy deadlift.

Is it your opinion that stretching modalities are simply worthless in producing added flexibility, or is it just worthless in generally producing better results in barbell training?

If stretching does have some efficacy in producing better flexibility, what modes are best (e.g. PNF, static, dynamic, etc)?

Thanks again.

I think that the only way to increase your flexibility for golf is achieved by regularly practicing and playing golf. I think the mobility requirements for golf are greater than resistance training, in general, so this would require regular exposure to those demands.

Thank you, doctor!

Funny you should suggest that, because last night I thought to myself “why the hell bother with classic stretching?” and instead I just picked up a club and started putting myself into the swing positions that feel the tightest, and statically pushed them a little further into extremis for a few ten counts. Then I finished off with some full swings as big and ballistic as I could muster. I’m going to make this a daily routine in addition of my normal playing and practicing.

Cheers.