Yoga for Golf® Podcast

Only have 10 minutes? That doesn't mean you have to skip movement altogether.

In this episode of the Yoga for Golf® Podcast, we're talking about how to make a short window of time actually useful. Whether you're getting ready to play, recovering after a round, or just trying to fit some movement into a busy day, the goal isn't to do everything; it's to choose what makes the most sense for what your body needs right now.

We'll talk through how those 10 minutes can look different depending on your goal, why shorter sessions still count, and how to make movement feel more realistic and consistent.

And if you want a little guidance, you'll also find plenty of short classes inside YoGolf Performance® for days when you want to move without committing to a longer session.

Show notes:

• Classes under 10 minutes
• Free Golf Mobility Guide
• Contact me

Let's slow it down for a few minutes.

Instead of focusing on movement, mobility, or performance, we'll move through a short Yoga Nidra practice designed to help you relax, settle the nervous system, and create space for deep rest.

Often described as "yogic sleep," Yoga Nidra is a guided practice of stillness and awareness. You'll move through breath awareness, a body scan, gentle visualization, and a simple intention, all while allowing the body to be fully supported.

Use this practice after a long day, after travel, following a round of golf, on a recovery day, or anytime you need a mental and physical reset.

No experience is needed. Just find a comfortable place to rest, press play, and let yourself be guided.

Show notes:

• YoGolf Performance® (start your free trial!)
• Free Golf Mobility Guide
• Contact me

Ever wondered which yoga block to buy, how long your strap should be, or whether your mat makes a difference?

In this episode of the Yoga for Golf® Podcast, we break down common yoga props and shares practical ways to use them. From cork versus foam blocks to straps and mats, you'll learn what to look for and how different options can support your practice.

We also explore how props can help you adjust positions, explore movement, and add a challenge. Whether you're new to yoga or have practiced for years, this episode will give you ideas for putting your equipment to work.

Explore full-length yoga, Pilates, and movement classes for golfers at yogolfperformance.com. Start your 7-day free trial and find a practice that fits your body and your schedule.

Show notes:

• Visit my Pro Shop
• YoGolf Performance®
• Free Golf Mobility Guide
• Contact me

Your hips play a huge role in how you rotate, create force, maintain balance, and move through the golf swing, but there's a lot more happening around the hip than simply being "tight" or "mobile."

In this episode, we break down the anatomy of the hip, including the muscles, tendons, ligaments, labrum, and the deep six external rotators, and learn why the hips need both mobility and strength. We also explore common hip issues golfers may encounter, how limitations at the hip can influence movement elsewhere in the body, and how the subtle body plays a role in our movement experience.

Because when it comes to your hips, there's usually more to the story than simply needing a better stretch.

Show notes:

• Bourgain M, et al. "Golf Swing Biomechanics: A Systematic Review and Methodological Recommendations for Kinematics." Sports, 2022. This is probably your strongest golf-specific reference. The review found that hip movement during the swing is highly asymmetric, with different demands on the lead and trail hips, and discusses research linking limited lead-hip mobility with greater lumbar-spine contribution.
• Gulgin H, Armstrong C, Gribble P. "Hip Rotational Velocities During the Full Golf Swing." Journal of Sports Science & Medicine, 2009. Particularly relevant to your discussion of lead versus trail hip demands. In collegiate female golfers, the lead hip experienced significantly greater peak internal-rotation velocity than the trail hip's external-rotation velocity during the downswing.
• StatPearls. "Anatomy, Bony Pelvis and Lower Limb, Hip." National Library of Medicine. A good reference for your basic anatomy section: femoral head and acetabulum, labrum, joint capsule, and the iliofemoral, pubofemoral, and ischiofemoral ligaments.
• American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. "The Management of Osteoarthritis of the Hip." Useful support for the common-hip-issues section and the discussion of hip OA, stiffness, pain, cartilage, and joint structure.
• Mellor R, et al. "Education plus exercise versus corticosteroid injection use versus a wait and see approach…" The BMJ, 2018. Helpful for your discussion of lateral hip pain and gluteal tendinopathy. The paper also notes that what has historically been called "trochanteric bursitis" is frequently discussed within the broader context of gluteal tendinopathy/greater trochanteric pain syndrome.
• Garnsey CL, et al. "Changes in Body Awareness in Yoga Interventions: A Systematic Review." Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, 2025. I like this one for supporting the more nuanced part of your subtle-body conversation. It doesn't claim that emotions are literally "stored" in tissues; rather, it reviews evidence around yoga and changes in body awareness/interoception, which fits the distinction you're making in the episode.

No two golfers move, practice, recover, or experience pain in exactly the same way, so why would they all follow the exact same program?

In this episode, I'm joined by Dr. Kevin Dishon, a doctor of physical therapy, certified strength and conditioning specialist, owner of The Golf DPT, and independent physio on the PGA Tour.

Kevin explains why effective golf rehab, prehab, and performance training must begin with the individual. We discuss what makes a golf-specific physical therapy assessment different, the practice of listening to our golfers and meeting them where they are, and how golfers can safely progress from injury back to practice and play. Kevin also shares the similarities and differences between supporting Tour players and recreational golfers.

Whether you're currently managing pain, returning from an injury, or simply want your body to better tolerate the demands of golf, this conversation will help you think beyond one-size-fits-all solutions.

Show notes:

• Human Anatomy app
• The Golf DPT
• Connect with Kevin
• YoGolf Performance® (start your free trial!)
• Free Golf Mobility Guide
• Connect with me

If you've ever hit a poor shot and immediately thought, "I got too quick," this episode is for you.

We explore what swing tempo actually means and why it involves more than simply slowing down. Drawing from golf biomechanics and motor-learning research, we break down the differences between tempo, rhythm, and timing; look at the the commonly referenced 3:1 ratio; and examine how physical capacity, pressure, attention, and breathing may influence the way your swing is organized.

You'll also learn why tempo alone cannot diagnose a swing fault and be guided through a simple exercise to explore which pace and rhythm feel most repeatable for you.

Your best tempo isn't necessarily the slowest, or the one that looks like someone else's. It's the rhythm you can organize, repeat, and trust.

Show notes:

•

YoGolf Performance® - start your free seven-day trial

•

Free Golf Mobility Guide

• Contact me
•

Jagacinski, R. J., Greenberg, N., & Liao, M. J. (1997). Tempo, rhythm, and aging in golf. Journal of Motor Behavior.

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Grober, R. D., & Cholewicki, J. (2008). Towards a biomechanical understanding of tempo in the golf swing. Sports Engineering.

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Bourgain, M., et al. (2022). Golf swing biomechanics: A systematic review and methodological recommendations for kinematics. Sports.

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Brennan, A., et al. (2024). Associations between physical characteristics and golf clubhead speed: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

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Wulf, G., et al. / Hegele, M., et al. (2024). Motor learning in golf—a systematic review.

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Cooke, A., et al. (2010). Psychological, muscular and kinematic factors mediate performance under pressure. Psychophysiology.

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Vine, S. J., et al. (2013). Perceived distance during golf putting: The effects of anxiety.

When something isn't working in your golf swing, it's easy to assume you need another technical fix. But what if your body simply can't access, or control, the positions your swing requires?

In this episode, we hear from Shaun Diachkoff, founder of Fairway Performance and a strength and conditioning coach. Drawing on his background in military aviation maintenance, Shaun brings a root-cause approach to golf performance: looking beyond the visible swing fault to understand what may be happening within the body.

Together, we explore the relationship between mobility, stability, strength, and power; how golfers compensate for physical limitations; and why usable movement matters more than flexibility alone. We also discuss what everyday golfers can learn from elite players, where to begin if your swing feels stiff or inconsistent, and how even a short daily movement practice can support better performance on the course.

Show notes:

• Fairway Performance
• YoGolf Performance®
• Free Golf Mobility Guide
• Contact me

What if recovery isn't simply what happens when training stops, but an important part of the training itself?

In this episode of the Yoga for Golf® Podcast, we're exploring Restorative Yoga and what this quiet, supported practice can teach golfers about recovery, stress, and the ability to shift out of performance mode.

We'll also unpack some of the science behind the autonomic nervous system, breathing, relaxation, and HRV, and why "rest and digest" is a little more complicated than flipping a switch.

Most importantly, we'll bring it back to golf: how the physical and mental demands of playing, practicing, training, competing, and traveling add up, and why learning to intentionally reduce those demands can be a performance skill of its own.

Because the work matters. And so does what happens after the work. Recovery is part of the training.

Show notes:

• Relax and Renew: Restful Yoga for Stressful Time, Judith Hanson Lasater
• Restore and Rebalance: Yoga for Deep Relaxation, Judith Hanson Lasater
• Light on Yoga, B.K.S. Iyengar
• Yoga: The Path to Holistic Health, B.K.S. Iyengar
• Judith Hanson Lasater teachings and resources on Restorative Yoga
• Iyengar Yoga, resources on the use of props, supported postures, and the Iyengar tradition
• Research by Luciano Bernardi and colleagues on slow breathing and cardiovascular/autonomic responses
• Research by Andrea Zaccaro and colleagues on slow breathing, psychophysiological responses, and autonomic function
• Heart Rate Variability: Standards of Measurement, Physiological Interpretation, and Clinical Use, Task Force of the European Society of Cardiology and the North American Society of Pacing and Electrophysiology
• Research by Andrew Flatt and colleagues on HRV and athletic training/recovery
• YoGolf Performance®
• Free Golf Mobility Guide
• Contact me

What if improving your golf game and your movement doesn't always require doing more?

In this episode of the Yoga for Golf® Podcast, we're exploring Yin Yoga: a surprisingly modern style of yoga that challenges our relationship with effort, stillness, and progress.

Because feeling "tight" doesn't automatically mean you need to stretch more. Sometimes you need mobility. Sometimes strength or stability. Sometimes movement. And sometimes, your body simply needs less.

You'll learn why Yin Yoga encourages us to observe before reacting, why more intensity isn't automatically more effective, and how becoming more aware of what your body actually needs can make you a more intelligent mover and more resilient golfer.

The big takeaway: Progress doesn't always require more effort. Sometimes the most valuable skill is learning when you've already done enough.

Show notes:

• YoGolf Performance®
• Free Golf Mobility Guide
• Contact me
• Yin Yoga: Principles & Practices, Paul Grilley
• Insight Yoga, Sarah Powers
• The Complete Guide to Yin Yoga: The Philosophy and Practice of Yin Yoga, Bernie Clark
• YinSights, Bernie Clark
• Paul Grilley's Yin Yoga teachings
• Paulie Zink's Taoist Yoga teachings
• Fascia: The Tensional Network of the Human Body, Robert Schleip, Thomas Findley, Leon Chaitow & Peter Huijing
• Stretching Interventions: A Research Synthesis
• The Yoga Tradition, Georg Fueurstein
• Yoga Body: The Origins of Modern Posture Practice, Mark Singleton

Before you step onto the first tee, take a few minutes to breathe, reset, and arrive in the present moment.

In this guided meditation for golfers, we'll use the breath to release unnecessary tension, quiet some of the mental noise that can follow us onto the course, and create the conditions for greater concentration and focus—without forcing either one.

You'll practice letting go of expectations, returning to the present after each shot, and using your breath as an anchor you can come back to throughout your round.

Use this meditation before a casual round, tournament, practice session, or anytime you need to reconnect with a simple reminder:

One breath. One shot. One swing. One moment at a time.

Show notes:

• YoGolf Performance® (start your free trial!)
• Free Golf Mobility Guide
• Contact me

What if the swing problem you're trying to fix isn't really a swing problem at all?

In this episode of the Yoga for Golf® Podcast, I'm joined by renowned golf performance educator Lance Gill to explore one of the most important principles in golf performance: the body governs the swing.

Lance explains why assessment should come before instruction or training, how physical capabilities and limitations influence the way a golfer swings, and why simply chasing more mobility or flexibility isn't always the answer.

We discuss the relationship between the body and the golf swing, what a quality movement assessment can reveal, common misconceptions about golf fitness, and how golfers can train with greater purpose instead of simply chasing symptoms.

Whether you're a golfer, coach, fitness professional, or movement specialist, this conversation offers a deeper look at the why behind the swing — and why understanding the golfer in front of you should always come first.

Show notes:

• https://lgperformance.com/
• Follow Lance on Instagram
• Connect with Lance on Facebook
• Titleist Performance Institute (TPI)

What does your body actually need to play better golf — and keep playing for years to come?

In this episode of the Yoga for Golf® Podcast, I'm joined by Lindsay Becker, a board-certified sports physical therapist, TPI-certified Medical and Junior Provider, Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, and internationally recognized golf fitness and rehabilitation expert.

Lindsay shares how her approach to working with golfers has evolved throughout her career, what golfers often misunderstand about pain and injury, what an effective warm-up should accomplish, and how golfers can train today with an eye toward continuing to play for decades.

Whether you're trying to play better, move better, return from an injury, or simply keep your body feeling good enough to enjoy the game you love, this conversation offers a fascinating look at the body behind the golf swing.

Show notes:

• Buckeye Performance Golf
• Titleist Performance Institute
• USGA
• 2026 Curtis Cup Match
• YoGolf Performance®
• Free Golf Mobility Guide
• Contact me

How well do you really know the Rules of Golf?

Whether you're brand new to the game or have been playing for years, the rules can sometimes feel overwhelming. In this episode, I'm joined by LPGA Class A Professional, TPI Certified instructor, and author BrookeLin Powers to break down the Rules of Golf in a way that's practical, approachable, and easy to understand.

We talk about why so many golfers find the rules intimidating, the most common misconceptions recreational golfers make, the rules every golfer should know before heading to the first tee, and how understanding the rules can actually help you play with more confidence and enjoy the game even more.

Whether you've ever wondered about lost balls, relief options, penalty areas, or simply want to feel more confident on the course, this conversation will help take the mystery out of the Rules of Golf.

Show notes:

• Where's the Golf Ball? The Rules of Golf Simplified from Tee to Green
• https://www.brookelinpowers.com/
• Use code YOGAFORGOLF for free shipping on BrookeLin's website!
• Connect with BrookeLin on Instagram
• Connect with BrookeLin on Facebook
• The Rules of Golf (R&A)
• YoGolf Performance® (start your free trial!)
• Free Golf Mobility Guide
• Contact me

What if better movement isn't about finding the perfect position—but about learning how to move between positions more efficiently?

In this episode of the Yoga for Golf® Podcast, we're exploring Vinyasa Yoga: one of the most popular styles of yoga in the world and one of the most misunderstood.

You'll learn how Vinyasa evolved from Ashtanga Yoga, why no two Vinyasa classes are exactly alike, and what the word vinyasa really means. We'll explore how breath and movement work together, why intentional sequencing matters, and how a well-designed practice can improve coordination, rhythm, and body awareness.

Then we'll connect those principles directly to the golf swing. Because great golf isn't played by holding positions—it's created through smooth, connected movement between them.

Whether you're new to yoga or already have a regular practice, this episode will help you see movement through a completely different lens.

Show notes:

• The Heart of Yoga — T.K.V. Desikachar
• Yoga Body: The Origins of Modern Posture Practice — Mark Singleton
• The Story of Yoga: From Ancient India to the Modern West — Alistair Shearer
• The Yoga Tradition — Georg Feuerstein
• The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali (translation by Edwin Bryant or Chip Hartranft)
• Richard Freeman and Mary Taylor
• Shiva Rea
• Baron Baptiste
• Bryan Kest
• Seane Corn
• Jason Crandell
• YoGolf Performance®
• Free Golf Mobility Guide
• Contact me

What if doing the same thing every day wasn't limiting—but liberating?

In this episode, we continue our series exploring the different styles of yoga with a deep dive into Ashtanga Yoga, a practice built on consistency, discipline, and repetition.

You'll learn about the life and teachings of K. Pattabhi Jois, the origins of the Ashtanga tradition, the difference between Ashtanga Yoga and Patanjali's Eight Limbs of Yoga, and what it's actually like to step into an Ashtanga practice.

Most importantly, we'll explore one of the biggest lessons Ashtanga has to offer: that mastery isn't built by constantly searching for something new. Instead, it often comes from returning to the fundamentals with curiosity, patience, and attention.

Whether you're a golfer looking to improve your practice habits or simply curious about one of the world's most influential styles of yoga, this episode will challenge the way you think about repetition—and why consistency creates freedom.

Show notes:

• Yoga Mala — K. Pattabhi Jois
• Guruji: A Portrait of Sri K. Pattabhi Jois Through the Eyes of His Students — Eddie Stern
• The Yoga Tradition: Its History, Literature, Philosophy and Practice — Georg Feuerstein
• The Heart of Yoga: Developing a Personal Practice — T.K.V. Desikachar
• Krishnamacharya: His Life and Teachings — A.G. Mohan
• Yoga Body: The Origins of Modern Posture Practice — Mark Singleton
• A History of Modern Yoga: Patanjali and Western Esotericism — Elizabeth De Michelis
• The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali (for understanding the Eight Limbs of Yoga)
• YoGolf Performance®
• Free Golf Mobility Guide
• Contact me

What if alignment isn't about making every body move the same?

In this episode, we continue our series exploring the different styles of yoga with a deep dive into Iyengar Yoga—a practice known for its emphasis on precision, alignment, and intentional movement.

You'll learn about the life and legacy of B.K.S. Iyengar, what makes this style unique, why props are some of the most misunderstood tools in yoga, and what an Iyengar class is actually like.

Most importantly, we'll challenge one of the biggest misconceptions in both yoga and golf: that there's one "perfect" way to move. Whether you're on a yoga mat or standing over a golf ball, the goal isn't perfection—it's learning to move intelligently within the body you have.

If you're looking to improve body awareness, movement quality, and your understanding of how yoga can support your golf game, this episode is for you.

Show notes:

• Light on Yoga — B.K.S. Iyengar
• Light on Life — B.K.S. Iyengar
• The Tree of Yoga — B.K.S. Iyengar
• Light on the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali — B.K.S. Iyengar
• The Heart of Yoga: Developing a Personal Practice — T.K.V. Desikachar
• Yoga Makaranda — Tirumalai Krishnamacharya
• Krishnamacharya: His Life and Teachings — A.G. Mohan
• Yoga Body: The Origins of Modern Posture Practice — Mark Singleton
• A History of Modern Yoga: Patanjali and Western Esotericism — Elizabeth De Michelis
• The Yoga Tradition: Its History, Literature, Philosophy and Practice — Georg Feuerstein
• YoGolf Performance®
• Free Golf Mobility Guide
• Contact me

What exactly is yoga—and why are there so many different styles?

In this episode, we continue our journey through the history of yoga by exploring the teacher who helped shape modern yoga as we know it: Tirumalai Krishnamacharya, often called the "Father of Modern Yoga."

We'll also dive into Hatha Yoga, one of the foundational styles behind many modern yoga practices. You'll learn where Hatha came from, how it evolved, what to expect in a Hatha class, and why slowing down can actually help you develop greater body awareness, balance, and control.

For golfers, this awareness is everything. Understanding how your body moves—and learning to move with more intention—can help you build a stronger foundation for performance on and off the course.

Whether you're new to yoga, someone who has said "I tried yoga once and it wasn't for me," or a golfer looking to move better, this episode will help you understand why yoga is so much more than stretching.

In upcoming episodes, we'll continue exploring different styles of yoga, including Iyengar, Ashtanga, Vinyasa, Yin, and more.

Show notes:

• Yoga Body: The Origins of Modern Posture Practice — Mark Singleton
• The Yoga Tradition: Its History, Literature, Philosophy and Practice — Georg Feuerstein
• The Heart of Yoga: Developing a Personal Practice — T.K.V. Desikachar
• Yoga Makaranda — Tirumalai Krishnamacharya
• The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali — Patanjali
• Hatha Yoga Pradipika — Swami Svatmarama
• YoGolf Performance®
• Golf Mobility Guide
• Contact me

Think yoga isn't for you? Before you write it off, ask yourself one question: What kind of yoga did you actually try?

In this episode, we're exploring what yoga really is—and what it isn't. We'll unpack some of the biggest misconceptions surrounding yoga, including whether it's just stretching, whether you have to be flexible, and whether practicing yoga means participating in a religion.

You'll also learn how yoga has evolved over thousands of years, how it made its way from India to the West, and why the yoga practiced in most studios today looks very different from its ancient roots.

Whether you're a golfer who's curious about yoga or someone who's tried one class and decided it wasn't for you, this episode will give you a new perspective and lay the foundation for the rest of the series.

Show notes:

• YoGolf Performance®
• Golf Mobility Guide
• Contact me

Most golfers focus on practice, swing mechanics, strength, and mobility… but overlook one of the most important parts of performance: recovery.

In this episode, we reframe recovery not as rest, but as an active and essential part of your golf performance system. Because improvement doesn't actually happen during practice or play — it happens afterward, when your body has time to adapt.

You'll learn how recovery impacts mobility, rotation, coordination, focus, and consistency on the course, and why feeling stiff, tight, or inconsistent is often less about technique and more about under-recovery.

We also break down what real recovery actually looks like — including sleep, walking, nervous system regulation, restorative yoga, foam rolling, nature exposure, warm water immersion, and social connection — all supported by research in exercise physiology, neuroscience, and sports science.

Most importantly, you'll walk away with a clearer understanding that recovery isn't optional or passive. It's a performance tool.

If you've ever felt like your swing doesn't quite "show up," this episode will help you understand why — and what to do about it.

Show notes:

• Recovery sequences
• Sleep support sequences
• YoGolf Performance®
• Golf Mobility Guide
• Contact me
• Fullagar, H. H. K., Skorski, S., Duffield, R., Hammes, D., Coutts, A. J., & Meyer, T. (2015). Sleep and athletic performance: The effects of sleep loss on exercise performance, and physiological and cognitive responses to exercise. Sports Medicine. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-015-0318-9
• Dupuy, O., Douzi, W., Theurot, D., Bosquet, L., & Dugué, B. (2018). An evidence-based approach for choosing post-exercise recovery techniques to reduce markers of muscle damage, soreness, fatigue, and inflammation: A systematic review with meta-analysis. Frontiers in Physiology. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2018.00403
• Woodyard, C. (2011). Exploring the therapeutic effects of yoga and its ability to increase quality of life. International Journal of Yoga. https://doi.org/10.4103/0973-6131.85485
• Cheatham, S. W., Kolber, M. J., Cain, M., & Lee, M. (2015). The effects of self-myofascial release using a foam roll or roller massager on joint range of motion, muscle recovery, and performance: A systematic review. International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy.
• Vaile, J., Halson, S., Gill, N., & Dawson, B. (2008). Effect of hydrotherapy on recovery from fatigue. Journal of Sports Sciences. https://doi.org/10.1080/02640410701716784
• Bratman, G. N., Hamilton, J. P., Hahn, K. S., Daily, G. C., & Gross, J. J. (2015). Nature experience reduces rumination and subgenual prefrontal cortex activation. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS). https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1510459112
• Coan, J. A., Schaefer, H. S., & Davidson, R. J. (2006). Lending a hand: Social regulation of the neural response to threat. Psychological Science. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-9280.2006.01744.x

Do you ever find yourself with only five minutes to prepare for a round of golf?

In this guided episode, I'll walk you through a simple yet effective movement routine designed to help you move better, swing more freely, and step onto the first tee feeling ready to play. We'll move through all three planes of motion, improve weight shift and balance, loosen up the wrists, and use intentional breathing to cultivate focus and release unnecessary tension.

Whether you're heading to the course, getting ready for a practice session, or simply looking for a quick movement break during the day, this routine will help you prepare your body—and your mind—for better golf.

If you have the space, stand up and follow along. If you're driving or listening on the go, save this episode and come back to it when you can move with it.

Show notes:

• YoGolf Performance® (start your free trial!)
• Golf Mobility Guide
• Contact me