The Magical Benefits of Yoga

I want to share something truly magical that has made a huge difference in my golf game and beyond: hot yoga.

Coach Nat & the amazing Matt Bolta after a hot yoga practice at the beautiful Bright Side Studio

As a yogi enthusiast (typically the least flexible human in the hot room!), especially a fan of The Bright Side Studio, a beautiful, warm space, greeted by the uplifting energy of yoga instructor Matt Bolta (after my first ever Matt Bolta yoga experience, I swore this man was a life coach - he is a fountain of positivity, it was truly magic!), I’ve experienced firsthand the profound impact that yoga can have—not just on your flexibility, but on your mental focus, presence, and overall performance on the golf course and in life. Allow me to explain why incorporating yoga into your golf journey and beyond can help you take all things to the next level.

1. Improved Flexibility for Better Rotation

One of the key benefits of yoga for golf is the improvement in flexibility, especially in your spine, shoulders, hips, and hamstrings. A flexible body allows for greater rotation during your swing, which is essential for generating power and maintaining control of your shots. The deeper stretches you experience in hot yoga help to open up tight areas of the body (it's been 10+ years of yoga and I still haven't quite mastered that yogi squat..I'll get there!), allowing for a more fluid, natural motion during your golf swing.

Think of yoga as a tool that helps you move with ease, reducing the risk of injury while allowing you to perform your best. The flexibility you gain from yoga translates directly to a smoother, more efficient, balanced and free flowing swing.

2. Mindfulness and Mental Clarity

As a golfer, one of the most challenging aspects of the game is staying present in the moment. It’s easy to get lost in your head, thinking about your last shot or worrying about the upcoming holes. But in yoga, you're constantly encouraged to stay in the present moment—to focus on your breath, your body, and your movements. As Matt would say, "you are exactly where you need to be".

By practicing yoga, you learn how to clear your mind and remain present in each shot you take, without letting past mistakes or future concerns derail your focus (even a few laughs along the way helps too!). This mindset of staying present and taking the game one shot at a time is a key principle I try to instill in my students, and yoga is a powerful way to cultivate that mental discipline.

3. Breath Control for Better Performance

In yoga, the breath is a central focus, and for good reason. Learning to control your breath helps calm your nervous system, improve focus, and reduce stress—all of which are invaluable on the golf course. Yoga teaches you to breathe deeply and evenly, which can be a game-changer when you’re facing a pressure situation on the course.

By applying the breath work techniques you learn in yoga, you can enter each shot with a calm and composed mindset, helping you to perform under pressure. I’ve seen firsthand how students who integrate yoga and mindfulness into their game play with more confidence and a greater sense of ease.

4. Balance and Stability

Golf is a sport that requires incredible balance. Yoga helps develop core strength and stability, both of which are essential for maintaining balance throughout your swing and staying grounded on uneven lies.

In many yoga poses, you're required to engage your core muscles, which directly translates to better posture and stability in your golf stance. The stronger your core, the more balanced and controlled your swing will be.

5. Injury Prevention and Recovery

Another magical benefit of yoga is its ability to prevent injuries and aid in recovery. Golfers often deal with repetitive strain injuries, especially in the lower back, wrists, and shoulders. Yoga's emphasis on gentle stretching and strengthening helps keep the body flexible, balanced, and in alignment, reducing the risk of common golf-related injuries.

Even if you’re already experiencing discomfort, yoga can be incredibly beneficial in helping to rehabilitate and restore your body. The combination of deep stretching and strengthening exercises helps to release tension and promote healing, allowing you to stay on the course longer and with fewer setbacks.

6. The Magic of Yoga: An Invitation to Go Beyond

As a golf coach, I wish more of my students would experience the magic of yoga and understand the positive effects it can have not just on their golf game, but on their overall well-being. The benefits extend far beyond the golf course, providing greater mental clarity, physical health, and emotional well-being. Yoga teaches you how to find peace within yourself and carry that energy into everything you do, both on and off the course. As Matt would say, "you are the magic".

In Conclusion

Golf and yoga are a perfect pairing, both a beautiful journey. Whether you’re looking to improve your flexibility, mental clarity, focus, balance, or overall performance, yoga can help you reach your golf goals. By embracing the mindful practice of yoga, you’ll not only become a more flexible and focused golfer, but you’ll also gain a deeper appreciation for the present moment—both on and off the course.

I highly recommend stepping into the beautiful hot room at The Bright Side Studio, feel the uplifting energy of the amazing Matt Bolta, embrace the magic, and experience how it can transform your golf game and your life. If you haven’t already, I encourage you to give it a try and see just how much yoga can help you achieve your golf and ultimately your life goals. You might just be amazed at the magical results!

The journey to improvement starts one shot—and one breath—at a time.

Hope to see you on your mat at The Bright Side Studio - Coach Nat

P.S - Due to mother's natures last arctic blast on April 2nd, The Bright Side Studio has been forced to close their doors while they restore their beautiful studio and eventually open their doors back to their incredible community. Let's all show Matt & Lacia all the love during these difficult times. Bright Side Strong!