The Golf Yogi

Open Up Your Chest and Shoulders

If you’ve been working on downward dog, you’ve already started opening up the backside of your body — from your calves through your hamstrings.

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But in yoga — and in golf fitness — we always balance things out. If you open the back of the body, you also need to open the front.

That’s where cobra pose and upward-facing dog come in. These movements help open your chest, improve posture, and support better spine positioning throughout your swing.

Why Opening the Front of the Body Matters

Many golfers develop tightness in the chest, shoulders, and hips from everyday posture and repetitive movement.

  • Rounded shoulders
  • Poor posture at address
  • Limited spine extension
  • Reduced rotation and power

By opening the front side of the body, you improve posture and make it easier to maintain your spine angle throughout the swing.

Golf posture problems often start with tightness in the chest and hips — not just swing mechanics.

Step 1: Low Cobra

Start lying flat on your stomach with your elbows under your shoulders.

  • Press your elbows, pelvis, and feet into the ground
  • Gently lift your chest a few inches
  • Keep the movement controlled and small

Focus on your breathing:

  • Inhale: lift
  • Exhale: lower

Hold briefly at the top, then come back down. There is no need to stay up too long.

Step 2: Full Cobra Progression

From there, move your hands under your shoulders and begin lifting higher.

  • Keep elbows tucked close to your sides