While bowling isn’t as intense as other sports, it still requires a good warm-up before each game. A good warm-up will not only help prevent injury but will also make you a better bowler in the long run.
Read on if you’re interested in learning about some exercises before bowling that will help improve your game.
Wrist stretches
One of the best warm-ups for bowling is a simple wrist stretch. There are many wrist exercises one can perform before bowling, but the two we most recommend are wrist flexions and wrist extensions.
In a wrist flexion stretch, you hold your arm straight out with your palm facing down. Grab your fingers with the opposite hand and then pull down. Do this gently to avoid injuring your wrist. After a few seconds of stretching, switch to the other hand.
A wrist extension also involves holding your arm out with your palm facing down. Raise your palm, and pull your fingers towards your body with the opposite hand. Again, be sure to do this gently.
Do some light cardio
Light cardio can help you prepare for almost any situation, including an intense game of bowling. Get your heart rate up by doing some jumping jacks or taking a short lap around the bowling alley parking lot. This might seem silly, but it can help keep your energy up during the game. Just be sure to stay aware of your surroundings when doing cardio. You don’t want to accidentally smack someone or their plate of food.
Try some shoulder stretches
You’ll be using your shoulder muscles a lot during a game of bowling. Avoid injury to your shoulder by doing some light stretching beforehand. One of the best shoulder warm-ups for bowling involves holding your arm out front, grabbing your elbow with the opposite hand and pulling it towards your body. Do this with both arms, and avoid overstretching.
A good, light shoulder stretch involves standing in place while rolling your shoulders to the front a few times before going in the opposite direction.
Stretch your legs
It’s not just your arms you need to worry about during a game of bowling—your legs will get an intense workout as well. That’s why it’s important to do a few leg warm-ups, like side lunges or quadricep stretches. You can really do any leg stretches you’d do before going on a light jog.
Do your best to avoid injury
Injuries can occur during almost any physical activity. You don’t want to experience an injury that’ll leave you unable to play for weeks or even months. That’s why it’s important to take the right precautions, including performing the exercises mentioned above before each game of bowling. You may also want to purchase some bowling safety tools from a local pro shop.
Once you’re limbered up, come to Sparetimes for a fun night of bowling with friends and family. Our bowling alley features over 30 well-maintained lanes, a full bar, delicious concessions and much more. Contact us today to ask about hosting a party or joining a bowling league.
Categorised in: Bowling Tips