Yoga for Golf® Podcast
Welcome to the Yoga for Golf® Podcast, where you'll learn how to move better, feel better, and ultimately play better golf. Hosted by Lauren McMillin, founder of YoGolf Performance®, this podcast blends yoga, Pilates, mobility, strength, and breathwork to help golfers improve flexibility, balance, rotation, and overall movement quality. Whether you're a recreational golfer, competitive player, or simply want to stay active and pain-free, each episode offers practical movement strategies you can use on and off the course. Expect solo episodes, short tutorials, and guest conversations focused on performance, injury prevention, longevity, and enjoying the game for years to come.
Golf Fitness for Performance and Longevity with Lindsay Becker
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...
Play with More Confidence: Understanding the Rules of Golf with BrookeLin Powers
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...
Why the Transition Matters: What Vinyasa Yoga Teaches Golfers About Better Movement
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 bod...
Consistency Creates Freedom: What Ashtanga Yoga Teaches Golfers About Practice
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 ma...
The Alignment Myth: What Iyengar Yoga Teaches Golfers About Better Movement
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: th...
The Birth of Modern Yoga: How Hatha Yoga Changed the Way We Move
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.
Fo...
You Don't Hate Yoga—You Probably Just Took the Wrong Class
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 ve...
Recovery Is Training: The Missing Link in Your Golf Performance
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 brea...
5 Minutes to a Better Swing: A Guided Pre-Round Warm-Up
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...
Press On: Jordan Thomas on Resilience, Adaptive Golf, and Finding Purpose Through Adversity
What if you wanted to play golf, run, play soccer, or simply be an active kid — but the prosthetic you needed to participate wasn't considered "medically necessary" by your insurance company?
That's a reality many children living with limb loss face, and it's one of the reasons Jordan Thomas founded the Jordan Thomas Foundation.
In this episode of the Yoga for Golf® Podcast, Jordan shares how a life-changing experience at age 16 inspired him to help children gain access to the prosthetic care they need to fully participate in sports, recreation, and everyday life. We discuss the...
Kyla Jo on Reimagining Golf Instruction: Yoga, Mindset & Coaching from Ages 3–93
In this episode of the Yoga for Golf® Podcast, I'm joined by Kyla Jo, founder of Green Apple Golf Club in New York City — a growing golf community on a mission to make the game more accessible, welcoming, and meaningful for players of all ages.
From young beginners just picking up a club for the first time to lifelong golfers well into their 90s, Kyla is helping redefine what golf instruction can look like when it's built around the whole person, not just the swing.
With a unique background as a competitive golfer, theater major, and...
Why Golfers Lose Rotation (And How to Get It Back)
Why do golfers lose rotation in the golf swing?
In this episode of the Yoga for Golf® Podcast, we break down the real reasons golfers lose mobility, feel stiff, and struggle to rotate efficiently.
Learn how the thoracic spine, hips, rib cage, posture, breathing, nervous system, and movement habits all influence rotation, power, and consistency in golf.
We'll also cover:
golf mobility rotational movement hip mobility thoracic spine rotation movement compensation flexibility vs moWhy Golfers Get Low Back Tightness (And What Your Body Is Trying to Tell You)
If your low back always feels tight after golf, your back might not actually be the problem.
In this episode, we're breaking down one of the most common complaints among golfers: low back tightness, stiffness, and discomfort — and what your body may actually be trying to tell you.
You'll learn:
why the low back often compensates in the golf swing how hip mobility and thoracic rotation affect your back the role of the core, glutes, hip flexors, hamstrings, and psoas why compensation patterns develop how posture and sitting impact movement common low back conditions go...Meditation for Golfers: A Guided Breathing Meditation for Calm & Focus
In this guided meditation for golfers, we focus on one of the most powerful tools for your mental game: your breath.
This short meditation is designed to help you slow down, regulate your nervous system, release tension, and step into a more calm, focused, and present state before your round or practice session.
Together, we'll move through:
• Breath awareness
• A brief body scan
• Gentle guided breathing
• Pre-round visualization and focus
This isn't about "clearing your mind" or meditating perfectly.
It's about learning how to notice your thoughts, reconnec...
Meditation for Golfers: What It Is, Why It Helps Your Game, and How to Start
Meditation doesn't have to be complicated — and it definitely doesn't have to feel intimidating.
In this episode of the Yoga for Golf® Podcast, we break down meditation specifically for golfers: what it actually is, what it isn't, and how it can directly support your mental game on the course.
If you've ever felt distracted over the ball, stuck in your head after a bad shot, or frustrated trying to "stay focused," this episode will reframe how you think about your mind — and your game.
We cover:
• What meditation really is (and what it isn...
What Every Golfer Needs to Know About Training Smarter with Coach Mike Mac
In this episode, I'm joined by TPI Certified golf fitness professional Michael McDonnell to break down what really matters when it comes to improving your golf performance through smarter training.
We dive into the most common mistakes golfers make in their fitness routines, how physical limitations show up in the swing, and what actually moves the needle for players of all levels — from tour professionals to recreational golfers.
We also touch on his Golf Performance Retreat and how immersive experiences can accelerate progress by connecting training, recovery, and on-course performance.
If you're a go...
Why Being Flexible Doesn't Always Lead to Better Golf Performance
Being flexible doesn't always mean you're ready to play better golf.
In this episode, we break down the difference between flexibility, mobility, and stability — and why control of movement matters more than just range of motion.
If your swing feels inconsistent, loose, or hard to control, this will help you understand why — and what to do about it.
Show notes:
Try YoGolf Performance® free for seven days Joint by Joint Approach Contact meTrain Your Brain, Transform Your Game: Mental Performance & Chronic Pain in Golf with Dr. Carly Hunt
Join me for a conversation with Dr. Carly Hunt, founder of Thinkbettergolf, to explore the powerful connection between the mind, body, and golf performance.
With a background that blends sport psychology, health psychology, and positive psychology, Dr. Carly shares how golfers can train their brains to not only play better — but feel better in the process.
We talk about her journey from competitive golf to working with athletes and individuals navigating performance and chronic pain, and how her early experience with yoga helped shape her holistic approach.
You'll learn:
How yoga supports bo...Developing Great Golfers with Rob Ohno of the ANNIKA Foundation
In this episode of the Yoga for Golf® Podcast, I'm joined by Rob Ohno, President and CEO of the ANNIKA Foundation.
We talk about the Foundation's mission to develop, empower, and advance young women through golf — and what that actually looks like in practice, from junior golf to the professional level and beyond.
Rob shares insights from his 20+ years with the PGA TOUR, what separates young golfers who continue to improve from those who plateau, and why confidence, mindset, and overall development play such a key role in long-term success.
Plus, Rob shares his...
Let's Get Vertical! Golf Fitness for Strength, Confidence & Consistency with Kerry Maher
In this episode of the Yoga for Golf® Podcast, I'm joined by golf professional and fitness coach Kerry Maher, founder of Get Vertical — an international community helping women build strength, confidence, and consistency on and off the golf course.
We dive into how golf fitness can transform your performance, the power of leaning into fear, and how to start building a stronger, more confident swing. Kerry also shares insights from leading global golf experiences and how those experiences have shaped her approach to coaching and making the game more accessible and empowering for women.
Whether you...
Why Your Warm-Up Isn't Working (And What to Do Instead)
If it takes you a few holes to finally feel loose… or like you have to "find your swing" every round… your warm-up might be the problem.
Because a few quick stretches—or heading straight to the range—isn't actually preparing your body for the golf swing.
In this episode, we break down what a warm-up is really supposed to do—and how to build one that actually helps you play better from your very first swing.
You'll learn:
Why your nervous system plays a key role in how your swing feels How breath...Stop Blaming Your Swing—It Might Be Your Body
If you've ever felt like you're constantly working on your swing—but nothing really sticks—this episode is for you.
Because here's the truth:
It might not be your swing that's the problem.
It might be your body.
In this episode, we're breaking down how physical limitations—like restricted mobility, poor stability, and lack of control—can directly impact your golf swing, no matter how many lessons you take.
You'll learn:
Why your swing is a movement, not just a series of positions
How sequencing works (and why...
Breathing for Golf Performance: Stability, Rotation & Swing Speed
Breathing isn't just for relaxation — it's a powerful performance tool.
In the final episode of our three-part series, we explore how breath creates core stability, improves rotation, and reduces tension so you can swing faster and more efficiently.
You'll also learn simple breathing and movement drills to use before a round or practice session.
Show notes:
Where Golf Swing Power Really Comes From (Part 1) The 4 Biggest Power Leaks in Your Golf Swing (Part 2) Explore classes on YoGolf Performance (start your free trial!) Contact meThe 4 Biggest Power Leaks in Your Golf Swing (How to Increase Distance & Clubhead Speed)
Part 2 of our mini-series on golf swing power is here!
Even strong, flexible, and practiced golfers can feel like they're not hitting as far as they should. Often, it's not a strength problem — it's energy leaking out at key points in your swing.
In this episode, you'll learn the 4 biggest power leaks that are costing you distance and clubhead speed, including:
Loss of ground connection
Poor weight transfer
Lack of rotational separation
Incomplete deceleration
I'll explain what each leak looks like, why it matters for yo...
Where Golf Swing Power Really Comes From
Looking to hit the ball farther without swinging harder?
This first episode in a three-part series reveals the real source of golf swing power.
We dive into how your body generates speed through proper loading, separation, and deceleration, and I'll guide you through drills to practice at home that help you swing smarter — not just stronger.
Show notes:
Start your YoGolf Performance® free trial Contact meStarting Yoga for Golf? 9 Things to Do From Day One
Starting yoga for golf but not sure where to begin?
In this episode of the Yoga for Golf® Podcast, I'm sharing the nine things I would do if I were starting my golf-specific yoga journey from scratch.
From getting properly assessed and understanding how your body moves through the golf swing, to improving breathing, mobility, balance, and consistency — this episode walks you through a smarter way to build a strong foundation.
You'll learn:
Why stretching alone isn't enough
How breathing impacts rotation and stability
Why barefoot training imp...
Swing Stability: Essential Balance Training for Every Golfer
Balance might be one of the most overlooked elements of the golf swing — but it's also one of the most important.
In this episode of the Yoga for Golf® Podcast, I'm sharing one of my PGA Show talks and breaking it down into practical, golfer-friendly strategies you can apply immediately.
You'll learn:
• Why balance is foundational for power and consistency
• How your ankles, knees, and hips work together to stabilize your swing
• The surprising role your eyes and nervous system play in balance
• How to use the ground more effectively for better...
Swing Strong at Any Age: Movement Strategies for Aging Golf Swings
Golf is meant to be a lifelong sport—but pain, stiffness, and fear of injury often become the real limiting factors as golfers age.
In this episode, I'm sharing movement strategies from my PGA Show talk Swing Strong at Any Age to help golfers support their bodies without extreme workouts, forced stretching, or high-impact training.
You'll learn:
Common movement patterns older golfers face—and why they're modifiable
What the aging golf swing actually needs (and what it doesn't)
The four pillars of a young-feeling golf swing: usable mobility, strength thro...
5 Ways Yoga Trains the Golf Mental Game
Most golfers think the mental game is something you fix by thinking harder—more focus, more confidence, more control.
But the mental game isn't just mental.
In this episode of the Yoga for Golf® Podcast, we explore five ways yoga improves your mental game on the golf course, helping you play with more focus, composure, and consistency—without adding more swing thoughts.
You'll learn how yoga helps golfers:
Tune out external distractions
Build awareness without overthinking
Use the breath to regulate tension and tempo
Stay prese...
Mobility vs Stability: Why Golfers Need Both for a Consistent Swing
Previously, we talked about why flexibility alone isn't enough for golfers. In this episode, we take the next step and break down one of the most misunderstood concepts in golf fitness: mobility vs stability.
You'll learn what mobility and stability actually mean, how they show up in your golf swing, and why having more range of motion doesn't automatically lead to better performance—or fewer injuries. We'll also connect the dots to strength and balance, and explain why these elements are essential for controlling movement, generating power, and swinging more consistently.
Inside this episode, we co...
Why Stretching Isn't Enough for Golfers
Stretching is often the go-to for golfers looking to warm up, loosen tight muscles, or prevent injuries—but stretching alone isn't enough to support a strong, consistent golf swing.
In this episode of the Yoga for Golf® Podcast, we break down why passive stretching falls short and what your body actually needs to move better on the course. We talk about the difference between stretching and mobility, how strength and control through range of motion matter, and why golfers need more than just flexibility to improve performance and longevity.
If your pre-round routine is mostly str...
Why Golfers Need Yoga (and Why It's Not What You Think)
Welcome to the Yoga for Golf® Podcast!
In this first episode, we discuss why yoga and Pilates are so good for golfers—and why you should forget anything you've previously thought about them.
We break down some common myths and misconceptions, address common reasons golfers hesitate to try them, and look at why it's about so much more than flexibility.
Whether you're brand new to yoga and Pilates or still on the fence, this episode will help you understand how they fit into your golf training—and why it's about improving how you move...
Trailer
Welcome to the Yoga for Golf® Podcast!
In this short trailer, host Lauren McMillin—founder of YoGolf Performance—shares what this podcast is all about, who it's for, and how yoga and Pilates can support better movement, performance, and longevity for golfers.
This show is designed for golfers who want to:
Move better and feel better in their bodies
Improve flexibility, balance, rotation, and strength
Reduce aches, pain, and stiffness that interfere with their swing
Support their golf game with smarter, more intentional movement
Whether you'r...