Golf. I don’t understand it myself. I’d rather go for a walk without the added angst and frustration. But for the patient people who play it, I get that it’s more than just a leisurely stroll through lush greens and palm trees. It's a sport that demands not only skill but some physical prowess. Behind those graceful swings and well-placed putts lies a rigorous sport that takes a toll on a golfer's body.
If you’re finding that the 19th hole refreshments are no longer cutting the mustard when it comes to relaxing your mind and body after your round of golf, let us tell you how our favourite Epsom salt baths can be your not-so-secret weapon to recover from the physical and mental demands of the game, and even help you gain better form:
Epsom salt baths aid muscle relaxation
Magnesium, a key component of Epsom salt, plays a crucial role in muscle function, helping your muscles relax, and easing tension. Golfers often face muscle pain and stiffness due to the repeated motion of their swings. Or, dare I say it, the all too common bent over position of searching for wayward balls.
When you soak in an Epsom salt bath, your muscles absorb this miracle mineral, and the result is nothing short of astonishing.
Your muscles relax, and you can unwind faster than a cat basking in the sun. You can feel the tension easing, your shoulders unhunching, and you’ll probably hear yourself give an involuntary deep sigh of appreciation.
Epsom salt baths can aid muscle recovery
They help by reducing inflammation and promoting the elimination of waste products like lactic acid. This means less muscle soreness and stiffness, enabling you to get back to practice sooner and potentially have improved performance in your next round of golf.
Epsom salt baths can enhance your flexibility
Could they be your secret to a smoother swing and no more detours into the rough? The magnesium in the bath water can ease muscle tension, making your body as limber as a yoga instructor doing the limbo. With newfound flexibility, you'll kiss those slices goodbye and say hello to precise shots! Well that’s the hope anyway. It stands to reason that flexible muscles will contribute to better, more fluid movement in your golf swings, and more accurate shots.
Epsom salt baths are known to lower stress levels
Magnesium plays a vital role in regulating your nervous system, reducing stress levels, and promoting relaxation. These are all essential for maintaining calm focus during your round. Stress and anxiety often go hand in hand when you’re facing a critical putt. But now you’re taking regular Epsom salt baths, you should find them less nerve-wracking than normal.
You can also use this quiet solo time to try some visualisation of your perfect shot - the best time to make use of this game-enhancing skill is when you’re rested and relaxed.
Did you know – magnesium supports your adrenal glands (the ones that get overworked by stress in many of us) AND is essential for production of serotonin (your ‘feel good’ brain chemical) so, even if you do miss your vital shot, you won’t feel as fed up about it!
Epsom salt baths can improve sleep quality
Epsom salt baths promote better sleep by relaxing your body and reducing mental stress. Quality sleep is crucial for muscle recovery and overall golf performance. Magnesium also plays a vital role in the control of your sleep/wake cycle.
Even though you feel tired after a day on the course, a restful night's sleep can be as elusive. Your muscles ache, and you're replaying every shot in your head. This is where Epsom salt baths work their final magic trick.
They prepare your mind and body for dreamland, so you can sleep like a baby and wake up ready to conquer the course once more.
Epsom salt baths. You could say they’re the par-fect end to a day on the course. They’re a stroke of genius that will drive your golfing success!
Now you know just how it is that magnesium-filled Epsom salt soaks can help your golfing greatness, the question is – how often are they going to feature in your weekly routine? And are you going to be kind enough to let your golfing friends in on the secret?
By the way - When we say Epsom salt baths, you’ll get similar benefits from using your Epsom salt as a foot soak too. You just won’t be luxuriating your whole body in the warm soothing water. But the magnesium will still be absorbed to get to work where it’s needed. If you’re after even faster spot treatment of aches and niggles, try our Magnesium Oil Spray – just 30 seconds to rub it into your skin wherever you’re feeling sore. Or keep your magnesium stores topped up with a nightly application to the soles of your feet.
If you'd like to try some of our Natural Epsom salt bath soaks (most Epsom salt you find in the shops is actually factory-made in China), with or without added essential oils, you can score yourself 20% off all individual soaks and oils with code GOLF. Valid for as many items as you like in one order.
Would you like to join us and receive The Weekly Soak - aka our email updates? There's a welcome offer for you in your first email, and you'll be added to our monthly draw to win a bath soak for you and one for a friend as our Random Act of Relaxation.