#87: [Inside the Mind] Lauren McMillin: Golf Yoga Misconceptions and Benefits and Going Barefoot to Play Better Golf

If you're the golfer who groans at the thought of stretching or scoffs at the word "yoga," this episode is especially for you.

Joining me today is Lauren McMillin—founder of YoGolf Performance and a certified yoga instructor who specializes in helping golfers move better, feel better, and, yes, play better. In this episode, Lauren dismantles the common excuses and outdated beliefs that have kept so many of us (especially men) from incorporating yoga into our golf performance routines.

We explore how yoga goes far beyond flexibility. You'll learn how it improves spinal rotation (hello, more shoulder turn and distance), strengthens your connection to the ground (read: more power and balance), and trains your nervous system to respond rather than react—all of which translate directly to better performance on the course and faster recovery off of it.

In today’s episode, you’ll learn:

• Why most golfers resist yoga—and why that’s costing you distance, consistency, and recovery
• The most common myths and misconceptions about yoga (spoiler: you don’t need to be flexible!)
• How yoga improves your swing, focus, and mental resilience
• What “movement modality” really means—and why yoga is the ultimate one for golf
• Simple, golf-specific breathing and movement techniques you can start using today
• How barefoot balance work can actually help you hit longer, straighter shots
• A quick pre- and post-round routine to boost performance and prevent injury
• The surprising sleep benefits of yoga—and how they help your game
• How to build a consistent yoga routine without a studio or 60-minute commitment

Get your pencils ready and start listening. 

P.S. Curious to learn more about the results my clients are experiencing and what they say about working with me? Read more here.

More About Lauren

Lauren McMillin, yoga and movement specialist, is the founder of YoGolf Performance, golf’s online yoga studio. For nearly a decade, she has worked with yoga practitioners and golfers of all levels, using yoga, Pilates, and functional movement to help them move and feel their best. 

In addition to being featured in Golf Digest and PGA.com, Lauren has been a speaker at the PGA Show, and is co-author of The Ultimate Golf Fitness Program.

Learn more about and connect with Lauren here. 

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High-Performance Hypnotherapy and Mindset Coaching

Paul Salter - known as The Golf Hypnotherapist - is a High-Performance Hypnotherapist and Mindset Coach who leverages hypnosis and powerful subconscious reprogramming techniques to help golfers of all ages and skill levels overcome the mental hazards of their minds so they can shoot lower scores and play to their potential.

He has over 16 years of coaching experience working with high performers in various industries, helping them get unstuck, out of their own way, and unlock their full potential.

Click here to learn more about how high-performance hypnotherapy and mindset coaching can help you get out of your own way and play to your potential on (and off) the course. 

Instagram: @thegolfhypnotherapist 

Twitter: @parsoverbogeys

Key Takeaways:

• Yoga is not about flexibility—it's about functional movement, mobility, and breath awareness
• Connecting breath and movement helps calm nerves, improve swing tempo, and manage on-course stress
• Small, consistent doses of yoga (even 5 minutes) can transform how your body performs
• Your feet are a key part of your swing—train them!
• Post-round yoga can significantly improve recovery and sleep quality
• Yoga prepares your body and mind to play to your potential

Key Quotes:

• I'm just trying to help you move better and feel better. For golfers, that means playing better.
• Golf is a mental sport, yet so few of our training routines address the mental side.
• Drop the excuses. I've heard them all—and I don't care.
• You don’t always have access to your coach mid-round, but you always have your breath.

Time Stamps:

• 00:00: Introduction to Yoga for Golfers
• 03:05: Overcoming Misconceptions About Yoga
• 06:07: The Benefits of Yoga for Golf Performance
• 08:59: Connecting Breath and Movement in Yoga
• 11:52: Starting Your Yoga Journey
• 14:52: Yoga's Role in Injury Prevention and Recovery
• 18:10: Enhancing Sleep Quality Through Yoga
• 20:48: Pre-Round Yoga Warm-Up for Golfers
• 30:01: Post-Round Recovery with Yoga
• 33:01: The Importance of Intentionality in Yoga Practice
• 35:55: Final Thoughts and Resources for Golfers