With the current focus of game management mainly on ball choices today, it’s sometimes easy to forget that our physiology plays an important role in your bowling game. Whether you are a recreational, once or twice a week fun bowler, or a 4+ leagues per week (and perhaps tournaments on the weekend) bowler, your body is affected by the swinging of a heavy object on one side repeatedly.

Your bowling shot will be influenced by your physical condition as much – if not more than – any lane oil condition or ball reaction. Being off balance, “stepping off” at the line, “lifting” or not staying low at the line, missing your mark and losing your follow through or not “finishing” the shot, are all examples of how your physical condition can affect your shot through 3, 4 or 8+ games. Not only does this affect your shot and scores – it impacts your body. I suspect I’m not the only one who has felt their back, knee or shoulder twinge from not being quite right at the foul line and release point.

Doing a few, simple exercises off-lane or as part of your warm-up routine can make a big difference! This will improve your bowling fitness and build the strength, stamina, balance and focus – plus you’ll stay consistent, competitive and mentally tough no matter what your level of bowling is.