Junior Golfers Gain A Competitive Edge By Building A Stronger Body

Strength training for juniors is supported by organizations such as the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA). Each of these organizations encourages children's participation in appropriately designed training programs as long as they are competently supervised.

Many research reports conclude that juniors can benefit from strength training programs through the improvement of motor fitness skills, self esteem, overall strength and physical and emotional well being.

For those juniors who are anxious to get an early start with strength training as a perfect compliment to their golf game, let's review the importance of form, function and good nutrition. These principles serve as the foundation for junior fitness and a lifetime of health and wellness for your young athlete.

Form. Each exercise we perform has a specific method of set up, instruction and properly executed form for each movement. There are muscles which stabilize while other muscles activate. Each plays a role in an exercise. When we compromise on technique or what is considered good form, injuries occur. When we place inappropriate loads on unsupported bodies, we no longer create an opportunity for growth, but rather continue to place unnecessary stress on our bodies. Take the time to learn proper form and lifting techniques. Once your child learns the basics, make sure they are properly supervised as they learn about their bodies and their new found capabilities. Remember these principles will serve as the foundation for their future so take the time to help them understand the importance of safety and appropriate lifting techniques.

Function. Once you set safety and proper form as your priority, it's time to choose an appropriate exercise program. Many young players ask about the right number of sets and reps for their age. Just remember that young players are not aspiring weightlifters or bodybuilders, but rather strength builders. Junior golfers should begin with body weight exercises that place an emphasis on many muscle groups and movement patterns which mimic real life movements such as pushups, pull-ups, and multi directional lunges. Weights can be used, but the focus should be light weights and higher repetitions. Simply choose 5 or 6 exercises and perform 15 to 20 reps while continuing your concentration on good form and technique. Never compromise on the quality of your movement in favor of increased repetitions. Begin with only a few repetitions until you master an exercise. Parents or instructors should provide clear instruction and close supervision.

Good Nutrition. As role models, parents have the responsibility to educate their children on the importance of proper nutrition. I'm sure, as adults, we've often wondered how different we would have viewed food if our parents had spent more time with us. Regardless of their age, it is not too late to teach them about fueling an athletic body and powerful mind. In the end, food fulfills three basic requirements. These are to provide fuel for their bodies, regulation of their metabolism and to support new tissue growth. Children who golf need an abundance of nutrients in the form of variety, balance and moderation. In the absence of proper nutrients, you sacrifice their growth as well as their future golf performance.

Susan Hill is a CHEK Golf Biomechanic, Sports Nutritionist and President of Fitness for Golf. For exercises and articles specific to junior golfers, then visit http://www.fitnessforgolf.com.

---

Golfing Products And What You Need To Know Before Purchasing

In recent years, there has been a dramatic rise in... Read More

Course Management Strategies for Junior Golfers

Many junior golfers are still in the process of developing... Read More

Getting To The Core Of Your Golf Swing

At some point, almost all of us struggle with efforts... Read More

Using A Golf Swing Trainer May Surprise You

Many amateur golfers start out playing golf for fun. Most... Read More

How To Improve Your Golf Swing Timing

Golf swing timing is a key factor in being able... Read More

A Bad Golfer & Common Mistake You Will Find Every Time

Fascinatingly enough a bad golfer is consistent enough with his/her... Read More

How To Use Exercise For Golf To Strengthen Your Swing

Using exercise for golf to strengthen your swing could be... Read More

Basics Of Golf Swing Instruction - Go With Exercises

Golf swing instruction starts with an understanding of the different... Read More

Taking The Confusion Out Of Golf Ball Compression

Compression, in terms of a golf ball, is probably the... Read More

Can a Stability Ball Help You Strengthen Your Core For Golf?

Some call it a Swiss Ball, some call it a... Read More

The Power Of Combining Golf Swing Basics With Exercise

When training in good golf swing basics is combined with... Read More

What a Load of Golf Balls

Through out the history of golf the golf ball has... Read More

The Principle Golf Power Swing Tip Has Nothing To Do With Trying To Hit It With All Your Strength

Genuine golf power swing tips will have little or nothing... Read More

Perform Better Golf With These Fitness Tips

Everyone wants to be able to perform better golf, and... Read More

A Good Swing Starts with a Strong Base of Support

A good golf swing starts with a strong base of... Read More

The Golf Training Exercises You Need To Improve Your Game Are Very Simple

Golf training and conditioning exercises are not as difficult as... Read More

Beginners Guide to Buying a Set of Golf Clubs

You walk in to a golf store and there are... Read More

How Do The Golf Pros Train?

Many of the top touring professionals know that winning on... Read More

Getting to the Core of the Problem with Your Golf Game

How do you fix it? Well, there's no magic core... Read More

Staying Out of Trouble with Your Driver

So what is it that's really causing problems with your... Read More

Online Golf Lessons Save Time And Can Be A Great Help

Online golf lessons have grown tremendously in popularity, for the... Read More

How A Golf Exercise DVD Can Save You Time And Improve Your Game

Using a golf exercise dvd is a great alternative to... Read More

How Fitness Has Changed The Face Of The PGA Tour

Professional golfers on the tour today are approaching fitness as... Read More

Why Exercise Is Crucial In Achieving The Correct Golf Swing

Achieving the correct golf swing is the magic key that... Read More

Golf Carts -- A Surprisingly Large Industry

You probably just take them for granted when you play... Read More

Fitness For Golf Is The New Gold Standard

Golf fitness has never been considered as important to one's... Read More

Prepare for the Worst and Play Your Best

It's one thing to get mad when you miss a... Read More

Ice Golf - Could You Stay Cool When The Heat Is On?

Ice Golf - only the coolest need apply!Want to try... Read More

Strength Training For Junior Golf

Much debate has occurred about kids and strength training. There's... Read More

Golf Swing Trainer - What Is It?

Golf swing trainer is a term you might think of... Read More

Golf Specific Core Exercises Improve Your Drive Distance

What if I could give you three important exercises for... Read More

Golf Schools Require Golf Fitness

Are you planning on attending a golf school on your... Read More

How to Win at Golf

What's the point of playing sport if you don't want... Read More