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.

---

Can A Golfer Do Without Golf Fitness And Exercise

Just how important is golf fitness and exercise to a... Read More

Choosing the Right Golf Balls

You've watched Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson on television ?... Read More

The Mental Side of Match Play

Many of us might assume that there isn't too much... Read More

How To Create Better Shoulder Stability For Golf

Shoulder stability is essential to packing a powerful golf swing.... Read More

Junior Golfers Gain A Competitive Edge By Building A Stronger Body

Strength training for juniors is supported by organizations such as... Read More

Golf Fitness Training Made Easy?And Anyone Can Do It

Golf fitness training might sound grueling, sweaty and a lot... Read More

Discover How Golf Schools Can Help You Play Better

Services offered by Golf Schools need to be analyzed before... Read More

Golf Training Principles That Produce Results

Time is a precious commodity when it comes to golf.... Read More

Golf Travel Bags ? Choose Wisely to Protect Your Investment

Planning a golf vacation? Don't forget to protect your golf... Read More

Improve your Golf Game by Learning The Secrets of The Golf Club Grip

Grips are the least expensive yet one of the most... Read More

Gaining the Correct Golf Swing Plane

The golf swing plane is the direction that your golf... Read More

Natural Golf Tips

Golf tips are often welcomed by the most avid of... Read More

If Youve Hit Your Golf Driver Perfectly Once, You Can Do It Every Time

Picture yourself standing on the tee box of your favorite... Read More

How A Simple Golf Stretch Can Add 20 Yards To Your Drives

To quickly improve your golf, stretch your golf muscles regularly!What's... Read More

Controlled Body Movement The Key Essential For Your Golf Game

Basic body movement is essential in any sport. Of course... Read More

Public Golf Courses ? Making The Right Choice

Chances are, if you're just starting out, you haven't decided... Read More

How To Unleash The Power Of Your Core

The golf swing relies upon core strength, endurance and proper... Read More

Why Do You ?Not Benefit? From Coaching Golf Tips

Most golfers have had dozens of opportunities to receive coaching... Read More

How To Select A Unique Golf Gift

To select a truly unique golf gift for somebody, it... Read More

Golf Tips Should Always Include Fitness

When you think of golf tips, do you usually think... Read More

What a Load of Golf Balls

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

Effective Golf Training Equipment Isn?t What You Think

If you are like most golfers, you have purchased hundreds... Read More

4 Essential Elements of Golf Fitness

Are you ready to take your golf game to a... Read More

How The Golfer Elbow Can Be Avoided And Cured

The golfer elbow is very similar to the tennis elbow... Read More

5 Easy Steps To Replacing Your Golf Grips

Replacing your golf grips is like servicing your car; you... Read More

What You Should Know About Plyometrics And How It Will Help You Get Longer Drives

One of the main problems for golfers is power. Yep,... 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

Top of the Mountain: The Masters, Augusta, GA

If you're a stockbroker, the center of the world is... Read More

Golf Stretches Reduce Risk Of Injury And Improve Your Game

Most amateur golfers don't give enough attention to performing regular... Read More

Choosing a Golf Swing Training Aid

Golf swing training aid clubs are a great way to... Read More

5 Easy Steps to Cleaning Your Golf Clubs and Improving Your Game

How can you lower your scores by simply cleaning your... Read More

Golf Exercise And Fitness? And Why You Can No Longer Ingnore It

No golfer can afford to ignore golf exercise and fitness... 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