Common Questions and Answers on Exercise for Junior Golfers

Three Common Questions

This week I have a big tournament, should I work out as usual?

Did you know Phil Mickelson, Annika Sorenstam and Mike Weir all train while traveling on tour and prior to most every major event? Why do they train the morning of the Master's, the PGA Championship and the US Open?

Because they are fit, they train regularly and it is a vital part of their overall program. If they 'normally' train every Thursday and it so happens that the Master's is on a Thursday, then it is 'normal' to work out. Being consistent is a very important part of a golf routine and a mindset. In fact, many professional golfers would argue that it is more disruptive to NOT workout as scheduled because the CHANGE is disruptive.

Does this make sense? Okay...so what changes are made in major competition? The routine does not change, but the intensity DOES! This means you may not work out as long or as hard, but most seasoned players will work out as planned.

Once a routine is established, then it is more important to just follow the routine. The bottom line is to always follow your routine and don't alter it for competitive events.

It is not easy for a teenage boy (girl) who hits the golf ball pretty far already to be convinced that he/she needs to focus on training for golf, too. Do you have any advice?

As a parent and a role model, all you can really do is introduce those things that you believe will be helpful to your children. It is up to your children to take this information and make use of it, with your guidance, of course.

Fitness is a life long endeavor. The earlier we can incorporate healthy eating and exercise into their programs, the more long term success they are likely to have with their golf and in other life events.

Today’s high profile golfers like Tiger Woods and Annika Sorenstam all utilize the elements of a comprehensive training program to achieve their success on tour. They continue to use swing instructors who understand their swing and the objectives with their game, sports psychologists who understand their questions and frustrations on the course and fitness trainers who understand how to prepare their bodies for golf.

Regardless of your child’s age, he or she can benefit from this same approach. Many golfers already use these resources to help them develop into better players, so why leave yourself at a disadvantage?

Also, keep in mind that fitness training goes well beyond hitting the ball far. A solid fitness training program can help your golfer understand their physical strengths and weaknesses and how to use this knowledge to become a better player and a more fit and healthy individual.

When is my junior golfer ready to begin an exercise program?

Once your junior golfer is able to take some direction and has an appropriate attention span, they are ready. Children of virtually any age can benefit from physical activity. The question then becomes not one of specific age, but how and where to begin.

Begin by signing your junior golfer up for one or two sessions with a personal trainer at your local gym. Ask them to teach your child proper form and which exercises are appropriate for their age.

Most junior golfers need to begin with body weight exercises. Building strength, stability and flexibility is a process that changes as your child matures. Make a commitment to the process and your junior golfer will see the best results over an extended period of time.