Strength training for youth athletes is a controversial subject across all types of
sports. In golf, common questions include…when should my golfer begin with an
exercise routine, what types of exercises should he/she be doing and how should a
program be structured based on their age?
According to the American Academy of Pediatrician’s Committee on Sports Medicine and Fitness, seven to eight year old children can safely perform strength training exercises within the 12 to 15 repetition range. Other nationally recognized organizations who support strength training for our youth include 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 participation in appropriately designed training programs as long as they are ‘competently supervised’ The main benefits outside of the obvious strength gains include introducing your junior golfer to a lifetime of health and fitness while improving early motor skills, self esteem and overall physical and emotional well being.
In consideration of the growth and maturity variables that take place between the ages of 7 and 18, the programs below use exercises and stretches in addition to general and specific conditioning principles that will help each golfer progress. Remember the goal is to support junior golfers with their current golf goals, their various phases of physical development as well as help them embrace fitness as a lifestyle approach for the remainder of their lives.
Junior Golf Workout Beginner/Intermediate Teach juniors how to activate different muscles that will aid them in their golf swing. $14.95 |
Junior Golf Workout Advanced The advanced version will challenge balance while building strength. $14.95 |
