Help Golfers Improve Their Game with the CSCS

Lincoln, Nebraska - July 11, 2006. Regardless of the amount of practice and conditioning, not everyone will be able to drive the ball 300 yards like Tiger Woods. However, it is possible for fitness professionals to help golfers improve their fitness level to reduce the likelihood of injury and improve their overall golf game. Jeffrey S. Banaszak, Bradenton, Florida, uses his Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist® (CSCS®) certification to provide professional and amateur golfers with conditioning programs that support the mechanics of the golf swing so that they can efficiently execute the swing.

Banaszak explains the golf swing as a fast-twitch power move. It forces an athlete to use muscles in a synchronized way to generate power; therefore, a golfer needs to have flexibility, balance and power to achieve the most efficient and effective golf swing to produce the desired results on the course. By increasing the fitness level of a golfer, it becomes easier to withstand the forces that produce accurate and powerful golf shots.

"The more fit the golfer, there is more likelihood that they will consistently reproduce the correct swing pattern. A fit golfer is less likely to develop breakdowns or injuries because they can handle the stress that the golf swing places on the body," Banaszak said.

Applying scientific knowledge to train athletes for the primary goal of athletic performance is an aspiration of professionals who are CSCS. Developed in 1985, the CSCS credential leads the way as the standard for professionals seeking to become certified in the strength training and conditioning field. CSCS certified professionals are able to use scientific knowledge to design physical conditioning programs and demonstrate that they understand the complex motion of the golf swing, potentially improving a golfer's club swing range, club swing speed and club swing power. Today, more than 18,500 professionals from a variety of academic and professional backgrounds hold the prestigious CSCS credential.

"The main thing I gained from earning the CSCS credential was the ability to understand the exercise physiology of the body and realizing that because golf is a high performance sport, conditioning and training are needed to maximize the potential of the body," Banaszak said.

Banaszak has created his own golf performance and fitness company, Back9Fitness, Inc., to offer services designed to prevent injury and enhance performance of golfers at all levels. He works and tours extensively with PGA tour professionals like Tim Petrovic, Pat Perez, Jason Gore and Tommy Armour, III.

"When I work with the PGA guys, I focus on the physical assessment of the golfer and create a complete conditioning program and design a recovery program to help them with the demands that travel, practice and their jobs put on their bodies," Banazsak said.

Banaszak said many amateurs can use a CSCS certified professional's knowledge to improve their weekend games with their buddies. He suggests amateurs combine a golf conditioning program with golf lessons to improve their game. Throughout his career, Banaszak has realized that poor swing mechanics is the main limitation of an amateur golfer's ability. A CSCS certified professional can design strength training and conditioning programs that specifically support the mechanics of the golf swing to help the golfer improve.

"Amateurs should find someone who has experience working with golfers and understands the biomechanics of the golf swing so his or her assessment and programs can be specific for the needs of a golfer," Banaszak said.

Banaszak serves as the Chairman of the National Strength and Conditioning Association's Golf Special Interest Group that was created to bring together NSCA members interested in enhancing the fitness and performance of the golf athlete. These NSCA members gather on a regular basis to discuss ideas, network with other professionals and determine future areas of needed research. Banaszak cites the existence of the Golf Special Interest Group as proof that a definite and recognized need exists for information regarding golf conditioning, training and performance.

"The golf fitness industry is just starting its upward movement toward its peak. From a golfer's standpoint, everyone on the professional tours is recognizing a need to get assessed and begin some sort of conditioning program," Banaszak said.

This creates potential opportunities for CSCS certified individuals who have the knowledge, skills and abilities to create golf-specific training programs to gain clients. Banaszak said, in general, he is seeing a lot of articles in magazines and programs on television that are dedicated to golf fitness. He believes that the golfing community is really eager for quality resources that are available to golfers to increase the utilization of golf conditioning.

"The best trained people at these new companies that are focusing on golf performance and fitness are CSCS certified," Banaszak said.

Banaszak earned his CSCS in 2001. With more than ten years experience working in the golf industry, Banaszak has pursued his interest in working with golfers as president and founder of Back9Fitness, Inc. Banaszak said he will continue to use his CSCS credential to provide golfers at all levels with conditioning and training programs with the intent of increasing golf performance and rehabilitation.

For more information on the CSCS credential or the NSCA Certification Commission, please e-mail commission@nsca-cc.org or call toll-free 888-746-2378.

View the Press Release Archives

Return to Press Releases