An excellent illustration of this development is in golf-specific training programs. The popularity of golf has given rise to systems tailored to men, women, juniors and seniors alike. Women golfers may even have the most from which to choose.

Women golfers trying to decide between working on their golf game and a relaxing spa retreat no longer have to choose. Both experiences are combined in the Fore-Max Golf Training System at the Westin Kierland Resort & Spa in Scottsdale, Arizona. Developed by Steve Heller, the resort’s fitness director, the Fore-Max Golf Training System has been customizing fitness programs for professional and amateur golfers since 2002.

The Fore-Max training system focuses on improving a golfer’s flexibility, functional golf strength, and aerobic capacity. By improving these areas, golfers can increase their accuracy, driving distance, and endurance. Participants also receive advice on improving their nutrition as a way to benefit their golf game and lifestyle. The instructors work closely with golfers to develop the individualized fitness plans. The goal of the program is to develop lifelong changes. The more input the participant has, the more likely the plan will be followed once they return home.

To achieve the goals of the fitness plan while at the resort, instructors make use of the resort’s fitness center, along with range practice and on-course play. After an intense workout, participants can relax at Agave, The Arizona Spa, also located on the grounds of the Westin Kierland Resort & Spa. Participants in the training system can take advantage of on-site massages, facials, and Pilates sessions. Guests can also relax and rejuvenate in the eucalyptus steam room, whirlpool, or sauna.

If a trip to Arizona isn’t feasible or an at-home workout is preferable, the Fore-Max Golf Training System is also available on DVD. The DVD provides over an hour’s worth of exercises and information in six different areas—Full Stretch, Active Dynamic Exercise, Strength and Conditioning, Fore-Max Pool Exercises, Golf Specific Exercises, and Nutritional Guidance. These comprehensive exercises are beneficial for both golfers and non-golfers.

Because of the ideal Arizona location, the Fore-Max Golf Training System lures top athletes to the training facility. The resort also shares the property with the Kierland Golf Club and the LaBauve Golf Academy. Top LPGA players who have trained with Fore-Max include Grace Park and Pat Hurst. With first-rate golf courses peppering the surrounding area and a training system that’s good enough to draw the professionals, amateur women golfers can do themselves and their golf games a favor by bookin...

According to Miami Golf Fitness, a golf-specific program in Miami, Florida, the key to improving your golf game and reducing risk of injury is to start a program that delivers not only overall conditioning, but golf specific strengthening exercises, stretching and injury prevention techniques with specific stretching for the golf player.

In fact, any kind of strength training is creating immediate impact on players. “If you are an avid golfer and have never exercised with weights before and started a very basic strength training program, you would see some improvement to your game,” says Rafael Moret, creator of the Miami Golf Fitness Program. Says Moret “As a Golf Fitness Instructor, there are very specific things that my clients look for to make their games better. Golf players are looking to strengthen their backs to reduce lower back pain, develop strength in their swing, add more stability to their stance, and stretch all the muscles that tighten up with their game.”

Moret’s program is divided into 4 segments to help cover all the need of the golf player:

1. Injury Prevention Exercise Drills
2. Total Body Conditioning Circuit and Endurance Program
3. Golf Specific Strength Training Exercises
4. Golf Specific Stretching and Flexibility

When speaking of basketball, B.J Maack of the Arkansas Sports Performance Center says, “If you are looking at doing some basketball-specific training, there are some important things to look for in a program. Treat any training program like you would a visit to a doctor: Ask questions, do your homework.”

According to Maack, a solid basketball-specific program should have these key components:
1. Emphasis on explosiveness: what is done to improve vertical jump?
2. Endurance: will there be a definitive change in your metabolic rate?
3. Footwork: what is done to improve quickness from step A to step B? What else is used besides ladder drills?
4. Strength: are proper lifting techniques emphasized? Is it matched according to ages? Is there a periodization schedule?
5. Speed: is there a strong emphasis on overall speed development & proper running form?
6. Sports Medicine Approach: how does the program balance aggressive training while not causing overuse injuries? How does an old injury or imbalance fit into the training program?
7. Research: is this workout proven? Can you look on paper at how this has helped athletes? Is there a list of success stories?
8. Nutrition: how do the right foods/supplements fit into this program?

Sport-specific programs recognize the importance of injury prevention. The dynamics of the golf swing and the explosiveness required of basketball playe...