Comments on: All Golfers Should Lift Weights

By: Matt Saternus

Matt Saternus — Sun, 18 Feb 2024 14:56:13 +0000

Mac,

Thank you for the question. Just as with club recommendations, I prefer to leave it to people who can work with you one on one rather than making sweeping recommendations. Broadly speaking, I think lifting programs should be built around the big compound lifts: squat, deadlift, bench, rows, but those movements are somewhat technical and coaching on technique is a very good idea.

If you’re looking for a trainer, you can go back through our Fitness archives here: https://pluggedingolf.com/category/instruction/fitness/
You’ll find some guest posts written by great trainers who can work with you on creating a sensible program.

Best,

Matt

By: Mac Carter

Mac Carter — Sun, 18 Feb 2024 14:35:44 +0000

Matt,

I’m in my 70’s and fairly fit. But, I want to get add weight training back into my fitness regime. Can you offer any specific lifting routine, guideline or a link to a weight lifting program for senior men?

By: Matt Saternus

Matt Saternus — Sat, 03 Feb 2024 16:19:32 +0000

In reply to Brandon.

Brandon,

I hope you have a successful surgery and a quick recovery.

I say this second part not to chide you, but for other people reading this who may be concerned about the safety of weightlifting. According to the studies I have seen, weightlifting is safer (fewer injuries per hour of participation) than virtually any other exercise. Weightlifting will also make you more resilient to injuries due to increased strength, improved bone density, stronger ligaments. I get frustrated when people talk about weightlifting injuries and say, “See! It’s dangerous! You shouldn’t do it!” (Brandon, I am not accusing you of saying this, to be clear). Where is that talk about the injuries that golf creates? Basketball? Soccer? Not that my anecdote should be a substitute for data, but I have more long term, painful injuries from golf than I do from 25 years of weightlifting. /rant

Again, I hope you’re back on the course soon.

Best,

Matt

By: Brandon

Brandon — Sat, 03 Feb 2024 13:49:01 +0000

Herniated 2 discs doing the exact same weight deadlift as the guy in the picture. I let my ego get the best of me. At 42 I shouldn’t be trying to set PRs anymore. Having surgery in 2 weeks. Haven’t played golf in about 4 months. Hopefully I can get back out there this summer.

By: Matt Saternus

Matt Saternus — Fri, 02 Feb 2024 23:17:44 +0000

In reply to Douglas.

Douglas,

I’m sorry to hear that. I’m curious as to why you started doing clean and jerks. Olympic lifts are highly technical. There are many simpler movements with equal or greater ROI.

Best,

Matt

By: Douglas

Douglas — Fri, 02 Feb 2024 22:12:27 +0000

Started doing dead lifts and clean and jerks with 10 pounds in each hand last summer last summer. Did them regularly. Playing one day and started getting spasms in my back and was out for five weeks. Now awaiting some kind of injections. Did the weight lifting cause the spasms. Do not know. Just sayin’

By: Rich

Rich — Fri, 02 Feb 2024 20:26:41 +0000

Hi Matt, I enjoy your blog/newsletter a lot, and like the fact that you will offer an expanded set of ideas for us golfers to chew on every once in a while. I’m 74, have had both hips replaced, quad bi-pass, and last winter, lumbar fusion, plus a couple of other minor surgeries, but I still believe in working out. I have been a “serious” lifter in the past, but due to injuries, had to cut the lifting out for many (over 20) years. I did yoga and stretching all along, which helped keep me in some shape. However, I decided to start lifting again a few months ago, and I’m really happy I did. I’m not a great golfer (around a 14 index), but I do have fun beating a lot of younger guys when, I get paired up with them. I’m hoping that the lifting will give me a bit of a boost come spring. My drives are down to around 195 now, and as you well know, longer drives never hurt. Keep up the good work!

By: greg schulte

greg schulte — Fri, 02 Feb 2024 18:33:25 +0000

lifting is essential, especially as we age. I’m 63 and do weight workouts 3-4 times a week. With arthritis it’s uncomfortable at times but well worth it as the arthritis is much worse without activity. By the way, very much enjoy your content.

By: Kevin C

Kevin C — Fri, 02 Feb 2024 14:51:12 +0000

Great advice. I wish I had started lifting sooner. I loved running, but not lifting until injuries in my 40’s kept me from logging miles. It took a while to learn to love lifting….similar to golf as I didn’t start playing until I turned 30 and didn’t really love it until I was almost 40. Almost 60 now and I really believe the lifting has kept some injuries at bay and allowed me to play and walk 18 without issue. I had slacked off a while ago and I could tell my swing speed dropped off, I was getting winded hiking up the hills on our back 9 and some old injuries were nagging me. I got back into regular workouts and everything cleared up. Exercise is medicine.

By: Greg Caines

Greg Caines — Fri, 02 Feb 2024 13:20:30 +0000

In reply to Anonymous. Just want to let you know your comments were inspiring for me! I’ll be 57 soon and feel my best golf is ahead of me. I work hard at all aspects of the game and love the process! I’m a 4.3 index but have shaved 2 points off my index in each of the last 3 years. Off-season in Canada so strength training and flexibility have been a key focus along with weekly sim sessions to work on face/path awareness. My swing speed tops out at 100 though but I have been making solid gains in the gym so hoping it will translate to a few more mph by start of season. Thanks again for your comments and best wishes for a great 2024!