By Melanie Patterson

The North Jefferson News



A Corner man is stepping into a fairly unexplored field of fitness, but a field that could benefit people of all ages.

Chris Sloan is a certified golf fitness trainer, a certification that he said few people have in Alabama.

Sloan works at Nx Level Fitness in Fultondale, where he is offering a 10-session golf personal training package. People who sign up for the package also have access to Nx Level’s 10,000-square-foot gym for as long as it takes to get the 10 sessions completed.

“They specifically hired me on to do this golf fitness personal training,” said Sloan.

Sloan said that the average age for male golfers is 39 and for female golfers is 42.

“What that means is there’s an awful lot of young people playing golf, and a lot of middle-aged and older people playing golf,” said Sloan. “I don’t think there’s any other sport that encompasses all ages like golf does.”

But that also means the potential for golf-related injuries in people of all ages.

Sloan said the idea is to incorporate regular exercise into one’s life. That serves two purposes: Improving one’s golf game and preventing injuries while swinging the golf clubs.

The muscles most used while golfing are those in the shoulders, lower back and hips, according to Sloan.

“Whether you play golf or not, that’s some of the most common injuries and joint problems we have as we get older,” he said. “Preventing that is key.”

Sloan said people who start exercising when they are young have an edge, because it becomes a routine for life. But it’s never too late to start, he added.

“All people need is a little bit of proper cardio, weight training and stretching,” he said. “If you get your joints in shape, you have a better golf game. You also have fewer problems.”

In his sessions, Sloan focuses on four areas: Flexibility, balance, strength and endurance.

In addition to being a certified golf trainer, Sloan is a certified personal trainer and will soon be attending physical therapy school.

For more information about golf fitness training, call Sloan at (205) 908-5986 or email him at chris@golfersfitness.com.