Golf tends to have a reputation as a leisurely-paced sport. You may find, however, that once you begin playing regularly, golf is a far greater workout than you ever anticipated!
The truth is that professional golf players devote quite a bit of time to their physical and mental wellbeing to play at their personal best. Tiger Woods, one of the finest golfers in the world today, has a very disciplined workout routine that involves running three to seven miles a day, and engaging in toning and endurance weight training to strengthen the back and core as well as increase overall flexibility. You don’t get to the top of the game without investing in some sweat equity.
What Your Body Gets Out of Golf
You may not be planning on becoming a professional golfer, but that doesn’t change the fact that golf is going to put your body through a full workout that will ultimately have you coming out the other end looking – and feeling – great. There are a variety of health benefits that come from playing golf, and when you add in the fun you can have with your friends on the course, it’s no wonder that so many people choose the sport as an alternative to regular gym workouts.
Indeed, your average 18-hole game of golf can burn 900 or more calories. Keep in mind that you’re doing a lot of walking – especially if you eschew a cart – and all of that walking is a great weight loss method. In an average round of golf, you could end up walking up to six miles. Furthermore, the repeated swinging of clubs – not to mention carrying your bag around – is muscle strengthening for much of your body.
What Your Mind Gets Out of Golf
All of the moderate exercise you’re getting during a round of golf can protect you against anxiety and stress. In fact, the kind of moderate exercise offered by golf is more effective than quiet rest when it comes to anxiety, not to mention the effect that fresh air and green spaces can have on your mood and stress levels. When you throw in spending time with good friends, golf can end up being great for you!
Indeed, sometimes we can underestimate just how good it is for us to be regularly exposed to nature, rather than spending all of our time in urban spaces, in our home, and in the office. Being outdoors in the sun can help you to get plenty of vitamin D, a vitamin which many of us don’t get enough of. This vitamin can raise your energy levels, improve your mood, and help in the absorption of calcium in your body. This overall sense of wellbeing can in turn help you to sleep better, thereby putting you in an even better mood.
Slow, Steady, and Stress Free
You may be asking, if golf is so good for you, then more active sports must be even better for you, right? Well, that isn’t always the case. The pace of golf – the ability to pause, think, relax, and generally exercise in a moderate and controlled manner is actually a massive advantage the sport has over other activities in terms of health and fitness. Besides the benefits to your cardiovascular system as far as moderate exercise is concerned, you also avoid the injuries that often accompany more fast-paced sports.
There are still some injuries that can occur on the golf course, as with any sport that uses your muscles regularly, which is why it is important to learn proper technique, and stretch before, during, and after a game of golf.
Looking for some tips to get ready for the golf season just around the corner? We will be offering a series of stretching tips that will have you ready to play at your personal best in no time. Check back soon!
In wellness,
Arthritis & Joint Replacement Center of Reading
Recent Comments