Golf is a sport played all over the world. And contrary to what some may believe, it truly is a sport that anybody can learn to play and enjoy.
Not only does it provide a mental challenge, but it’s also a wonderful way to get and keep fit.
Below are just some of the reasons why golf is such a great workout.
It’s Good For Your Health
Golf is good for your heart. By walking the span of an average golf course you’ll find yourself covering between five and seven kilometres in no time at all. This means that if you play 18 holes three to four times a week, you’ll have gotten sufficient endurance exercise for optimal heart health.
Golf will help you:
- Lose weight
- Maintain healthy body fat
- Get fit
- Improve muscle tone
- Build endurance.
It Keeps Stress At Bay
Apart from the many health benefits, golf is also great for keeping stress at bay and improving mental health.
Once you’ve inspired your friends to join you on the course, it’s a great way to keep in touch, and even to make new friends.
Due to the physical activity involved, and the fact that you get to spend time outdoors and enjoying nature, it’s especially good for keeping your stress levels down.
Getting Started Is Easy
A great way to get started is to sign up for a few lessons that will teach you the fundamentals of the sport.
As you learn and improve, you might want to invest in your own set of clubs, or even have clubs custom-made to suit your posture.
How To Prevent Injuries
Even though golf is a fairly leisurely sport, it still involves moderate exercise and the possibility of injury. So, if you’re not feeling up to a bit of physical exertion, stay home and enjoy real money pokies instead. The course will be there the next time you’re feeling energetic.
Common injuries associated with the sport include the wrist, elbow, and lower back.
Below are some helpful tips for avoiding injury:
- Take lessons to learn proper technique. Many injuries occur due to incorrect technique.
- Always warm up and stretch before you play. When warming up, focus on your shoulders, arms, and back.
- Always keep a distance of at least four club lengths from a swinging club.
- Remember to wear sunscreen, sunglasses, and protective clothing.
- Stay properly hydrated.
- When necessary, use a buggy for moving and lifting clubs in a safe way.
- If injury does occur, stop playing immediately.
- Know where to seek first aid treatment in case of an emergency.
Additional Health Benefits
- Golf is great for building strength. This is because while golfing, the body uses many of the big muscle groups for driving a club, bending over to pick up the ball, etc.
- It boosts endurance. Since you’ll be handling a bag that can easily weight up to 35 pounds, which is a great workout all on its own.
- It improves balance. The ability to play a successful game of golf depends largely on balance, which involves your lower back muscles, buttocks, and abdominal muscles. As your balance improves, you’ll build core strength.
- It creates mental tenacity and builds the ability to focus and concentrate.
