April 03, 2019

Health Benefits of Playing Golf

Golf is a fun and relaxing pastime, but it's also so much more than that. When asked to name healthy sports, many people don’t think of golf, but in truth golf offers multiple benefits for the body and mind. Here are seven of the many health benefits you can get from playing golf.

Stress relief

The most obvious health benefit of playing golf is to relieve stress. Being an outdoor sport, a game of golf puts you out in the fresh air on a sunny day for an average of four to five hours, which is already good for the psyche. Add to that the regular exercise, socialization, and fun of golf, and it's easy to see how golf provides a great boost of endorphins that help you relax!

Heart health

Physical exercise is important for maintaining a healthy heart, and playing golf provides plenty of it through Swinging a golf club . Golf typically involves a lot of walking. Walking on a regular basis is a good way to keep your blood flow and heart rate up. Walking and carrying your own bag increase the benefits of maintaining a strong heart; thereby reducing your risk of health problems like high blood pressure or a stroke.

Weight loss

With 18 holes to cover in a single game, walking the length of a golf course means taking a lot of steps in one day—as many as 10,000 steps or more. That adds up to a lot of calories burned—about 1500 to 2500 kcal over a course of six or seven kilometers—which in turn converts to weight loss and a healthier body. Forgoing the golf cart in favor of walking will add to the number of calories you burn in a day, which can keep your cholesterol down and lower your risk of diabetes.

Mental stimulation

Another advantage of regular physical exercise from playing golf is that it's good for the mind. Long walks increase the flow of blood to your brain and strengthen your memory circuits, and the challenge of mastering the game will improve your mental prowess and alertness. Playing golf can even improve your sleep: the workout and fresh air will help you fall asleep faster and stay in deep sleep longer, allowing your muscles to better rest and repair overnight.

Low-impact exercise

Everyone wants to get fit and stay healthy, but most sports are high-impact and can be considered too physically demanding for some individuals. The great thing about playing golf for exercise is that it's a low-impact sport, so it won't put too much strain on your muscles and joints. This makes golf an excellent alternative to more strenuous forms of exercise such as tennis and jogging, which can make exercise more accessible to older individuals and players with certain physical disabilities.

Social interaction

When it comes to mental and emotional wellbeing, you shouldn't overlook the importance of social interaction. Golf isn't just a competitive sport; it's a social sport that offers plenty of chances to bond with other players. Golf clubs are also great places to meet new friends who share your love of the sport, as well as learn tips to make you a better player. You may even meet a golf swing trainer who can help you improve your game!

A longer lifespan

All the benefits listed above add up to a longer lifespan just from playing golf. According to one study in Sweden, with a stronger heart, a sharper mind, and a lifestyle of reduced stress, a golfer can expect to live up to five years longer than the average life expectancy. That adds up to a lot of games of golf! And why wouldn't you want to add those years to your life? Imagine how much more life you could enjoy in that time!

Even if you're an avid golfer and have been playing for a long time, the best way to enjoy these health benefits is to master the sport, which you can do with the help of a golf swing trainer or golf training aids. With the right amount of golf instruction and dedication to the sport, you'll soon find that your health has significantly improved and you're living a much more enjoyable life!

Sources:

  • https://www.eigca.org/Articles/21696/7-health-benefits-of-golf-why-golf-is-good-for-body-and-mind
  • http://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/top-10-health-benefits-golf/
  • https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2008-05/ki-gpl053008.php
Written by Connor McGinley

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