Published on: 19-Sep-2022
Golf is one of the world’s oldest sports, originating in Scotland in the Middle Ages. Millions of people in the United States enjoy this outdoor game and its variations. Though it’s a leisure sport, there are health benefits you can get from playing a round or two. Here are six reasons why golf is good for your health.
Cardio
When you’re on a golf course, you do a lot of walking from one hole to the next. Ditch the cart and walk to reach your step goal of 10,000 or more. Staying active is favorable to your physical or mental health.
Walking can help with weight management if paired with a healthy diet. You can improve your sleep, and the cardiovascular benefits will reduce your risk of a heart attack. Any walking is great, and some courses provide a terrain with hills, giving you an even better workout by going uphill.
Flexibility
Flexibility can be a significant factor in your daily life, and golf will help improve that. You need to be limber, especially in your upper body and core, to have a good golf swing. The three areas golf will target the most are your arms, shoulders and hips.
Golf assists in flexibility on multiple fronts. First, your golf swing requires you to use a wide range of motion with your body. Flexibility with your arms, shoulders and hips is necessary for a good backswing. A limber body will help you perform a nice rotation and have a nice swing. Also, flexibility assists with bending to get the ball out of the hole and crouching to better judge elevation change on the putting green.
Balance
One of the key benefits of golf is it teaches you balance. You could be 400 yards or 10 feet from the hole, and your balance will determine how successful you are with your swings. Improving your golf game will aid in promoting better equilibrium for your body.
If you watch golf on TV, you may notice golfers have beautiful, fluid swings. They work their entire body in one powerful motion to hit the ball. Complete control is essential for coordinating the perfect swing. Getting your balance right means you’ll have better management of your swings, leading to more potent and accurate hits.
Strength
Though it’s not a physically demanding sport, golf can still benefit your strength. The constant walking between holes will strengthen your legs and hamstrings. You can also improve your upper body by carrying your golf bag for the 18 holes.
Hitting the ball off the tee doesn’t require much strength, but you’ll be able to hit it farther the stronger you get. Golf is an excellent full-body workout for people of all ages because it incorporates the upper and lower body and your core.
Stress Relief
Golf can benefit your physical health by building strength and endurance and contribute to better mental health. One way it helps is by reducing stress. Golfers typically play when the weather cooperates with sunshine and comfortable temperatures. Breathing fresh air can lower your blood pressure and reduce anxiety. The quiet environment and fresh-cut grass can decrease your tension.
Social Connection
One superb advantage of golf is the flexibility in how many people you can include in your game. You can play all 18 holes by yourself or round up friends and family to play with you. The number of people in your group will depend on the course you’re playing and what the management says.
Playing golf with friends creates fun and shared experiences. You can meet new pals at the course and learn tips from experienced golfers. If you’re a seasoned veteran, you can impart wisdom to newcomers. Though it can be a solitary game, golf provides several opportunities for social interactions.
Golfing for Better Health
Golf is a sport nearly 25 million Americans enjoy, and it’s only growing in popularity. The traditional golf clubs and simulators like Topgolf are driving popularity for one of the world’s oldest sports.
It’s a leisure sport, but it also has numerous health benefits. A round of golf gives you a full-body workout and provides mental health advantages like reduced stress. These six ways show why playing gold is a good move.
Author Bio: Jack Shaw is a regular contributor at Modded.com. When he’s not working, he likes to spend time planning his next trip to a national park.
