The Real Health Benefits Of Playing Golf
Golf may not have the biggest following in the world, but it's quite a dynamic activity. It's often seen as a leisure sport, but there's more to it than the simplicity it offers.
Playing golf can be good for your health, so if you are driving around a golf park debating whether or not you should become a member, then you may want to try it out. Like many other sports, golf can help you stay fit and healthy. It can also be a great way to socialize with others.
The average golfer age in the U.S. is 54 years old, which explains how it can provide great health benefits while keeping things simple and avoiding any strain (via Deemples). Golfing may not look like a lot of work, but it does involve an activity that's a great form of exercise – walking. Walking through a full length golf course can help the average person burn over 1,000 calories. Better yet, rather than focusing on exercise, you're burning them while focusing on having fun!
Playing golf is excellent exercise for the body
The health benefits of golf extend beyond walking. The moves involved can help exercise your stiff muscle groups such as your back, legs, arms, chest, abs, and shoulders (via Deemples). Additionally, the hilly makeup of a golf course adds even more variety to the movement, further working those muscles.
As a golfer, you might also be pulling extra weight around. You're likely carrying your clubs with you throughout the course, which requires some pulling and may further aid you in staying fit and toned.
One of the best parts of playing golf is the open space. The warm morning sun is also great for the body as it can be a good source of vitamin D. The fresh air can be a refreshing change if you are used to working in closed spaces. A weekly trip to the golf course could indeed do wonders for your mental health, as fresh air and vitamin D are known to boost serotonin and endorphin levels (via Environmental Health Perspectives). With those happy hormones in place, there's nothing that's going to hold you back!
If you are looking for a fun way to spend the afternoon without overexerting yourself, consider golf as a great way to kill the time while also keeping your fitness in mind. Besides, it also gives you the luxury of time to focus on friendly conversation, unlike a lot of other sports that need you to be attentive throughout.