Golf offers you the opportunity to gain a more holistic sense of health while having fun in the process. While this pastime may not seem like the conventional route toward better health, it comes with many benefits for both body and mind.
5 ways golf can lead to a healthier lifestyle
Let’s delve into five ways this casual activity can help you live more healthily:
It reduces the risk of heart-related disease
Golf is an easy exercise that can get your heart rate up. While it doesn’t involve vigorous running, you will have to do a lot of walking from hole to hole. On an average round, you’ll cover around 6 miles, amounting to more than 12,000 steps. That surpasses the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) daily step recommendation of 10,000.
As tempting as it may be to cruise around the course in a buggy, it won’t do your heart any good. Instead, get up and walk—it’s an easy way to get cardio without straining yourself too much. By incorporating golf into your fitness routine, you can reduce the risk of diseases, such as stroke, heart attack, and heart failure.
Don’t forget to dress the part! Ill-fitting clothing can increase the risk of joint-related injuries. It’s crucial to choose golf wear that won’t restrict your swing and hinder you from walking around the course. By wearing clothes designed for golf, you’ll feel more comfortable, allowing you to complete all 18 holes, and ultimately, fully reap the game’s health benefits.
It improves balance
It might not seem like it, but golf is a total ab workout. This is because you must be able to maintain proper form and stability to send the ball in the desired direction. Doing this daily can engage certain muscle groups, such as your core and upper body, leading to a better sense of balance.
The balance benefits gained from golf will extend well into your golden years. It can improve your future self’s quality of life by mitigating the risk of falls, fractures, and other age-related problems.
Make sure to warm up! Warming up not only allows for a more fluid swing, but also prevents issues such as hip pain, muscle strain, and more. When you roll up to the course, take a few minutes to do some simple stretches such as core twists. That way, you can have an enjoyable and injury-free round of golf.
It’s a chance to socialize
Holistic health goes beyond the body—it encompasses a person’s mental state, too. To strengthen your mental health, you need to maintain social connections. And what better way to do this than by playing the most social sport out there?
From the 1st to the 18th hole, golf provides plenty of opportunities for socializing. As you wait for your turn to tee up, you’ll inevitably converse with friends on various topics, whether golf-related or not. Even strangers who watch you play won’t hesitate to offer advice on your swing, form, and more.
Mingling doesn’t end at the last hole, either. When the round wraps up, most golfers will head to the “19th hole”, AKA post-game dining and drinks at the clubhouse. It becomes a hub for sharing stories of the day’s victories and potentially meeting new golfing buddies.
It eases stress
Chronic stress can lead to elevated cortisol levels, aptly nicknamed the stress hormone. To address this, it’s crucial to incorporate daily exercises into your routine. While golf may be a moderate form of exercise, it can still ease your stress by lowering your cortisol count. In addition, it instructs your body to release chemicals that boost your mood.
Furthermore, the simple act of immersing yourself in greenery (only if you play outdoor golf, of course) can contribute to relaxation. Even just a few minutes of exposing yourself to nature can offer stress relief, making golf an effective mental escape.
It helps you sleep more soundly
If you’re struggling to get a good night’s rest, why not play golf? Incorporating this exercise into your wellness routine not only benefits your body, but your sleep quality, as well.
Exposure to the sun plays a crucial role in regulating the body’s clock or circadian rhythm. Each day, this rhythm needs to be reset so that the body maintains the ideal sleep-wake pattern within a 24-hour period. By spending some time on the sunny course, you give your body enough sunlight so it can smoothly transition into sleep mode at night.
Additionally, the act of exercising itself can enhance your sleep experience. According to the Sleep Foundation, moderate exercise can reduce the time it takes for someone to fall asleep. By playing golf, you’ll no longer have to lay in bed, wondering when (or if) you’ll get some shut-eye.
Hit a health hole-in-one
If you’re seeking ways to improve your health, hit the links! It may be a leisurely sport but don’t underestimate it. Golf can enhance your overall health while allowing you to have fun on the green.
