5 Reasons Why Golf Is Good for Your Health
According to the latest research, playing golf gives all round health benefits. Over 5,000 studies confirm that this sport benefits people of all ages. It not only keeps you fit and relieves stress but it may also increase your lifespan. Furthermore, it can dramatically lower your risk of stroke, heart disease, diabetes, dementia, and even cancer.
But how exactly does this sport benefit your health? Here are five reasons to start playing golf – or do it more often if you’re already a player:
Increased Core Strength
A strong core translates into enhanced exercise performance and improved posture. The muscles in your core region help with everyday activities, such as walking, running, squatting, and bending over. If they are weak, your risk of injury increases.
In this sport, you’re using your core muscles to produce force to hit the ball and hold your body in a stable position. This makes them stronger and boosts your overall fitness.
Improved Balance and Coordination
Golf requires a lot of balance and strong coordination skills. The more you practice, the better you’ll get. It’s an exciting form of balance training that benefits your joints, muscles, and overall health. In the long run, it helps prevent falls and improves functional fitness.
Stress Relief
When you’re playing golf outdoors surrounded by breathtaking sights, nothing else matters. You feel calm and forget about your daily worries. Some people say that golf is just as relaxing and uplifting as meditation.
All types of exercise relieve stress and anxiety to some extent. By increasing dopamine and endorphin levels in the brain, physical activity supports mental health and brings inner peace.
Golf is particularly beneficial because it allows you spend more time outdoors and soak up vitamin D from the sun.
Stay Fit
With all the walking, swinging, and carrying involved, golf players can burn a whopping 1,000 calories per game. Even though this sport is less intense than football, soccer, or swimming, it still raises your heart rate and melts fat away.
Keep Your Brain Sharp
Playing golf regularly is a great way to keep your brain sharp and boost your mental alertness. Totting up scores, weighing up the risks of a shot, and choosing the best angle for hitting the ball require mental acuity. These activities improve your reaction time, coordination, and focus.
Before getting started, consult a physiotherapist or a PT. They will assess your fitness levels and show you how to stay safe and get in shape for optimal golf performance.