Top 10 Health Benefits Of Playing Golf

Golf as a sport may not be appealing to many. But its demand is increasing as many people are getting acquainted with the health benefits associated.

Golf is played by millions of seniors globally.

In old age, this sport can engage one to gain a range of physical, mental and social benefits and is a very mild intensity sport. Hence this article strives to provide a closer look at the health benefits the sport provides:

Means of acquiring physical fitness

Every sport has the main aim of ensuring the physical fitness of the individual. Golf specifically provides a good amount of physical activity, such as walking, carrying one’s bag, and swinging.

However, these activities also contribute to the physical fitness of the individual and provide instances of physical exercise. This increases one’s heart rate and blood flow and ensures a healthy heart rate, enhanced brain simulations, and improved balance.

Mental well being

Golfing is very good for the psyche as well as requires lot of concentration and patience. It keeps the mind alert and provides great mental health and stability. Golf as a sport helps one develop more patience and mental focus and as can build one’s concentration and cognitive functions.

Reducing stress and anxiety

The game provides for great relaxation of the body overall. It does wonders in improving the flow of endorphin and serotonin levels in the body leading to lowering the levels of stress and anxiety.

Weighing up the risk/reward elements of a particular shot, keeping up with scores and the other various components of the game all require a sharp mind and alertness.

A social event

Playing golf also has a great social element in it providing a meeting around the people and exchange their own personal views and takes on various issues.

It also gives an opportunity for the players to meet new players with different skill levels with regard to the sport. It provides a great means of interaction between family and friends.

Provides means of weight loss

Weight loss can be one of the most attractive benefits of this sport as nowadays everyone is concerned about making themselves slim and trim in shape.

A full, 18 hole round of the golf involves a walk of around 5-6 miles which results in the shredding of around 1,500 calories in the process and even more sometimes. 

Longer life

A Swedish study revealed that golfers live longer by an average of five years. The correlation between longevity and golf is quite evident regardless of the background.

Brain simulation

Walking the golf course also has a positive impact on the brain and it maintains a consistent blood supply to the brain and reduces the risk of dementia and other cognitive diseases. It also improves hand-eye coordination in the process.

Physical exercise

Along with the amount of walking involved, the golf swing in itself is great for providing a full-body workout. It is a good exercise of arms, legs, back and abdomen along with other parts.

Low impact

Golf is a very low impact sport and as a result, the joints are not subjected to the strains of more energetic activities like one engaging in tennis and running may experience.

Muscles power can be strengthened

Although muscle building is something to excite the youth, this is an area of concern for the seniors as well. The muscle strength should be maintained for all age groups and is an important area to look after.

Wrap Up

Take appropriate lessons to learn proper techniques and prevent possible injuries

A light walk and stretching routine must be followed. A bit of warm-up and stretching especially of shoulders, back and arms is necessary to loosen up the stiff body and tissues.

Rent the required equipment. This should be done before purchasing the actual equipment as one should get comfortable and used to it and see if it fits well. Once he/ she feels that they are enjoying sport one is free to purchase the required equipment. Choose the best driver for beginners. 

One should remember to avoid the sun’s peak hours and wear light clothes, sun protection cream, sunglasses, and a hat.