6 ways in which golf can improve your health.
Photo by Lo Sarno on Unsplash
Golf is not just a game for retirees and professional athletes who have been eliminated from the playoffs. It is a great game for people of all ages and can be extremely fun if you play with the right people. Most people don’t realize, but golf can also be good for your health and leave you feeling much better after a session. Here are some ways in which golf can improve your health.
Cardio
The first and most obvious benefit of golf is the amount of cardio that you are going to be getting in, especially if you are not using a golf cart. While it is not as rigorous as a sport such as hockey or basketball, for example, there is a lot more walking than people think.
Statistics have shown that on average a golfer travels about 6.6 miles during a round of 18. You might not think that you are walking that far, but each hole quickly adds up, especially if you have to walk around to find your ball. Keep your body and heart healthy with plenty of cardio that you can get from golf.
Improves your posture
You have to be careful with this one, as golf can cause back problems, or it can fix it. Take a look at your swing and your stance when approaching the ball. Is it correct? A good technique is one that will alleviate pressure on your body, not build it up. Take the time to correct your swing and ensure that everything is as smooth as possible. You can click here to see the added benefits of having a good grip on the club and proper footwork. Videotape yourself a few times and analyze your swings. By getting the right swing, your body will be thanking you for days to come.
Better vision
Most people don’t realize, but golf is a visual game that requires you to be extremely focused. You are hitting a white ball several hundred yards each time. You have to be able to track it through the air and watch it land so you know where to go. Not only that, but you have to have an eye for the hole, the surrounding disasters around it, and any change in slopes while putting. There are plenty of things that you have to notice when getting into golf and it will help keep your eyes strong for years to come.
Improves brain function and problem solving
Your brain evolves and betters itself through being stimulated. The more your brain is stimulated, the more you delay mental illnesses such as dementia or Alzheimers from setting in. While stimulating it through competition and increased heart rate is great, you can also stimulate it through problem-solving and analysis.
Golf is a game that requires plenty of thinking and planning in order to succeed. Every hole must have a strategy and a method to execute it. You have to be able to adapt and change as well if you do not execute well. Finally, you have to be able to read greens, see the slopes, and understand where you have to hit the ball in order for it to go into the hole. All of this increases brain function and activity, allowing you to keep your brain healthier for a longer time period.
Endless vitamin D
Golf is an outdoor sport and will always be one. Your body gets important vitamins while out in the sun along with getting a constant stream of fresh air. Scientists have already proven that increased time out in the sun when applying proper sun safety, will reduce the risk of certain cancers, heart diseases, and depression, while also helping you feel more relaxed.
Relieve stress
Stress is another huge factor that plays a role in our lives. People often downplay how stressed they are, but in reality, stress can have major health problems on our heart and on our life expectancy. Golf is one of those games that are meant for pure relaxation. It is just you, the golf course, and nature. While you can add competition to it, don’t let it take away the beautiful nature of the game itself. If you need to relax and de-stress, golf is the right game for you.
All of these are great reasons as to why you should get out onto the driving range, hit a few balls, then go play around. Be patient with golf as it is not a beginner-friendly game, but once you get started, however, you will find a great sport that you will love for the rest of your life. When do you plan on going golfing?