Golf undeniably holds a space in the realm of popular sports. The National Golf Foundation anticipated that by 2022, golf would be played by an estimated 41.1 million American individuals who are over six years old. That being said, for both frequent players and those contemplating starting to play golf, might have concerns regarding whether or not it is beneficial given its less intense pace as compared to other sporting activities.
However, studies indicate that partaking in golf can confer numerous health advantages regardless of your professional status in the sport. Interestingly, beginners spending extended hours on the field may potentially engage in more considerable physical action than experienced players. Let's delve into some potential rewards —and hazards— linked with playing golf.
Advantages to Your Health from Playing Golf
Golf is a versatile game that can be pursued by individuals of virtually all ages and stages. If you're considering taking out your golf clubs for a good game on the green, here are some potential health advantages you could obtain through engaging in this activity.
Enhances Cardiovascular Wellness
Active movement is paramount for health and playing golf ensures at least some physical activity. The benefits are even more pronounced for those who opt to walk the course. A certain study revealed that individuals with high step counts had a significantly reduced risk of heart disease amongst other chronic ailments.
A secondary study indicated that, especially in older adults, taking an extra 500 steps beyond the daily average of 3500 can potentially decrease their susceptibility to heart disease by up to 14%. Given that a full round of golf on an 18-hole course could involve walking anywhere between three to six miles, it's safe to say you'll be covering adequate ground.
Playing golf effectively stimulates your blood circulation and pulse rate according Josh York – certified fitness coach and founder & CEO at GYMGUYZ. He goes on add "Elevating your heartbeat lowers potential risk associated with cardiovascular ailments as well as other heart-related disorders."
However, it doesn't end solely at achieving your stepping objectives. Participating in Golf has many more effects beneficial towards promoting cardio wellness; according again to Mr.York. Apart from augmenting lung capabilities (which indirectly aids cardiac performance), teeing off also positively influences glucose levels in the bloodstream along with lipid markers - two major concerns regarding cardiopathy when left unchecked.
Encourages the Wellness of Joints
As time advances, stiffening in your joints might become a norm due to diminished cartilage and lubrication fluid. These aging symptoms can be exacerbated by indulging in a sedentary mode of living.
However, incorporating as little as an hour of physical activity into your weekly routine may mitigate the chances of suffering from mobility impairment linked to joint problems. Given that playing golf gets you moving for around two hours on average at each instance and covers nine holes - it proves sufficient scope for engaging every one of your joints – ranging from shoulders down to ankles.
Aids in Weight Regulation
Walking at a moderate pace is an effective approach to weight control. It contributes to reducing the thickness of visceral fat and waist size. Nevertheless, getting yourself motivated enough to walk simply for the sake of exercise can be challenging.
Playing golf offers a chance to cover quite some distance on foot, especially if you decide not to use the cart. Typically, playing through nine holes requires about two hours, while completing 18 holes may take upwards of four hours – time which you can spend primarily either walking or swinging your club.
If hiking up inclines or carrying your own bag are part of your golf game, you stand to elevate calorie burning even further – another plus point for weight regulation. As with all forms of fitness activities: regular practice and being consistent could lead gradually towards losing weight as you enjoy golfing games, says York.
Mood Enhancement
York suggests that golf can remarkably uplift your mood. He explains, "Being amidst nature and taking in fresh air has proven stress reduction benefits." Interestingly, researchers deduced from a study that an hour of walking outdoors is sufficient to shield against overstimulation and diminish anxiety levels.
Engaging in Golf offers splendid opportunities for social interaction and potentially improves sleep quality. An unhealthy sleeping pattern may negatively affect mental health, but evidence supports that daily walks - such as those you undertake while playing golf- enhance both the quality and length of sleep.
Decreases Hypertension
Hypertension can trigger various harmful outcomes. It might increase the probability of cardiac diseases, provoke angina pectoris, and cut down on your heart's oxygen and blood intake. Encouragingly, individuals who play golf are likely to experience lessened hypertension compared to those with a rather inactive lifestyle.
The physical endeavor linked with playing golf, particularly walking around the green course has some benefits.. Additionally, the upliftment in mood that comes from playing golf could also aid in alleviating hypertension- this is especially beneficial if stress serves as a catalyst for your high blood pressure.
Golfing Hazards
Just like all other sports, playing golf improperly can present certain dangers. Below is what you should be aware of concerning the potential perils linked with golf.
Harm
The most visible hazard in golf is, without a doubt, harm. But by adopting precautious measures you can reduce the probability of suffering from injuries. It's wise to gradually get used to the game due its repetitive actions that could potentially strain your muscles and joints.
While out on the field, maintaining an awareness about your environment is crucial which might include reckless driving of golf carts or stray balls. Also, if you ever feel discomfort or acquire an injury while playing golf, it would be best to put a halt immediately and carry out discussion with a health advisor.
Sunlight Exposure
Playing golf typically means spending a significant time in open spaces under the sky, which makes you susceptible to weather conditions. It's crucial to guard yourself against intense sunlight by applying sunblock, wearing suitable attire such as hats and long-sleeved shirts that shield your skin.
Besides, York offers advice against playing golf in extreme heat due to health-related risks associated with it. During hot days on the course, it will be advantageous to keep hydrated and seek shade whenever possible.
Dangerous Chemical Exposure
Certain golf courses might resort to hazardous materials like pesticides to maintain their perfect appearance. For individuals playing on these courses, minimizing exposure is advised— this can include washing hands prior to consuming food or beverages and limiting skin interaction with the grass as much as possible. Moreover, you might want to ensure that your golfing venue doesn't use such harmful substances on their turfs, adds York.
What Does Your Golfing Frequency Look Like?
Deciding how frequently you should golf for health reasons is quite subjective, as it primarily depends on your individual requirements and objectives. Usually, a simple hour of walking can be enough to yield positive health impacts and in most cases, golf sessions provide more than an hour's physical activity.
Nonetheless, it's crucial to bear in mind any potential risks such as overuse injuries. If you've got the free time and yearn for optimizing the health perks (alongside enjoyment), hitting the greens two or three times weekly is generally adequate for a lot of people.
Golf is highly favored due its low-impact exercise nature, opportunities it offers to enjoy outdoor socialization while involving full-body participation. While that's fantastic news, bear in mind that there are other sports with similar characteristics. You could explore alternatives like disc golf, frisbee golf, racquetball or even kickball.
Interestingly enough there are unconventional versions of playing golf too such as foot-golf which mixes soccer with golf elements; fling-golf; or cycling associated forms like 'golf-bike'. All these interesting variations use unique equipment and methods providing a twist to the traditional game style. Despite whichever modality one chooses however,golf stands out impressively as beneficial inclusion into anyone's workout routine.
