Hit the Green! 13 Physical and Mental Health Benefits of Golf
More people are trying new hobbies than ever, but where do you begin with choosing a new hobby? It is important to pick an activity you enjoy that is also beneficial to your mental and physical health. Have you considered golf?
Golf is a club-and-ball sport with plenty of courses to explore worldwide. And it is not just a professional sport, but also the perfect sport to take up as a hobby. Many people will have experienced mini-golf, but did you know there are many health benefits of golf too?
There are over 24 million golfers in the US, and that number continues to grow as more people discover the many golfing benefits. If you are interested in golf, read on. Here are the top physical and mental health benefits of playing golf.
1. Cardio Workout
Golf offers a great cardio workout, as you end up walking several miles during a standard 18-hole game. And because you are focused on the game and have rest stops at each hole, you often do not notice the distance while playing golf.
You might not notice the distance, but you will still reap the benefits of the cardio workout. Some of the health benefits of walking include:
- Maintains a healthy weight
- Improves stamina
- Prevents and manages certain health conditions
You will walk many steps while playing golf, which helps burn calories and keep off extra weight. Cardio workouts such as walking prevent health conditions such as stroke, high blood pressure, and type 2 diabetes. A regular cardio workout also helps boost immune function.
2. Increase Strength
While perfecting your golf swing, you will also improve your muscle strength. Many muscles are involved in your golf swing, including the gluteus Maximus (glutes), hamstrings, the pectoralis major (pec muscle), lat muscles, and the core.
It is essential to get guidance on your swing and posture while playing golf, so you avoid injury and can continue to enjoy your new hobby. Also, be sure to warm up and cool down to help muscle recovery.
You also will increase your strength in different ways, such as carrying your golf bag. If you enjoy playing golf, you will likely be motivated to improve your strength off the golf course, too, such as through home strength workouts.
Be sure to pick the right golf club and golf gear to help you reap the health benefits of golf; otherwise, you could end up not enjoying the game or even acquiring injuries. You want safe equipment that assists your game. Check out Golf Gear Lab for buying guides and reviews.
3. Flexibility and Balance
When playing golf, you have to work on your balance to improve accuracy, especially for approach shots on the green. Balance is vital from the address to the finish position of a golf swing, and it is vital for good health.
Good balance reduces pain and the chance of injury. You will feel steadier on your feet and have more self-awareness of your body. Studies have also found that balance is a key predictor of longer life.
Golf also requires flexibility, especially during the golf swing, as you turn your shoulders over your hips. If you commit to stretching and consistently playing golf, you will notice improved flexibility, which will help in all areas of your life.
4. Weight Loss
One of the health benefits of golfing is weight loss. As golf is a cardio and strength workout, you will also burn calories. You can lose body fat and maintain a healthy weight, especially if you combine golfing with a healthy lifestyle, such as eating healthily.
If you pick a more extensive course or a course with different terrains and hills, you will burn more calories. However, even compact and flat courses can help you keep those extra pounds off.
5. Heart Health
Golfing can also improve your cardiovascular health, as it is a great aerobic activity that gets your circulation flowing. It also helps lower your blood pressure, weight, and cholesterol, which are all risk factors for heart issues. Thanks to the many mental health benefits of playing golf, you also keep your heart healthy.
6. Dose of Vitamin D
Playing golf outside gives you a daily dose of vitamin D. All humans need a certain amount of vitamin D. Vitamin D helps regulate phosphate and calcium in your body, which helps keep your muscles, bones, and teeth healthy.
Vitamin D also has other functions, such as fighting diseases, supporting immune health, and reducing the chance of severe illness. Be sure to wear sunscreen and a hat to protect your skin while playing golf.
7. Low-impact
So, is golf good for your health as an older adult? The answer is yes! One of the top physical health benefits of golf is that it is low-impact, making it accessible to more people.
Low-impact sports also have less risk of injury, such as mobility-related injury. You require less recovery time, so you can consistently benefit from golf. Plus, lower impact sports often help alignment and better technique, as you can focus on form.
8. Better Sleep
You will not reap the benefits of a healthy lifestyle if you are not sleeping. More than 50 million US adults struggle with different sleep disorders, and 70% of US adults report getting insufficient sleep at least once a month.
The good news is that golf can improve your sleep routine. Exercising helps improve your quality of sleep and, as a result, your mental health. It can help reduce sleep onset and alleviate fatigue during the day.
9. Social Interaction
One of the top mental health benefits of playing golf is that it is a social sport. Yes, you do get time by yourself, but the social side of golf makes it appealing to many people. You have opportunities to join golf clubs, play with friends, or even strike up a conversation with your caddy.
Sharing your love for golf is also a great conversation starter that breaks the ice. The regular social interaction golf offers will help boost your social skills, self-esteem, and overall mental health. After all, positive social interactions help foster connection, making you feel happier and supported.
10. Time Outdoors
Many people live in societies disconnected from nature. As humans, the connection to nature is essential for mental and physical wellbeing. Golf allows you to spend time outdoors and enjoy the health benefits.
Spending time outdoors benefits your mental and physical health in different ways, including:
- Access to fresh air
- Offering time out
- Reducing feelings of loneliness
- Reducing feelings of anxiety and low mood
Taking time out from commitments allows you to switch off and focus on the present moment, which offers similar benefits to moving meditation. Plus, you will be able to breathe in the fresh air, which aids your health in various ways. Countless studies have found mental health benefits of spending time in nature, including nature’s ability to relieve depression and anxiety.
11. Concentration and Memory
Golf has been found to improve concentration and memory, even in people who have memory complaints. When playing golf, you stimulate different brain areas, including the cerebellum, which is responsible for coordination. The memory rehearsal and focus needed in golf is also an excellent brain workout.
12. Healthy Competition
Competition can be positive or negative, but golf can promote healthy competition. Healthy competition helps improve motivation to keep improving your game, which will mean you take more actions to maintain your mental and physical wellbeing.
Golf also allows you to set goals and challenge yourself, as there is always room for improvement. It is an excellent way to improve your skills consistently, but you can also enjoy the game without pressure or keeping score.
13. Reduce Stress
Stress is an epidemic in most societies, where it can be hard to stop for long enough to address triggers and causes of stress. In the US, stress continues to rise due to world events, personal struggles, and societal pressures.
Chronic stress can lead to many problematic health issues, including high blood pressure, fatigue, heart problems, and skin conditions. Stress can also cause mental health conditions and lead to a shorter life.
It can be conflicting to partake in hobbies and activities you enjoy during times of suffering in the world. But if you cannot look after yourself, you will not be able to look after others. It is essential to take time out to focus on the present moment and take a deep breath.
Golf offers you a chance to slow down and channel your energy into the game. The exercise will also release endorphins, which can help lift mood and calm the mind.
Enjoy the Health Benefits of Golf
There are a surprising amount of physical and mental health benefits of golf, which makes it the perfect hobby for many people. You will discover how it can benefit your life once you start playing. Start by getting some golf lessons to work on the basics of playing golf, or you can visit your local driving range to practice your swing.
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