If you’ve never played golf before, you may imagine it to be a slow and simple game, which mostly involves chatting with other golfers, riding around in a golf cart, and enjoying the scenery.
In reality, golf requires numerous skills, dedication, and physical fitness. This complicated game can take years to master. Thankfully, you don’t need to be a guru to enjoy the health benefits of golf.
It may come as a surprise, but golf is one of the most beneficial games for your health. The best part about it is that you can start playing at any age. While it doesn’t demand excessive exercise stress, it offers numerous health benefits for the regular player. Let’s take a look at some of them.
1. Losing Weight
Do you ever dream of losing weight? Everyone does occasionally. Meanwhile, standard cardio exercises are not appealing to the majority of people. This is especially true for older men and women, who are more prone to knee problems.
You can lose many calories while playing golf without putting too much stress on your body. Walking long distances while carrying some weights (clubs) can help you burn as many as 2,000 calories per game. Of course, taking advantage of the golf cart is a big “no-no”.
It’s also important to invest in comfortable professional golf shoes. Otherwise, this calorie-burning process can turn into a torture.
2. Getting Vitamin D
Did you know that vitamin D is extremely important for our health? The lack of this vitamin can lead to unfortunate consequences, such as bone problems. Many people don’t realize that they are lacking it.
Sunshine is a natural vitamin D source, which can help you feel healthier. If you don’t go outside too much, your body may not be getting sufficient sunshine. While you are playing a golf game, you are bound to soak in enough sun rays to improve your vitamin D levels.
Just make sure you wear a cap or a hat in order to protect your head from direct UV rays. Don’t forget about sunscreen as well.
3. Improving Vision
If your vision isn’t perfect, you probably wear glasses or contact lenses. Maybe you are contemplating an eye surgery. You can help improve your vision just by attending regular golf games.
While keeping your eyes away from the computer screen is an advantage all on its own, golf gives you excellent eye exercise. Eye muscles need training to improve your vision. You do just that by following the ball with your eyes. Meanwhile, focusing on close and remote objects alternately allows your muscles to strengthen.
4. Perfecting Heart Rate
Golfing improves your heart rate by keeping it up. Walking, swinging, running, and carrying clubs can keep your heart pumping and increase the blood flow. Such heart exercises reduce the risks of numerous heart diseases while keeping the bad cholesterol levels down.
The increased blood flow is also good for your brain. It stimulates nerve cells connections thus making your mind sharper and improving your memory.
5. Fighting Insomnia
Spending hours breathing fresh air and exercising is tiring. Many golfers report that once they start playing on a regular basis, their sleep becomes excellent. Those who had suffered from insomnia before fall asleep as soon as their head hits the pillow.
Deep sleep after golfing allows your body to regenerate cells and repair muscles and tissues.
Start playing golf today and enjoy the health benefits tomorrow.
