Are you considering taking up golf and wondering if there are any tangible benefits to look forward to?
There’s a good reason that more than 24 million Americans play golf — it’s because the benefits include improved fitness, better mental alertness, and reduced stress and anxiety. Not to mention the fun you’ll have!
Want more details on how something as simple as taking up golf could improve multiple areas of your life, mental and physical?
Keep reading to find out more about the surprising health benefits of playing golf.
1. Improved Physical Fitness
Golf is a great form of low-impact physical exercise which means that it gets your blood pumping to improve heart health, without too much risk of injury.
The calories burned while playing golf can help you battle obesity, and reaching a healthy weight will improve your cholesterol, blood pressure, and more. Even a short game of golf is a lot better than sitting down all day.
We all know that lugging heavy golf bags feels like a pretty great workout, and the science is there to prove it.
Since golf is a fairly gentle sport, it’s great for getting back into physical activity after an injury or period of illness. It’s also an excellent option as you get older and start to struggle with high-impact activities.
2. Better Mental Alertness
The health benefits of golf aren’t just physical — playing the game offers some surprising mental benefits, too.
The concentration required to get a good score helps stimulate your brain and boost mental alertness. Think of it as a form of brain training, but out in the fresh air instead of inside on a screen.
Keeping your brain healthy is smart no matter how old you are, and will continue to benefit you as you age.
3. Reduced Stress and Anxiety
Ever go and play golf because you’re struggling with stress?
We’ve all been there — the combination of physical movement, mental activity, and positive social interaction make golf a great stress buster, and it can even help with long-term issues like depression and anxiety.
Being out in a pleasant green space helps produce endorphins that make you feel good, and the sense of achievement you get from playing well can boost your self-esteem.
The game is also a great way to make new friends, helping combat loneliness and social isolation.
If you’re struggling with a mental health issue or just feel overwhelmed by stressors, taking some time out to play a few rounds of golf is a smart move.
Why Learn About the Health Benefits of Playing Golf?
As with any sport, it’s possible to lose motivation to play regularly if you’re not sure what you’re getting out of it. You can also take advantage of best golf training aids to improve your game and skill and fitness as well.
Knowing about the specific health benefits of playing golf gives you a good reason to call up your golfing buddies and hit the course, even if you’re not totally feeling it. Once you’re done playing, you’ll be glad you did.
Want to know more about how different sports benefit your health? Check out the rest of our blog posts today.