Golf is one of the most popular sports in the world, and for very good reason. Not only is it a fun game to play, but it is also a sporting activity that people of any age can easily take part in. There are many amazing health benefits to playing golf, and below we are going to take a look at some of the major ones.
It Gets You into the Fresh Air and Sun
Golf is obviously an activity that will get you spending plenty of hours outside, which is beneficial in a number of ways. Fresh air has been proven to help everything from your blood pressure to your heart rate to your digestive health. Those who spend more time outside have a lower risk of developing chronic health issues. Furthermore, spending time in the sun is necessary as it provides your body with the vitamin D that it needs. Vitamin D will help to improve your immune system. However, please remember to wear sunblock as you will be quite surprised at how much you can be exposed to the sun when enjoying a round of golf. Furthermore, most golf courses have been created in picturesque areas, and being out and about in nature has been shown to decrease anxiety and improve concentration.
It Is a Social Sport
Do not get into the habit of believing that golf is an individual sport. It is a social game, and it is this social side of golf that makes it appealing to so many people. Whether it is your fellow player or caddy, you should try your best to make the most of the fact that you have the same interests by speaking to each other. Having someone to enjoy a beer with after the final hole will not be the only benefit to be being friendly. It has been proven that playing sports with others helps to improve social skills, self-esteem, and boost your overall mental health.
It Can Improve Your Concentration Levels
Golf is a game that teaches focus, accuracy, and concentration. It is also a game that encourages creative thinking as you need to try and visualise where your shot will go and how far the ball will travel. Having good hand-eye coordination is something that is vital in golf. It is a fairly active hobby, so your circulatory system will be put to good use as you make your way around the course. This means that more blood will be pumped to brain, meaning that you will be able to concentrate and think better. It has been proven that repeating the golf club swing action improves muscle memory, while visualising your shots give you an improved sense of depth and distance.
It Can Help You Lose Weight
You do not use up a lot of energy when playing golf, but this does not mean that it cannot help you to lose weight. When you are playing, you might not feel like you are having an intense workout, but the putting and swinging, plus walking to the different holes all add up. You are always on the move when playing golf. This constant movement keeps your heart rate high and at a great level for burning calories. The average 18-hole golf course is 3.5 miles long, so you will definitely get close to your recommended 10,000 steps a day when you take to the golf course.
It Will Help You Sleep Better
The combination of fresh air, exercise, and natural light all combine to help you sleep better after a game of golf. It might seem like a low intensity activity while partaking in this game, but as we mentioned above it is actually quite a rigorous activity. The effect that golf has on the quality of your sleep will make you into a better golfer. Studies have proven that sleeping well is something that will eventually decrease your handicap. Those golfers who have had trouble sleeping because of conditions such as sleep apnea found that they played better when they managed to get a good night’s rest.