As golfers around the globe are aware, golf as a sport is essential for mental and physical stimulation. Golf remains a highly demanding sport that affects many. When golfing outdoors, you are moving around and walking covering many kilometers for several hours. This shows that as an individual you are fully utilizing your brain to face the mental challenges that lie ahead. Some of the challenges faced by golfers include the anecdotal and scientific sources on how good the game affects your body and mind. Briefly described are health benefits of playing golf.
Health benefits of playing golf
Good for the heart
Any physical activity that increases the body metabolic rate and keeps the heart pumping is good for your heart. This can be simply walking while swinging your hands. When frequently done, the chances of suffering from a stroke or diabetes is really reduced. There are positive effects arising from reduced blood pressure and cholesterol levels. This can be achieved through a combination of a healthy diet and lifestyle to accompany it.
Stimulation of the brain
Talking regular daily walks can strengthen the brains memory circuits. Leading researchers at the Alzheimer’s society consider jogs or walks across the golf course as physical fitness activities that are a great way of stimulating your heart rate. This results into a healthy brain. By maintaining an active heart rate, you are ensuring that your brain remains healthy and delivers a strong supply of blood that is essential in providing better functionality now and in future.
Loss in weight
It takes roughly 10000 steps per day to shed off some weight. Taking an 18-hole circuit across the golf course easily exceeds this number. When walking, you do not get the opportunity to use a golf cart. A study conducted by the NGF found that male golfers lay off 2500kCal when playing an 18-hole circuit. The female players burn 1500kCal.
Reduces your stress levels
People derive a great deal of pleasure when walking out in the fresh air and socializing openly. At this point, there is an increased mental challenge that involves golf releasing endorphins. These are natural chemicals that act as mood enhancers within the brain. They get the person relaxed and happy.
Better sleep
Regular exercise outdoors when surrounded by fresh air is a great combination for good sleep. As you walk about the golf course, you are giving your body great workout. Exercising regularly ensures the individual sleeps faster and remains in the slumber state much longer. Sleep helps the body muscles repair and relax.
Low cases of injury
Golf is one of the best low-impact activity workout examples. That is probably why it remains very popular among the elderly. This form of workout is great for them as there is an almost nil chance of incurring injury. The exercise also takes place on a soft gently rolling surface.
Conclusion
The health benefits of playing golf are incredible. The positive effect on the players seems to extend way beyond the physical aspects. It has been proven that is great for a person’s physiological wellbeing too.