The game of golf has existed for nearly half a millennium and was born in the country of Scotland. Even back in the beginning days of the sport, players found that they reaped benefits on many different levels, all the while enjoying a great day on the greens. Golf isn’t a game of just hitting a ball and chasing it, there is a lot of thought and athleticism that goes into planning and playing.
In the game of golf you will find that as you walk the course you put many miles onto the soles of those shoes. Not to mention if you happen to take a cart around the greens, you still expend a lot of energy. Expending energy burns calories and when you burn calories you are creating a healthier you. The sheer concentration that goes into the sport can help your mental prowess as well. Then there’s the companionship factor as well as a good day out in nature.
Mental Matters
When playing golf and benefiting from its mental prowess you will find yourself making a great deal of mental calculations. For instance: “Alright, on the next hole I want to actually get the ball into the hole instead of the woods next to it.” Oh, sure, you had a great stroll into the forest admiring the trees and flora inside the shade on that sunny day, but that’s really not what you wanted to do for the game.
For a better time, take in all the positives of a bad shot rather than the negatives. This way your mind doesn’t bring you down into a place of depression, but rather you have the chance to remain joyful throughout the day. Positive thinking keeps your heart beat at a good rate, reduces stress and makes you calmer and more relaxed. Keep the fun in the game and it will spread into your daily life so that you can enjoy the benefits of mental golf on a more personal level.
Health Wealth
Since there is so much activity involved in playing a round of golf, there is a wealth of healthy benefits to gain from playing the sport. Nearly every category from organs to weight control can benefit you in your every day life.
Did you know that by playing a round of eight holes you have the probability of walking nearly three to five miles? The more you climb uphill or go downhill the more muscles you can work out. Walking itself is considered to be a low-impact activity that prolongs the health of your heart. “Oh, but my knees will hurt!” No they won’t, silly-willy. Doctors even tell us that walking is better than jogging because it doesn’t jar the knees nor the feet. To make this plan an even better one – walking in an exercise routine helps you lose weight.
Walking isn’t the only benny either. A full round of golf, on the right course, can give an individual enough exercise that is equivalent to a 45-minute class in fitness. Good cholesterol stands low and proud (Well, you don’t want high cholesterol do you?) When you walk the walk and carry the clubs you have the potential to burn away more than 400 calories and if you walk it and pull a cart, well then, you can actually burn more than 300 calories.
Flexibility can be gained in the simple swing of a club. By repetition, you have the ability to loosen your crammed up muscles and more flexibility equals a greater range of motion which allows for muscle toning. Trying to hit the ball at just the right spot with the club so that the ball lands in just the right spot requires tremendous hand and eye coordination as well as balance. If you’re older, this will help keep you young.
Comrades in Arms
OK, so there are all times in one’s life where we all want to be alone. However, generally speaking we like friendship and companionship. You can reap that golf benefit by enjoying the game with your pals. You can share a story or two or maybe even your favorite recipe or pay-of-the-day. How great could that be?
Mother Nature
Mother Nature will greet you with open arms when you come out on the course to play a round of 18-hole golf. The sweet, still air will waft along with you on your way around the greens as you take in the scents of smog-less days. The quiet serenity can only relax you. What do you have to lose when you come out in nature for the day?
As you can see, there is an abundance of benefits to playing golf. The Scots knew the golf benefits in the beginning and every player has made sure from that point forward that everyone knows what is to be gained. So, grab yourself some pals and clubs and head out to the greens for a nice day in the sun and you will be a happier, healthier you!