The Health Benefits of Playing Golf
By Sam Petragnani
This article details how golfing can lower the risk of heart disease and make you happier.
Improves heart health
Golfing 18 holes can cover up to 4-7 miles, 10,000-12,000 steps, raising your heart rate to improve your circulation and lower blood pressure. This form of cardio lowers the risk of cardiovascular diseases and diabetes, and strengthens your cardiovascular system. Golf is known to help people who are battling cardiac and stroke rehabilitation. It also improves lung function.
Increases longevity
A study of over 30,000 golfers stated that they lived an extra five years longer than those who did not play golf, regardless of age, gender, or economic status. Another study on the same topic came to the result that golfers had a 40% lower mortality rate than those who did not play the sport.
Improves strength and flexibility
From the backswing to the downswing, golf involves muscles across your whole body. It improves your flexibility, coordination, and overall strength. Also, it is a low-impact sport, so you can pick up the sport at any age!
Helps you lose weight
Walking the course with your bag on your shoulder or using a push cart, navigating uneven terrain around the course, and just swinging the club contributes to burning calories. Walking an 18 hole round burns approximately 1,500 calories!
Relieves stress and anxiety
Walking through scenic landscapes, focusing on the pace of the game, and breathing in the fresh air on a nice day helps reduce anxiety and stress. Golf challenges you to concentrate on one thing: your next shot. You don’t want to get ahead of yourself and lose control. The sports calm pace encourages mindfulness - be in the present and appreciate the moment.
**Please keep in mind that Sam is not an expert and these are suggestions based on research. Please take the suggestions with a grain of salt and to your own discretion.**
-By Sam Petragnani, Dreissig Apparel Inc. Marketing Intern