Read 55 times since Sunday, February 07, 2010
To many observers, golf may seem to be a laid back sport with little health value but nothing could be further from the truth. Although not an aerobic sport by any means, golf offers you, as an avid player, a great deal of walking distance and a means to golf your way to better health.
Golf was initially invented as a leisurely activity to be played while walking the grassy expanses over the rolling hills of Scotland. In many ways, it has remained true to its roots with courses providing beautiful, yet challenging, landscapes to meander through while pursuing the little white ball. Walking, after all, is considered to be one of the healthiest means of overall exercise and walking outdoors amidst fresh air is even better. Golf provides a nice mix of long distance walking with upper body movement through swinging a club, also.
Numerous scientific studies are singing the praises of golfing exercise. Swedish researchers released that walking over an 18-hole course was equivalent to between 40 and 70 percent of an aerobic workout. Cardiologist Dr. Edward A. Palank revealed golfers who walked the course showed lower levels of damaging cholesterol while maintaining a steady level of the good.
Another study completed by the Rose Center for Health and Sports Sciences located in Denver, CO, showed that walking nine holes over hill and dell was equal to a 2.5 mile walk on even ground. Another conclusion of their study was that someone who walks 36 holes in a week will burn approximately 3,000 calories. Not too shabby for a leisurely stroll.
An excellent way to give a boost to the inner "Doubting Thomas" is to take along a pedometer and gauge the distance actually walked during the games. Most likely, it will be surprising to see the number of steps unknowingly taken while enjoying your favorite sport.
Of course, one of the downsides to golfing these days is the increased popularity in riding around the course in a golf cart. It's common sense to stay away from them if the full benefits of walking are desired. However, in cases such as having a heart condition or a partner who refuses to walk, one might be forced to travel at least partway in a cart. If so, there are still some things that can be done to increase the walk time during the game.
If elderly or with a heart condition, ride the cart from hole to hole but leave it on the path and walk to wherever the ball has landed. Another option is to walk for the first nine holes and then ride the second. If with a partner who loves the white chariots, opt to walk the fairway while they take the cart. In any case, search for ways to optimize the benefits of golfing your way to better health. Because he is enthusiastic about fitness, Darrin Tebbe of Bodytronics is glad to offer a good selection of Polar heart rate monitors and more fitness products through the company's e-commerce store. Please visit us today and check out all of our heart rate monitors and more.
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