Hello everyone. Today’s article is a guest post from Emma Barnes who is writing on behalf of 3D Golf.
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The New Year is here and people throughout the UK are looking for quick-fix ways to lose weight and get in shape following the excess of Christmas. Some sign up at their local gym, some pledge to actually go on a more regular basis having been a member for some time, some start fad diets and some pledge to give up alcohol or smoking for good.
Have you considered, though, taking up a new sport? If so, how about giving golf a go? If you’re a newcomer to golf then the great thing is that you’re never too old to give it a try which cannot always be said for other sports and if you enjoy it then it opens up the possibility of taking golf holidays abroad to all manner of far-flung destinations. Bringing together sport and travel is always enjoyable.
Playing golf is ideal if you want to ease yourself into an exercise regime because it’s not too gruelling physically and will also help to keep you mentally alert without being too taxing. The average 18-hole course can easily be over three miles long so playing a round or two once or twice a week means you’ll be clocking up the miles without really noticing and it’ll work and tone your calf and thigh muscles as well as improve your general stamina. This cardiovascular exercise will help to lower cholesterol and speed up your metabolism too.
Fresh air will also do wonders for your physical and mental wellbeing and this will probably appeal if you don’t fancy being cooped up in a stuffy gym and if you want to get away from all the stresses and strains of everyday life. You’ll also sleep soundly after a couple of hours outside. The golf course can offer an oasis of calm either after work during the summer months when the evenings stay lighter for longer or at the end of another hectic week. When the weather improves and the sun comes out, exposure to sunlight while playing golf will ensure your body is exposed to a valuable source of vitamin D, although it’s obviously important to protect your skin and eyes from overexposure to direct sunlight.
Swinging and putting will enhance upper body strength and it’s worth having a lesson with an expert on posture to make sure when you’re making a shot that you’re doing it correctly as that’ll also have a positive impact on your core muscles. If you don’t have time to go and play a round after work then remember that an hour or two spent at the driving range can also work several key muscle groups.
It has been claimed in the past that playing a round of golf, providing you resist the urge to travel around via a golf buggy, can help to burn roughly 300 calories. That figure drops to 200 calories if you spend an hour at a driving range. While this is a relatively low figure when you compare and contrast with the impact of having a strenuous gym session, the health benefits of golf should not be understated. Then there’s the social side. Play with friends, work colleagues or with complete strangers.
As you can see, golf has countless benefits. So next time the weather is good, grab your golf clubs and get down to the golf course to take advantage of all the benefits this sport has to offer.