Hello Everyone. Today’s article is a guest post from Golf Online.
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If you asked many hard-core gym goers, if golf was a good way to get fit you may be met with a certain degree of scorn. While many gym users are switched on in terms of nutrition and the physiology of exercise, one of the reasons that many use the gym is to extract the most benefit from the least amount of time. Golf is an undeniably more sedate approach to exercise, however this does not mean that it is not a great way to maintain your health.
With the average length of a hole being between 100 to 600 yards, a 8 hole golf course can be as long as 6 miles. However, depending on how well you play, the distance that you walk on the course can be even greater. For those who tend to spend more time in the rough than on the green, you can take some consolation that you will be reaping more health benefits! However, research would suggest that women tend to have lower mileages across the course, as typically they have a less powerful swing, which in turn reduces spray and increases accuracy meaning less time wandering after the ball. It should be mentioned at this point that the use of golf buggies and flasks of liquor will dramatically reduce the health benefits of a game of golf. A post game trip to the club house can also serve as great way to pile back on the calories you just burned!
On Googling “how long does 18 holes take?” the big G instantly states around 4 hours (without considering the business of the course). So using the British Heart Foundation Calorie Calculator (using UK Avg male weight of 84 kg and UK Avg Female weight of 69 kg), we can estimate that the avg 30 year old male would burn 1613 calories and a female would burn 1325 calories (n.b this doesn’t take into account how badly you play). It would take only c.1 hour 45 mins to burn a similar amount maintain a medium (7.5 mph) on a treadmill. So in terms of pure calories burned, Golf will never be a big hitter.
Another great benefit of golf is the impact that it can have on your mental health. As with many forms of exercise, getting out of the home or work place can be enough to reset your state of mind and reduce the stresses of the week. Golf adds an extra element, in that it requires long periods of concentration and strategy formation in order to make the most of your game. This additional focus, means that your mind is actively directed away from everyday problems. Another great part of golf is the level of social engagement in the game (remembering not to hit the clubhouse to hard!), as games are usually played with one or more fellow players.
If you fancy taking up golf, then why not check out the great selection of golfing equipment on offer at Golf Online UK. We have everything you need to get started.