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4 Reasons Why Golfing is More Exercise Than You Think

Fitday Editor
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Golfing is often thought of as a passive sport that does not require any real degree of fitness. In reality, golf incorporates cardiovascular exercise, strength training, and even balance and coordination. With all of these benefits, it's hard to say no to a game of golf.

1. Walking

One of the best parts of golf, from a fitness standpoint, is the high amount of cardiovascular activity that is involved in the sport. Think about it--most golf courses are spread over multiple acres of hilly ground. Therefore, walking across a golf course is a great way to improve your cardiovascular system. Cardiovascular exercise is thought of as biking, swimming or jogging. However, when you walk (and not ride in a golf cart) during your golf game, you are sure to get the same kinds of cardiovascular benefits.

2. Strength Training

Another reason why golfing consists of more exercise than you think is because of the high amounts of strength training that goes on during the game. Swinging a golf club, in and of itself, is not very difficult from a strength training point of view. However, as discussed above, golf courses typically have lots of hills and valleys. Walking up these hills is sure to work the quadriceps and hamstrings, which help to make up the muscles of the lower body. In addition, lifting your golf bag from the car to the course, and carrying it around the course with you all day, is a great way to get your upper body strength training in for the week.

3. Balance

One of the best types of exercise that you can get from golfing is an increase in your ability to balance your body. A high degree of balance is not only difficult to achieve, but is very important for a number of reasons. First, individuals who exhibit a great sense of balance often have a very strong core. Your core includes the abdominal muscles, as well as the muscles of the lower back and even the buttocks. These muscles work together to help prevent back pain, falls and a number of other dangerous occurrences. Whenever you get a chance to work on improving your balance, you should take it.

4. Concentration

Golf is a great way to exercise your body. However, as recent research has found, this is not the only type of exercise that your body needs. Exercising your brain is also very important not only for long life, but also for the prevention of brain degradation, which can result in memory loss. Golfing forces you to remember numbers, images, and even specific tips and techniques. Therefore, it is a great all-around way to exercise both body and mind.

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