Golf is often considered a leisurely sport, where players slowly walk around a course and hit a small ball into a hole. However, despite its reputation, golf is actually an excellent form of exercise that can benefit both physical and mental health. In fact, numerous studies have shown that golf can provide a moderate to high level of physical activity and can even improve overall fitness.
Physical Health Benefits of Golf
There are a number of physical health benefits that can come with playing golf which may come as a surprise to some. Not only does the sport burn calories but it also offers a full body workout, making golf a highly beneficial sport.
Burns Calories.
One study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine found that playing 18 holes of golf can provide players with an average of 11,947 steps and burn an average of 1,442 calories. This is comparable to walking almost 7 miles and performing moderate to high-intensity exercise! Another study by the University of Edinburgh found that golfers who walked the course while carrying their own bags burnt an average of 721 calories during a nine-hole round, which is equivalent to an hour-long aerobics class.
Provides A Full-Body Workout.
In addition to burning calories and increasing step counts, golf also provides a great full-body workout. Players use a variety of muscles, including those in their arms, shoulders, back, and legs, as well as their core muscles when they swing the club and walk the course. This can help improve overall muscle strength and endurance, leading to better physical fitness.
Mental Health Benefits of Golf
Physical health benefits and mental health benefits often go hand-in-hand, and golf is no exception and is often used as a great team building activity. A study by the Karolinska Insitutet in Sweden found that golfers have a lower risk of anxiety and depression compared to non-golfers. The study also found that golfers reported higher levels of self-esteem, overall life satisfaction, and happiness. Additionally, golf is often played outdoors, which can provide players with exposure to natural light and fresh air, both of which have been linked to improved mood and mental health.
Can I Play Golf Without Joining a Golf Club?
Joining a golf club can be quite an expensive investment, especially if you’re just starting out with the sport and aren’t sure whether it’s your thing yet. Fortunately, there are places you can go to enjoy all the benefits of playing golf for a much lower price, with the most popular being Topgolf. It is also suitable for children of nursery age, teenagers and even pensioners. Golf overall is a great sport than anyone can partake in.
What Is Topgolf?
One company that has capitalised on the popularity of golf as a form of exercise and entertainment is Topgolf, eliminating the need to join a golf club for those looking to hit a few balls. Topgolf has combined elements of golf and socialising to create a unique experience for players of all skill levels. The company has 60 locations worldwide, each featuring climate-controlled hitting bays, a full-service restaurant and bar, and numerous televisions for guests to watch sports and other entertainment
What Activities Do Topgolf Offer?
While Topgolf is a popular destination for those simply looking to improve their golf skills, the company also offers a variety of games and challenges for players to participate in, including target-based games and long drive competitions. Additionally, Topgolf offers group fitness classes, such as yoga and cardio, if you’re looking to add some extra physical activity to your golf experience.
Topgolf also allows you to rent out entire bays, making it a popular destination for corporate events and team building activities. By playing golf, employees are provided with a unique and fun experience outside of the traditional office setting, which can help boost employee morale and provide a fun and engaging way for colleagues to interact with one another.
Whether you’re looking for a good workout, to socialise, or build a rapport with your co-workers, Topgolf is the place for you!
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