Why Golf is Great Exercise

 Many people do not view golf as exercise. We think of golf as involving people riding around on carts and occasionally swinging a club. In reality, there is much more movement and activity involved in the sport. Even with a cart, an individual can receive health benefits from playing golf. Obviously, playing without a cart produces the most exercise from the game. Here are a few fitness facts about golf that classify it as true exercise.

Walking
Without a cart, there is a tremendous amount of walking involved in golf. This provides an incredible cardiovascular workout. Walking is a popular form of exercise. Golfers simply do it on the golf course and enjoy the beautiful scenery while walking.

Strength
Swinging a club does not produce much strength training for your body. However, carrying your golf bag around the course does improve upper body strength. Typically, a golf course has hills and valleys. As discussed above, walking provides exercise and the more challenging golf course terrain offers some extra strength training for your lower back and legs. Carrying your gear Is a perfect way to Strengthen your upper body.

Core
Golf requires a great deal of balance. Practicing balance strengthens the core of your body.This primarily includes the muscles of your lower back and abdomen.

Focus
While concentration may not exercise your body, it is great for your mind. Golf demands intense focus and concentration. It exercises your brain as much as it does your body. Mental health is often just as important as physical health. They are both essential parts of living a healthy, happy life.

These are just a few of the significant ways in which golf is, in fact, a great way to exercise. So, the next time someone tells you that golf is not exercise, simply point out these quick facts above.