The health benefits of Golf !

Recent research[i] in the British Journal of Sports Medicine tells us that golf offers us a wide variety of health benefits.  Evidence suggests that golf is good for your physical and mental wellbeing.

WHO guidelines[ii] for health and wellbeing recommend at least 150 to 300 minutes of moderate aerobic activity per week for all adults. Moderate aerobic activity is an activity such as brisk walking or an activity that allows you to hold a conversation while exercising. Golf fits in well to this model of exercise. Golfers cover an average distance between 3 and 6 miles in an 18-hole game – of course this depends how far you deviate from the course 😊

In addition to the physical benefits research shows that playing golf boosts your mental health – being out in the open air is hugely beneficial[iii]while the social side of the game helps to make us feel connected to others. According to numerous studies a lack of social connection is a greater detriment to health than obesity, smoking and high blood pressure.[iv]

Other good news for the golfers among us it that a Swedish study found a 40% lower mortality rate amongst golfers, relative to non-golfers, this regardless of age or gender!

There’s a lot to be said about the benefits of golfing, it may contribute to an increase in life expectancy and improve your mental health. What are you waitng for? We advise you stretch before you play – especially the back, shoulders arms and groin muscles. Try some of these exercises and enjoy your round!

[i] The relationships between golf and health: a scoping review

[ii] WHO https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/physical-activity

[iii] https://www.apa.org/monitor/2020/04/nurtured-nature

[iv] The Connection Prescription: Using the Power of Social Interactions and the Deep Desire for Connectedness to Empower Health and Wellness

[i] The relationships between golf and health: a scoping review

[ii] WHO https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/physical-activity

[iii] https://www.apa.org/monitor/2020/04/nurtured-nature

[iv] The Connection Prescription: Using the Power of Social Interactions and the Deep Desire for Connectedness to Empower Health and Wellness