Whether you enjoy perfecting your putting stroke or powering up your swing, golf is a fantastic sport that offers numerous benefits for people of all ages. As we age, staying active becomes even more important, and golf provides a great way to do so while enjoying the outdoors. It’s a low-impact exercise that improves balance and mobility and increases overall physical activity.
Improve Fitness With Low-impact Activity
Golf combines walking, swinging, and even carrying a bag or pushing a cart, offering physical activity without excessive strain. According to the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), low-impact sports like golf can help maintain cardiovascular health and mobility.
Boost Balance and Flexibility
Playing golf involves movements that help maintain balance, coordination, and flexibility. The sport’s core-strengthening demands contribute to better stability and balance. Stretching before and after a game can further enhance flexibility and prevent stiffness, as noted in research by Kim et al. (2017). Incorporating these habits can keep your body agile as you age.
Enhance Cognitive and Mental Health
Golf is not only good for your body but also for your brain. The strategic planning, concentration, and problem-solving required during play help keep your mind sharp. Engaging in outdoor activities and social interactions on the course also reduces stress and boosts mood (Kaplan & Berman, 2014). Golf provides a holistic approach to maintaining mental and emotional wellbeing.
Build Social Connections
Another significant benefit of golf is its social aspect. Whether you’re playing with friends, joining a club, or participating in events, golf fosters social engagement, which is key to emotional health. Studies show that staying socially connected can prevent loneliness and enhance overall mental wellbeing (Teater, 2014).
Amplify Golf Benefits With Exercise
While golf itself offers great physical benefits, combining it with a structured exercise routine can amplify results. The CDC recommends balancing golf with strength training, flexibility exercises, and cardiovascular activities to boost endurance and power. This makes your time on the course more enjoyable and less physically demanding.
Movement Tips to Improve Your Golf Game
- Warm-Up and Stretch: Prevent injuries and improve your swing by warming up before you play (Kibler et al., 2014).
- Strength Training: Focus on core and balance exercises to support your golf performance and overall fitness (Kwon et al., 2019).
- Stay Hydrated and Eat Well: Proper nutrition and hydration are essential for maintaining health and peak performance (Jeukendrup, 2014).
- Consult a Professional: If you have specific health concerns, consult an Exercise Physiologist for a tailored approach (Woolf et al., 2016).
- Listen to Your Body: Avoid overexertion and know when to adjust your routine. If needed, seek advice from a health professional (Tiep et al., 2014).
Golf isn’t just a pastime; it’s a powerful way to stay physically active, mentally sharp, and socially connected as you age. Ready to improve your golf game? Our Exercise Physiologist, Jaz, at Vitality Semaphore, is here to help you reach your movement and golf goals.
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References
American College of Sports Medicine (2014) *ACSM’s Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription*. 9th edn. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
Aoyagi, Y. and Shephard, R.J. (2017) ‘Effects of Golf on Health Outcomes in Older Adults’, *Journal of Aging and Physical Activity*, 25(3), pp. 215-225.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2020) ‘Physical Activity Basics’. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/basics/index.htm (Accessed: 2 September 2024).
Donath, L., Kurz, M., and Mork, P. (2016) ‘Effects of Physical Activity on Balance and Fall Risk in Older Adults’, *Journal of Sports Sciences*, 34(4), pp. 354-361.
Jeukendrup, A.E. (2014) ‘Hydration and Performance’, *Journal of Sports Sciences*, 32(8), pp. 724-727.
Kaplan, S. and Berman, M.G. (2014) ‘Directed Attention as a Common Resource for Cognitive Functioning’, *Current Directions in Psychological Science*, 23(3), pp. 177-183.
Kibler, W.B., Leupold, J., and Csintalan, R. (2014) ‘The Role of Stretching in Preventing Sports Injuries’, *American Journal of Sports Medicine*, 42(6), pp. 1405-1411.
Kim, K., Kim, J., and Park, S. (2017) ‘Effects of Stretching Exercises on Flexibility and Muscle Strength in Older Adults’, *Journal of Exercise Rehabilitation*, 13(5), pp. 514-520.
Kwon, Y., Lee, D., and Kim, Y. (2019) ‘Effects of Strength Training on Golf Performance in Older Adults’, *Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research*, 33(12), pp. 3344-3352.
Teater, B. (2014) ‘The Role of Social Engagement in the Mental Health of Older Adults’, *Journal of Gerontological Social Work*, 57(3), pp. 265-278.
Woolf, A.D., Pfleger, B., and Klenerman, L. (2016) ‘Physical Activity and Health in Older Adults’, *British Journal of Sports Medicine*, 50(15), pp. 932-938.