While we all know golf is officially considered a sport. But for a lot of people, it’s not really considered a proper one like soccer, basketball, tennis, etc, because you don’t look like you’ll break much of a sweat when you’re partaking in it. I mean, it’s not a sport of pecs and abs.
Lots of people see it as more of a leisurely pastime for older (and, dare we say it, less fit) rather than a proper workout. When we think about it, we think about rich old men playing it, cruising around on their buggies and having a drink at the clubhouse – spending more time gossiping or making business deals than burning calories. But it can actually be a lot more physically demanding than you’d think. In fact, if you play it regularly and in the right way, it can be pretty good for your fitness – your endurance, flexibility, strength and mental health.
It’s also getting a lot more popular – and not just for anyone looking for a social activity and fresh air. More people are also enjoying watching it, checking the latest golf tournament betting odds, and enjoying the action. It’s not just a weekend pastime for retirees looking for a break from their lives; it’s actually starting to appeal to a whole younger generation.
But is it a good way to stay fit? Well, that all depends on you…
A Lot of Walking!
It may not be sprinting around a 400m track, but there’s a lot of walking involved. A typical 18-hole round could end up seeing you walk between 4 and 6 miles, depending on the course. And it’s not just a gentle stroll in the park either – as there will often be hills, bunkers and uneven ground.
If you decide to walk rather than take a buggy, you could easily burn somewhere between 1,200 to 2,000 calories over the course of a full round- not too dissimilar to running a 10k, but just taking a bit longer. So it may be low-impact, but it’s still a very effective cardio workout. If you’re not a fan of high-intensity workouts at the gym (and, let’s face it, many aren’t), golf can be a pretty enjoyable alternative.
Strength and Flexibility
It might not seem like it, but the actual golf swing is quite a physically complex movement. You need to generate power through the drive – which needs excellent coordination of your legs, hips, core, and your whole upper body. Professional players have to train a lot in the gym to refine it – working on their balance, flexibility and rotational strength.
Even for the average golfer, you’ll still be engaging muscle groups you don’t normally use. Swinging the club works your shoulders, arms, and back, while just the act of carrying the clubs adds weight and resistance to your walk, which can be excellent for both muscle tone and endurance. Moreover, because of the rotational nature of golf, you need a wider range of motion than you might otherwise, which is really beneficial as you get older and your natural mobility is on the decline.
Mental Health
Fitness isn’t just about the physical. It’s also about the mental… and golf can be great for that too. According to studies, being outdoors and surrounded by green space is a great stress reducer… it lowers your blood pressure and can really improve your mood.
It’s also a game of focus and strategy, which can be an excellent mental workout. You have to read the greens, judge distances, and adjust your swings under pressure, which is an excellent brain workout in its own right. And it’s great for your social life as well… spending time with your friends – a bit of light competition, and forgetting about all the stress of real life.
Accessible to Everyone
And golf also stands out because, unlike other, more high-energy sports, it’s accessible to all different ages. With sports like soccer and running, it gets difficult as you wear away your joints or get injured. Whereas golf is a lot gentler in comparison, and it’s a sport you’re a lot more likely to be able to enjoy well into later life (without having to worry about knee and hip replacements to keep you going). Grandparents can play it with their grandkids – and everyone benefits!
But Fitness Gains Depend on Your Habits
Of course, those health benefits won’t come automatically. There are choices you have to make. Lots of players choose buggies over walking, eat high-calorie meals and drink alcohol afterwards, and play only now and then. If that’s the case, realistically, you won’t get that many health benefits from the game!
Also, golf was never designed to be a high-intensity sport – it’s moderate and paced. If you get off on sweat-inducing cardio workouts or weight-lifting strength-building, golf’s not going to be enough. It generally works best as part of a healthy lifestyle, along with other forms of exercise like swimming, cycling or yoga.
A Whole Different Kind of Fitness
So, to answer the question, ‘Is golf a good way to keep fit?’ Then the answer is a definite yes, it can be, but with a few caveats. You might not burn off those calories as quickly as you would running a half-marathon or build up your muscle like you would with a decent weight training program, but it’s great if you’re someone who prefers a more sustainable, low-impact, and enjoyable form of exercise – that doesn’t depend on you being young and fit with perfect joints.
There’s lots of walking, which is great for your cardio, swinging the club, which is good for your strength and flexibility, and, of course, the many mental health benefits that come with enjoying the great outdoors with your friends. Golf may not be the most intense fitness option out there, but it’s definitely one of the most sustainable!
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