Fed up of going to the gym every other day to keep fit and healthy? Well, have a game of golf then.
Do you know that playing golf regularly not only improves your physical health, but mental well being too? Golf is an excellent game to lose weight and tone up your muscles and you can do this leisurely instead of spending hours after hours of gruelling cardio exercises and going on one brutal diet after another.
If you care about your health and fitness but dislike working out in a gym, then playing golf can be an alternative to gym workout!
The health and fitness benefits of playing golf include:
Cardiovascular Workout Any activity that leaves you slightly panting and works up some sweat is great for your cardiovascular system, which is exercising your heart and lungs. This further leads to the lowering bad cholesterol. By the same token, it also helps speed up your metabolism which in turn helps you to burn more calories and thus, resulting in excess weight loss.
A game of golf burns approximately 300 calories in an averagely built person who plays for an hour while carrying his own golf clubs and equipment. If you choose to ride in a cart, the same game and duration will burn about 230 calories, not too bad. You can even burn about 200 calories when you are just practising your swing at the driving range.
Build Strength and Muscle Tone Weight Bearing exercises are great for strengthening your bones and improving your musculature which in turn helps to support a strong skeletal structure. Weight bearing exercises thus can help prevent bone degeneration, including osteoporosis and various types of arthritis. Therefore, carry your golf clubs and golf equipment yourself as a form of weight bearing exercise.
Natural Vitamin D Supplement Vitamin D is crucial for strong bones. It also regulates the amount of calcium and phosphorus in your bloodstream. Vitamin D also helps regulate the growth of skin cells. By the sun exposure at the golf course, you are creating vitamin D naturally from the sun s ray.
However, do not get sun burnt, so do put on some sun protection screen as excessive sun exposure can damage your skin and may even cause skin cancers.
Sleep Like A Baby Good news for insomniacs. Numerous studies has shown that regular exercise can make you fall asleep faster and remain in deeper sleep for longer periods of time. Sleep is important because it allows time for your muscles to repair themselves and grow stronger. It then follows that you can enjoy your golf game and enjoy your restful sleep as well.
Building Network and Socializing Since you can t play golf alone, you will have to play with your golfing buddies or even strangers at your golf social club. That being the case, there will be plenty of time to bond with your buddies or chat with new friends and get to know new friends even better. New businesses and joint ventures are being struck on golf courses everyday!
Exercising and making friends increase endorphins, your happy hormone production, which helps in mental relaxation and an overall feeling of well being. Studies have shown that older people who remain socially active can live up to six years longer than those who are socially inactive.
So if you want to be fitter, healthier and live longer, go and play golf now.
Author Resource:
Chris Chew is a fitness, health and relationship consultant. Read his free articles at http://www.sgfitness.com and http://www.seductionflirt.com