Fun and Fitness with Golf

We all know the many benefits of being fit. However, one of the main excuses I hear for not getting fit is that exercising isn’t fun. In order to improve your fitness level you do have to do some form of exercise and some can be more fun than others. First however, I want to point out that whatever someone may think is fun, will be a lot more fun, when they are fit. A fit person can perform most physical activities better than an unfit person, especially under pressure. There are many studies that have shown this to be true and when you perform well, you will be having fun.

Next I suggest getting fit by doing something that is fun. Considering the rising popularity of golf, it would seem a lot of people feel golf is fun. So how about taking up golf to get fit and have fun at the same time.

The Fun in Golf

Few activities compare to golf for having fun. First of all it’s played outside in a beautiful, peaceful environment. You get to enjoy the fresh air and sunshine. Golf is played at a leisurely pace, so you can have good conversations with your friends. You are also allowed to enjoy your favorite beverages as you play, that would be water of course. Golf is also a game that most people, with a little practice, can learn to hit the ball fairly well. It is a very exhilarating feeling and sound, when you crush the ball with the new composite metal golf clubs.

Getting the ball in the hole with the minimum number of strokes is of course another matter. Playing golf well is very challenging, but it does offer a constant opportunity to improve your game. Improving your game can be very stimulating and fun. Golf can also improve your mental and emotional state as well. Have you seen how excited most people get when they make a great shot or a hole in one?

Golf is also a game you can play and enjoy all of your life. It is not too strenuous and you are not likely to injure your self, at least not seriously.

Fitness and Golf

Everyone has heard about Tiger Woods and how he dominates the professional golf tour. One of the main reasons he is able to dominate is due to his exceptional high level of fitness. Raising your fitness level will definitely improve your game as well. Just playing golf will certainly improve your fitness level, but not to a high degree. However what usually happens is; the more you play and enjoy the game, the better you want to play. This will motivate you to begin doing some other exercises that will not only get you fitter, but most likely lower your score.

Golf is also a game that requires quite a bit of practice to be able to play well. This is good because most people, wanting to play well, will practice regularly. In addition to playing the course once or twice per week, you will need to go to the driving range and practice hitting balls and putting several days per week. This will get you out moving your body and getting some exercise on a regular basis.

Exercising for Golf

First it would be wise to do some regular aerobic activity such as walking, because that’s what you need to do in golf. However, swimming, jogging, cycling, dancing and any aerobic activity that improves your aerobic capacity and endurance will be beneficial.

Next improving your flexibility will benefit your golf game and your life immensely. A good golf swing requires good flexibility in the shoulders, upper back and particularly in the hips. Strong and flexible hips are where your power lies. I highly recommend beginning a regular stretching program. Try a yoga class or get some private instruction.

The golf swing does recruit and strengthen several muscle groups. The shoulders and the core stabilizer muscles of the spine (back, hips and abdominals) are the primary muscles used. You can focus on doing exercises that strengthen these muscle groups, but do not neglect your whole body. Remember the body functions as a whole integrated unit. I’m sure you have heard about core training, it’s the buzz word in fitness these days. Having strong core muscles are essential to performing well in any sport or activity. Back pain is the most common complaint by golfers. Strengthening the core muscles along with good flexibility and posture is the best insurance against having back pain. Most health clubs and exercise studios offer core exercise classes. And of course it would be very helpful to have some private sessions with a qualified personal fitness trainer.

Golf is primarily a game of technique. However, as shown by Tiger Woods and the new young professional golfers, a fit, well trained person will outlast a well trained unfit person almost always.

If you want specific information on exercising for golf do a search on Google, there will be plenty to choose from. If you want the most definitive information on golf and exercise, read Paul Chek’s book

“The Golf Biomechanical Manual”. It is very technical, but also has the best golf exercises nicely illustrated and explained.

Useful Tips

Warm up before you play by practicing all of the swings you will use on your round.
Pretend you are a switch hitter (as in baseball) and practice your swings from both sides. This will help prevent over working just one side of your body and from creating imbalances.
Drink plenty of water; keep your body hydrated before, during and after your round.
Walk the course and carry your bag if allowed. Be sure and carry a posture friendly bag or use a pull cart.
Practice regularly at your local driving range.
Participate in tournaments; they have flights for all skill levels.
Take lessons, golf instructors will most likely recommend some useful exercises.
Watch your set up and finish in a mirror to ensure perfect posture.
Visit your local Chiropractor for a complete postural evaluation before you decide to take up the game of Golf.

10. Don’t take your game too seriously. Play just for the fun of it.

If your goal is to have more fun and get fit at the same time, try golf.

Getting involved with golf will almost surely be lots of fun and you will also be improving your fitness level at the same time.

Rico Caveglia is an author, speaker, workshop leader, certified in health management & fitness instruction and creator of the Ageless Living Lifestyle. He specializes in developing programs for people over 50 with various health challenges. He can be reached at: www.AgelesslivingLifestyle.com