Golf, Can it Really Save You From Falling Ill?

Can golf be a must for your health? Certainly! The United States Golf Association deems this as they advise that when you play a round of golf, you walk the golf course if you can.  The association also recommends avoiding riding in a golf cart if at all possible.

Golf courses want you to ride a golf cart to play the course, as they want to get as many rounds played in as short an amount of time as possible. They also get more profit from renting the cart to you. They are in the business to earn cash, not help your health. When you walk a golf course you get your heart pumping and improved blood flow throughout your entire body. This is great low level cardiovascular training.

We have all heard the more relaxed you are the better your golf game will become.  Being on a golf course away from everything, without the sounds of a mechanical golf cart and the sounds of nature will help relax you.  This will ultimately help your golf game and your stress levels! 

Along with stress levels many of us have or are in jeopardy of having high cholesterol.  Many health journals show that walking a course is valuable in lowering your bad cholesterol.  In fact, there are studies that illustrate that walking 18 holes on a golf course is equal to up to 70% of an intense aerobic exercise class, a 45 minute workout or walking 3 to 4 miles. If you were to ride in a cart you would miss out these same health benefits.

The landscape of golf courses are some of the top man-made landscapes you can find in the world!  These areas are kept up on a daily basis and extremely well groomed.  This wonderful scenery can only be appreciated by walking the course.  Not only can you enjoy the beautifully groomed nature but also you can think about your next shot.  You can also think about your last shot and get the right mind set to improve on the next shot.

Most of the landscape of golf courses is rolling and not flat.  They have hills that must be traveled.  When you walk a course you will provide a great appreciation for how the course is laid out.  Naturally, the better you know the course the better you can play your next shot.

If you are not accustomed to exercise currently don't go out and hike 18 holes.  Make sure you speak with your doctor, just like you would for any exercise arrangement to see if you are capable of walking for 18 holes.  More than likely if you feel healthy and don't have any pre-existing conditions your doctor will highly recommend it.

So next time you go golfing pass on the golf cart and get out there and walk the course.  It will certainly improve your health and could improve your game.