What are the health benefits of playing golf?

Golf & Health Golf du Belvedere Lac d'Annecy
Why take a golf course - Learn to swing with the association du golf du belvedere in Annecy

What are the health benefits of playing golf?

What are the advantages and disadvantages of golf for your health?

Le golf est un sport très populaire dans le monde entier, si vous désirez l’essayer ayez a l’esprit les avantages que peut avoir une pratique régulière du golf sur votre santé.  Il s’agit d’un jeu qui se joue sur un grand terrain extérieur, le but étant de propulser une petite balle dure dans une série de « trous » en effectuant le moins de coups possible,.

Summary

What are the advantages and disadvantages of golf?

Golf is a mentally stimulating challenge combined with a healthy walk in pleasant surroundings and can be enjoyed by people of all levels and ages, teenagers or seniors. Golf can be played alone or as part of a team.

It can be an occasional pastime or a competitive activity, if you're not yet convinced of its benefits, take the time to read our article on good reasons to play golf.

What are the health benefits of golf?

Golf can be good for your health and your heart. Walking on a golf course for a round of golf can be between five and seven kilometres.

If you walk 18 holes three to five times a week, you'll get an optimal amount of endurance exercise for your heart. If you pull a trolley or carry your clubs, you'll burn even more calories with each round and get even more benefits.

Playing golf regularly can help you to

  • stay fit

  • improve muscle tone and endurance

  • lose weight and body fat.

A trip to Annecy

What are the other health benefits of golf?

On a psychological level, golf can also :

  • be a great way to keep in touch with friends
  • help reduce stress (through physical activity and the pleasure of walking in an open, natural environment)
  • give you the opportunity to meet new people
  • help develop a sense of belonging to the community.

Why start playing golf?

Golf can be a very social and enjoyable sport. You can measure yourself against others, but also against yourself to improve on your previous best score.

A good way to get started is to take lessons to acquire the fundamental skills before taking to the field. 

As you progress, you can consider to buy a 1/2 series or a full series and, if you're really keen, you can do a fitting to get the clubs that suit you best.

Why can golf be good for your health and your heart?

If you don't like sweating it out at the gym, but want to keep fit, golf can be a great way to get your heart pumping.

It's the perfect exercise for people who don't like exercise. You'll be amazed at how much you walk during a round of 18 holes (or even 9!). This type of cardio is also ideal for developing your endurance, as you have plenty of breaks between holes.

Studies show that spending time in nature is good for your health, so why not give it a try? Vitamin D from the sun, increased exercise and mood-enhancing benefits can all help you feel better.

Consider take lessons, from do an internship or a intensive course to learn the fundamental skills of golf. Stretch before you play, paying particular attention to your back, shoulders and arms.

Quels sont les inconvénients  du golf sur votre santé ?

How can golf injuries be prevented?

Golf is a leisure sport and, compared with other sports, the overall risk of injury is low. However, injuries can and do occur. The most common injuries are to the lower back, wrist and elbow, head and eyes. The causes of these injuries are overuse, incorrect technique, hitting the ground instead of the ball and aggravation of a previous injury.

A small playing area with a view of the Aravis massif. golf du Belvedere Annecy

What are the best tips for avoiding injury?

  • Warm up and stretch before playing, paying particular attention to your back, shoulders and arms. Do some gentle movement and mobility exercises, followed by air swings or ball strikes using short irons (a type of golf club).
  • Take lessons. Good technique is your best defence against injury.
  • Keep at least four club lengths away from a moving club
  • Stand behind a swing in progress in your group.
  • Use a right equipmentincluding shoes, socks, gloves and clothing.
  • Adjust your golf equipment by a professional before you buy.
  • Wear sun protection (clothing, hat, sunglasses and 30+ sun cream) between September and April, when the heat and UV rays are highest.
  • Drink water before, during and after a game.
  • Know and practise the basic rules and etiquette of the game.
  • Check that no-one else is nearby before playing. Don't play until the group in front of you has moved away. Shout "Ball" to warn of danger to players and spectators.
  • Give way to the ground staff and wait for them to call you to continue playing.
  • Lift and carry your clubs safely and, if necessary, use an electric trolley.
  • In the event of extreme heat, you may need to reconsider your playing conditions if you want to continue playing.
  • Consider playing early in the morning or at dusk to avoid the hottest part of the day.
  • Stop playing immediately if you are injured.

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