How to Improve Your Health by Playing Golf

Golf is one of the world’s most popular sports. Some may think of it as slow and boring, but it is really one of the healthiest sports. Playing golf helps your heart and your overall health. Golf provides a stimulating mind and body experience.

The average golf course is over 18 holes, over 2.5 miles, while carrying your golf clubs, averaging out to around 40 lbs per set, equals CARDIO!

Most avid golfers, try to play about 3 times a week. This exercise is enough for any person, whether you’re trying to lose weight or even just keep in shape. 

Here are seven ways to improve your golf game aside from the obvious first step of attending a golf career college.

#1 - It's all in your flexibility.

Every golfer knows it takes flexibility. Not many work at it. The skill separates upper body motion from lower body movement. It keeps the legs in place and lets the body rotate. You stretch, lunge, and squat remembering to breathe, and you do this several times a week - as well as play day. Look online for a short illustrated workout plan.

#2 - It's all in the ball position.

A key component you learn in golf career college is that a golfer's leverage extends to the face and tilt of the club head. Depending how high or low you place the tee, you ready the ball for a different part of the club head. Place the ball high if you swing fast, and set it low if your swing is slower. Practice until you can lift the launch angle and reduce the backspin.

#3 - It's all in the swing speed.

The average amateur swings at 90 mph and drives for 225 yards. If it is any consolation, Tiger Woods's drive is slower and shorter than Bubba Watson's. If you look at the physique of many pros, the secret has to be somewhere other than the waistline. Speed is not just a matter of power and strength; it improves with your stance, club choice, and practice.

• Start with the proper glove and grip, just enough pressure to hold onto the club with both hands working together.

• At the top of the back swing, straighten the arms out to fully extend on impact.

• Shifting your weight on the down swing from back foot toward the target opens the front hip as fast as possible. It is almost a sitting down break in the hips.

#4 - It's all in the stance.

The single biggest challenge to golf instructors are the infinite variety of body shapes. Students do not have the same arm or leg length, shoulder span or waistline. Then, there are players with long legs and short torsos and vice-versa. Still, a balanced stance is wide and square. Then, you are in a position to transfer your weight to your right leg (for those with right hand preference) as you take your back swing. This position lets you move weight to the left on the down swing.

#5 - It's all in the spine.

There is no strength or power in the spine itself, but it serves as the pivot. Your spine is a pole around which the torso and shoulders turn. The stance must maximize the spine's role. Leaning forward tilts the shoulders and changes the club head and ball alignment.

#6 - It's all in the arms.

Arm strength is a value of course. But, that power should come from the shoulders. There is no question that arms' length and wrist flexibility along with speed lengthens the drive. But, there is not much you can do about your arms' length. However, you can stretch and you can unbend the arms and wrists to improve your leverage.

#7 - It's all in the practice.

You are encouraged to practice at driving ranges frequently. The range provides immediate feedback on drive length, and the range layout discourages slicing, as well as upper body and abdominal exercise. Practice with air swings with a lighter club and focus on relaxing shoulders, hands, and wrists. Hit six long drives in less than 3 minutes. And, enter competitions when you feel ready and have the chance.

You can invest in swing speed radar and swing meters. You can aslo invest in clubs that fit your style, size, and drive speed. Whether you are in shape or out of shape, golf may be the perfect transition for more physical activity.