Golf
Exercise Description:
Golf is not only fun, it's good for you too. Golf is a lifetime sport that's excellent for weight control because it's an activity that is low in intensity, but long in duration. Not only is golf played in a beautiful, outdoor setting, but it can also be meditative - nature helps you tune out everything else but playing the game.What Muscles You Work:
Golf involves almost every body part. In particular, it works muscles in the back, legs, shoulders, forearms, and wrists. Tips To Improve Your Golf Game:
- Take a series of lessons from a golf professional to improve your golf swing. Good swing mechanics can help you hit the ball straighter and longer. Video analysis is particularly useful in checking your swing.
- Strengthen your muscles to add metres to your shots. Concentrate on strengthening the legs (which power your swing), the back, trunk, abdominals, shoulders, forearms, and wrists.
- Do a full-body stretching program or practice yoga. A full range of motion is the key to golf. A golfer who is more flexible and has greater joint mobility will have a fluid, less-restricted swing.
- Keep a soft rubber ball with you and squeeze it whenever you have a few minutes to spare to increase your strength. Alternate hands to strengthen both sides.
- If you arrive at the course before your tee time, warm up your muscles rather than stretch them. A warm, loose muscle will stretch itself out during practice swings.
- Find a smooth tempo for your swing, and make a full turn and follow through. Rhythm, balance, and timing are the foundations of a good golf swing.
- Drink water at every water stop on the course, or carry a water bottle with you. This avoids dehydration that causes muscles to lose their flexibility and strength.
- Take some good, virtually noiseless foods with you on the course, such as bagels, bananas, oranges or high-energy bars.
How Not To Get Hurt
Golf makes bona fide demands on the body. Without properly warming up before playing, you increase your chances of injury. Before playing, walk briskly, or do any easy exercise to get your heart pumping for 5-10 minutes. Loosen up with long, slow swings. Then begin to hit practice shots. Start with wedges and short irons, and later progress to middle irons and woods. Shorter clubs put less stress on your body, so wait until your muscles are completely loose before using your driver. Essential Equipment:
- A set of golf clubs that will specifically meet your needs.
- A lightweight golf shoe with supple, contoured uppers, flexible fit, and plenty of padding underfoot. Look for a structurally sound shoe with a solid, supportive midsole, heavy upper, lateral reinforcements and soft (non-metal) spikes.
- Sunscreen, a broad-brimmed hat, and protective clothing to reduce risk of sun damage.
- Sunglasses rated to protect the eyes from harmful ultraviolet light.
- Water bottle and drink water, water, and more water.
- Good-fitting socks constructed of a fabric that keeps moisture away from the skin to prevent skin soreness.