Exercise Description:
Bowling is a year-round sport that incorporates physical activity with a great means of socialization. While bowling may not provide intense aerobic activity, it is a great way to exercise gently and burn kilojoules.
What Muscles You Work:
Bowling uses most major muscle groups, including those in the arms, back, abdomen, and buttocks, as well as the quadriceps and hamstrings. Bowling demands more muscular strength than it does endurance.
Tips To Improve Your Bowling:
- Choose a bowling ball of appropriate weight. A ball that's too light or too heavy will wreak havoc on your back and your game. Try a few bowling balls before making your decision; mimic your bowling moves to determine the comfort of handling the ball.
- Select an optimally sized ball: insert your thumb into the hole and spread your hand across the surface. Position your middle and ring finger and index finger across the finger holes. The knuckles of these fingers should rest directly over the finger holes. Insert your fingers and, while holding the bowling ball with your free hand, extract your thumb while keeping your fingers in the ball. The thumb should come out freely, but not so smoothly that you couldn't give the ball a gentle squeeze with the thumb and fingers. Your palm should be in full contact with the surface of the bowling ball.
- Avoid blisters from forming on your fingers or thumb by ensuring they can slide easily into and out of the ball (but not too easily).
- Keep hands dry by airing them.
- Consider taking bowling lessons with an experienced instructor. Your body and your bowling average will surely benefit.
How Not To Get Hurt:
Stretch your arms, back and legs prior to bowling and do not overextend your back while you're stretching – keep it straight and in good posture by holding your stomach muscles tight. Stretch all major muscle groups between frames.
Essential Equipment:
- Bowling shoes; purchase your own if you bowl regularly.
- Loose-fitting clothing.
- Well-fitting socks constructed of a fabric that keeps moisture away from the skin to prevent skin soreness.
- Water bottle, drink water, water, and more water.
More About This Subject