While bowling is a popular activity, it’s not generally seen as a form of exercise. However, when you play, your body will experience many of the same effects as it would during a walk or other light workout. If you need another reason to hit the lanes, seeing it as a boost of exercise may make up your mind. Here are a few ways bowling benefits your health according to science.

Why Use Bowling for Exercise

1. Surprising Step Count

Bowling requires some walking to retrieve your ball from the machine and send it down the lane. According to Central Washington University’s Convert Your Exercise Minutes Into Steps sheet, that adds up to 71 steps per minute, which totals about 1,065 steps by the end of a 15-minute game. If you aren’t a fan of taking walks, this is a simple way to trick yourself into doing it while having fun.

2. Balance Requirements

Your body counters the weight of the bowling ball as you toss it down the lane. You may shift your foot or swing an arm to prevent losing balance when you hold the heavy ball. Over time, these movements strengthen the core muscles and improve your reflexes.

3. Natural Stretching

Stretching is an essential component of exercise, providing the flexibility your muscles need to avoid injury. Bowling provides the perfect opportunity to stretch out your kinks. The motion of releasing the ball down the lane causes each of the tendons and muscles of your arm to extend, increasing their mobility and keeping them nimble.

4. Increased Heart Rate

As you play and cheer on your teammates, your heart rate increases. This, in turn, raises your metabolism and can burn approximately 150 to 378 calories per hour. Since the formula to weight loss begins with burning more calories, this is an easy way to slip more exercise into your recreational activities when you’re trying to lose weight.

Sneak exercise into your life by joining one of the bowling leagues at South Lanes Pizza in La Crosse, WI. They maintain one of the finest bowling alleys in the region and host local tournaments on a regular basis. They also offer group rates and late-night specials for those who would rather bowl on their own time. Call (608) 788-0830 to ask about their daily deals or visit their website to view their food menu.