Spending the weekend playing golf is excellent for your physical and mental health. When you’re out on the links, you’re exercising and challenging your body and brain at every hole. Below are some benefits of spending time on the course.

The Physical & Mental Benefits of Golf

1. Heart

Consistent play raises your heart rate. From swinging the club to carrying a bag, your blood flow increases with each activity. Therefore, blood circulates to your heart faster, decreasing the risk of heart attacks, stroke, high blood pressure, and cholesterol problems.

2. Brain

Your brain gets a workout with every challenge encountered on the course, such as judging the grade, escaping a sand trap, or angling for a hole-in-one. When you stimulate your brain, it releases endorphins that trigger positive emotions, which boost self-esteem and reduce stress.

3. Lungs

If you walk four to eight miles for all 18 holes of golf, you can keep your lungs healthy and reduce the risk of chronic illnesses. People who walk the links can protect against coronary artery disease, diabetes, and colon cancer. Since walking the course is a moderate physical activity, it’s fantastic exercise for people of all ages.

4. Muscles

Golf is a low-impact sport, which means it’s easy on joints and muscles and cuts the risk of injury. When you swing the club, you exercise the arms, legs, and lower back. Carrying a bag also conditions your shoulders and back.

5. Weight

Weekend outings are perfect for initiating and maintaining weight loss. Playing an 18-hole round can help you burn anywhere from 600 to 1,500 calories, depending on your current weight and whether you walk or use a cart. If you walk all 18 holes three to five times a week, you’ll get your weekly amount of endurance exercise.

Playing golf helps your body and mind, so try the links at The Virtues Golf Club in Columbus, OH. With 18 holes fit for every skill level — plus a 60,000 square-foot clubhouse — their public course is perfect for leisure outings, corporate events, and holiday parties. Visit their website for more course information, book a tee time online, or call (740) 763-1100 to speak with a team member today.