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Healthy You Archives |
Staying Fit
Golfing for Fitness and Health
Golf for the Frisbee™ FanIt’s called “disc golf,” and if you love throwing a FrisbeeTM, you’ll love this hot new sport. Players throw discs of different sizes and weights into basket-type “holes,” as John Duesler, state coordinator of the Pro Disc Golf Association, demonstrates here. There are no carts (everyone’s on foot) and the courses range from nine to 24 holes. But the overall objective is the same as in regular golf—the fewer strokes you take, the better your score.Maybe you’re a rank beginner, maybe you’re a familiar face on the local course. Either way, golf can play an important role in keeping you fit—if you go at it correctly.“Golf is the perfect sport for anyone who wants to get off the couch and get some moderate outdoor exercise,” says Eric Witzel, exercise physiologist at Lehigh Valley Hospital and Health Network. “It’s relaxing. It gives you the mental challenge of competing against the course. And it can help you burn off calories”—up to 350 calories an hour, experts say, for a 140-pound person carrying his or her clubs. Here’s how to make golf a fitness activity, and do it safely: Get your doctor’s OK first if you’ve been inactive or have a health condition. Warm up and cool down. “Golf can cause injuries if you don’t properly warm up your body,” Witzel says. After the game, stretch your back, shoulder and forearm muscles—and especially your hamstrings, to prevent low back pain. Get help. If you’ve never been golfing or it’s been a while, have an instructor show you the proper stance. Incorrect form can result in serious injury. Forget the cart and take a hike. “Walking is the most obvious way to increase the health benefits of golf,” says family physician Laura Dunne, M.D., of Lehigh Valley Hospital and Health Network. “Using a pedometer helps you keep track of your steps or miles.” If you’re not used to golf cleats and have trouble walking in them, wear comfortable athletic shoes with good support. Lighten the load. You don’t need all your clubs all the time. To prevent back and shoulder strain, carry only the clubs you need. Dress right. Check the weather forecast and dress appropriately. Bring some sunscreen, too. Being on open fairways on a sunny day can cause a severe burn. Pack a snack. Hot dogs and beer at the snack bar can be very tempting. Don’t add back those calories you just worked off—instead, bring healthy snacks from home. (As an added bonus, you’ll save money!) Don’t forget to drink plenty of water. This page last updated 2/12/08 04:08 PM
ARTICLE TOOLS:
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 May June 2005 Eating Healthy
Staying Fit
Caring for Mind and Body
Just for Women
Just for Men
Raising a Family
Heart of Healthy You
Protecting Your Health
Coping with Illness
Aging Well
Keeping Up to Date
Weight Control
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