Playing golf is considered to be a moderate type of activity.

Golf is a game that can keep you physically fit and socially involved for many years.

Playing the game is a great way for retired men and women to be active, have fun, and improve their fitness and health all at the same time.

It has provided many retirees with a good reason to continue to stay active.
Once you start to play you will find it to be a very enjoyable activity.
This is important. when you enjoy what you are doing you will be surprised at how often you will want to play.

A regular round of golf is a great way to stay in shape and work your muscles on a constant basis.

It can provide a very good workout, ranging from a solid cardiovascular workout to muscle strengthening and better balance.

Walking is one of the most fundamental parts of any fitness programs. So it makes sense that walking the course will be good for you. And this has been proven to be true by numerous scientific studies.

Walking the course will gets your blood flowing and increases your heart rate.

Even if choose to use a cart, there is still a significant amount of walking and some health benefits.

Not only are you walking but you are also swinging the golf club.

You have to use your arms, shoulders, back, legs and the all important core muscles quite a bit during a single game.

Throughout the game, your muscles, tendons and ligaments are stretched, improving your flexibility.

You bend at the waist and squat to align and pick up the ball. These movements strengthen the core muscles group for better spinal support and help build muscles in your legs.

There are also weight lifting exercises in the game when you lift and carry your bag.

The swing and stance play a major role in improving one's posture, overall balance and muscular coordination.

This is an activity that can place appropriate stress on bones to help them maintain density and strength.

These exercises and more are repeated over and over again throughout the game and even during your warm-up and these are important qualities you need to protect as you grow older.

It is estimated that for every one hour spent playing the game, an individual can burn 370 calories.

Playing an average 9-hole course, golfers who walk and carry their own bag burn 721 calories, golfers using a pull cart burn 718 calories, golfers walking with a caddie burn 613 calories and golfers riding in a cart burn 411 calories on average.

Burning 2,500 calories a week can greatly reduce the risks of heart disease, diabetes and cancer. It is easy to see how playing more rounds can factor into a healthy lifestyle.

By being exposed to the sun at the course, you are creating Vitamin D naturally from the sun's ray.

Vitamin D is crucial for strong bones. It also regulates the amount of calcium and phosphorus in your bloodstream. Vitamin D also helps regulate the growth of skin cells.

Simply being outdoors on a beautiful day can improve your spirit and health.

Apart from the apparent physical benefits, there are also has some mental health benefits as well, Playing the game can also be a relaxing endeavour that can help reduce stress, provided you do not too caught up with the competitive aspect of the game,

One of the best things about the game is you have the opportunity to walk a beautiful course and take in all of the natural surroundings, enjoy the beautiful scenery that surrounds you, plus breathe in the fresh air.

Walking the course can also give you a chance to start to focus on some of the simple things in life.

It takes the mind of a person into a different level, leaving all his cares and worries behind.

Another benefit of playing the game is the friendships and interactions that are developed on the course.

Spending time with others is crucial to your mental health,

For many, this is a chance to meet and socialize with others who enjoy of the same activities.

Fitness is a matter of "use it or lose it”. As we age our strength, flexibility, endurance, balance, coordination and more decline.
By using your muscles (including your heart muscle), you make these muscles stronger and more efficient.

Walking the course and swinging the clubs is a lot more than a leisurely stroll in the park.

Playing regularly, at the level you choose, will benefit you tremendously both on and off the course

There is a learning process, don't rush, get started right, have fun.

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