Photo: Stock.Xchng

Hate running? Bored in the gym? Consider golf. It’ll help you lose weight, gain strength, give you a good dose of vitamin D, and boost your social life. A round of golf, if you use a pull cart to carry your clubs, can burn over 700 calories. And, according to Swedish research, golfers have a 40 per cent lower death rate than non-golfers. Read on – and then get swinging.

Health benefit one: cardio

Golf is a great low-impact cardio exercise that’ll get your heart rate up without leaving you exhausted. Golf is good exercise if you’re on the lower end of the fitness spectrum or you’re elderly. It helps lower cholesterol while upping your metabolism and that means both a healthy heart and weight loss. Avoid the driving range, though, as you’ll only burn around 200 calories per hour if you’re not on the course.

Health benefit two: better bone density

Weight-bearing exercise will help you gain lean muscle. Muscle burns fat, while weight-bearing exercise improves bone density and can help prevent osteoporosis and age-related loss of bone mass. Always carry your golf clubs yourself to give your muscles a workout.

Health benefit three: vitamin D

Most Brits are deficient in vitamin D, which boosts moods, can help alleviate the symptoms of osteoarthritis and helps the body build strong bones. Catching some rays on the golf course will help your body produce its own vitamin D.

Health benefit four: a good night’s sleep

Countless studies have shown that regular exercise means better sleep, which in turn means that golfers fall asleep faster and sleep deeper for longer. This gives muscles time to repair themselves before the next round of golf.

Health benefit five: friends

People who are social are happier. They live longer, have healthier brains and recover from illness faster. Golf is a great way to expand your social circle.

If you’re new to golf, consider joining a school to help you learn the ropes and meet other golfers.

Tags: keeping fit