Is Hitting Golf Balls Good Exercise?

Golf is a sport that requires physical and mental strength, and hitting golf balls is an essential part of the game. Many golfers wonder if hitting golf balls is good exercise, and the answer is not straightforward. While hitting golf balls can burn calories and provide some cardiovascular benefits, it is not considered a complete workout.

Table of Contents

• Calories Burned Playing a Round vs Hitting Balls at The Range
• Walking is Better than Riding in a Golf Cart
• Tips to Make Your Next Round of Golf More of an Exercise
• If You Do Use a Cart, Spend Less Time in It
• Stretch Before and After Your Range Session
• Is Hitting Golf Balls At The Driving Range Good Exercise?
• Let’s Focus On Your Mental Health: How Does Golf Reduce Stress?

According to a group fitness instructor based in New York, hitting golf balls is a light exercise that falls into the category of moderate activity recommended by the American Heart Association. However, golfers can increase their physical and mental benefits by incorporating weight-bearing exercises, speed training, and power training into their practice sessions. Carrying clubs and walking the actual course can also provide a good workout and help golfers shoot lower scores.

Overall, hitting golf balls can be a good exercise for even casual golfers, but it should not be the only form of exercise they engage in. Golfers should aim to have a healthy diet, incorporate other exercises that target different muscle groups, and spend more time on the range and the course. While hitting golf balls has its benefits, it is essential to consider other factors and physical limitations to achieve a fit and healthy body shape.

Calories Burned Playing a Round vs Hitting Balls at The Range

Golf is a popular sport enjoyed by many people around the world. While some golfers prefer playing on the golf course, others enjoy hitting golf balls at the driving range. But which one is better for burning calories and getting a good workout?

From an exercise standpoint, playing a round of golf burns more calories than hitting balls at the range. According to a sports performance coach, a 150-pound person can burn around 350 to 450 calories per hour playing golf, while hitting balls at the range burns around 200 to 250 calories per hour. However, this can vary depending on factors such as the golfer’s weight, how much load they put on their body during the swing, and other factors.

Despite the lower calorie burn, hitting balls at the range can still provide light exercise and cardiovascular benefits. A group fitness instructor based in California suggests that a good range session can provide a tremendous cardiovascular benefit and work on muscle groups such as the abdominal muscles, leg lifts, and weight-bearing exercises.

It’s important to note that hitting golf balls alone may not be enough for a complete workout, but it can be a useful training tool for golfers looking to improve their game and fitness. Professional golfers like Tiger Woods have used hitting balls as part of their power training and speed training routines.

Overall, the benefits of hitting golf balls depend on the individual’s goals and physical limitations. While playing a round of golf burns more calories and provides more physical and mental benefits, hitting balls at the range can still be a good workout for casual golfers or those looking to improve their golf game.

Walking is Better than Riding in a Golf Cart

From an exercise standpoint, walking is better than riding in a golf cart. Golfers who walk the course with a push cart or carry their clubs burn more calories than those who ride in a cart. According to a study, walking the course with a push cart or a remote-control cart will burn about 20 to 30 more kcal per hour than riding in a cart. While this is not as large of a difference as expected, the calories will add up quickly. The difference per round will be more than 100 calories and would end up in the thousands over the course of a year.

Walking the golf course is a great cardiovascular exercise that can lower the risk of developing diabetes and heart disease. Experts agree that at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise is necessary each week. Walking the golf course can help golfers achieve this goal. It is also a great way to stay in rhythm and maintain tempo between shots. Walking will help golfers stay loose and give them the chance to stretch more in between shots.

In addition to the physical benefits, walking the golf course has mental benefits as well. According to a study, golfers who walk the course register better “mental focus” than those riding a cart. Those using a push cart or carrying their clubs are more engaged in the game and tend to be more focused on their shots. Golfers who walk the course also have the opportunity to enjoy the scenery and socialize with their playing partners.

While walking the golf course may be more physically demanding, it is worth the effort. Golfers who walk the course will burn more calories, improve their cardiovascular health, and stay more focused on their game. Walking the golf course is a great way for golfers to get some light exercise while enjoying the beautiful scenery and socializing with their playing partners.

Tips to Make Your Next Round of Golf More of an Exercise

Golf is often thought of as a leisurely activity, but it can also be a great form of exercise. In fact, hitting golf balls can burn calories and provide cardiovascular benefits. However, it is important to approach golf from an exercise standpoint to reap the benefits.

Here are some tips to make your next round of golf more of an exercise:

1. Take Advantage of the Golf Course

Walking the golf course is a great way to burn calories and get some exercise. Instead of riding in a golf cart, consider walking the course. This will not only provide a cardiovascular benefit but also give you a chance to enjoy the scenery and fresh air.

2. Focus on Your Swing

Hitting golf balls is a great way to work on your swing and improve your game. However, it can also be a good workout if done correctly. Focus on using your entire body during your swing, not just your arms. This will engage more muscle groups and provide a better workout.

3. Incorporate Weight-Bearing Exercises

Carrying your golf clubs throughout the round can provide a weight-bearing exercise. This can help build strength in your arms, shoulders, and back. Additionally, incorporating leg lifts or other exercises during your round can provide additional benefits.

4. Make the Most of Your Range Session

Before hitting the golf course, take advantage of the driving range. Use this time to warm up and stretch your muscles. Additionally, consider incorporating power training or speed training into your practice session. This can help improve your swing and provide a good workout.

5. Focus on a Healthy Lifestyle

While golf can provide physical benefits, it is important to also focus on a healthy lifestyle outside of the golf course. This includes eating a healthy diet and engaging in other forms of exercise. By focusing on overall health, golfers can reap the benefits of the sport while also improving their overall well-being.

Overall, golf can be a great form of exercise when approached from the right perspective. By taking advantage of the golf course, focusing on your swing, incorporating weight-bearing exercises, making the most of your range session, and focusing on a healthy lifestyle, golfers can improve their physical and mental health while enjoying a round of golf.

If You Do Use a Cart, Spend Less Time in It

While carrying your golf clubs can result in greater strength and burn more calories, many golfers opt to use a golf cart to get around the course. However, spending too much time in the cart can significantly reduce the cardiovascular benefits of playing golf.

According to a study by the American Council on Exercise, walking and carrying clubs during a round of golf can burn up to 721 calories for a 190-pound person. In comparison, riding in a cart burns only 411 calories.

If you do use a cart, it’s important to spend less time in it. Many golf courses have implemented the “90-degree rule,” which requires golfers to keep their carts on the cart path until they reach their ball, then drive at a 90-degree angle to their ball before returning to the cart path. This helps reduce the wear and tear on the course and also encourages golfers to walk a bit more.

In addition to the 90-degree rule, there are other ways to spend less time in the cart and get more exercise on the course:

• Walk to the tee box instead of driving
• Walk to the green instead of driving
• Park the cart farther away from your ball
• Use a pull cart instead of a riding cart

By spending less time in the cart, golfers can increase the cardiovascular benefits of playing golf and burn more calories. Even casual golfers can benefit from this simple change.

It’s important to note that while golf can provide some cardiovascular benefits, it should not be relied upon as the sole form of exercise. Golfers should also incorporate other forms of exercise, such as weight bearing exercises, speed training, and power training, to improve their overall fitness and sports performance.

In conclusion, if you do use a cart, spend less time in it to maximize the health benefits of playing golf. Walking and carrying clubs is the best way to get a good workout on the course, but even small changes can make a difference.

Stretch Before and After Your Range Session

From an exercise standpoint, hitting golf balls can be considered moderate exercise, and it offers tremendous cardiovascular benefits. However, it is essential to stretch before and after playing golf or hitting balls on the driving range to avoid injury and maximize the physical and mental benefits of the activity.

Before starting any golf activities, it is crucial to stretch the shoulders, arms, and lower back. Each stretch should be held for at least 30 seconds before moving onto the next. Stretching before any form of exercise is a fantastic habit to develop. It helps warm up and stretch the muscles, which can prevent injury and improve flexibility.

After hitting golf balls, it is also important to stretch to help the body recover and prevent soreness. Stretching can also help improve flexibility and range of motion, which can lead to better golf swings and overall performance.

Here are some stretches that golfers can do before and after hitting golf balls:

Before Hitting Golf Balls

1. Shoulder Stretch: Stand with feet shoulder-width apart and arms at your sides. Slowly raise your arms to shoulder height, and then bring them together in front of your chest. Hold for 30 seconds, release, and repeat.
2. Arm and Wrist Stretch: Hold your right arm out in front of you, palm facing down. Use your left hand to gently pull your fingers back towards your wrist. Hold for 30 seconds, release, and repeat on the other arm.
3. Lower Back Stretch: Sit on the edge of a bench or chair with your feet flat on the ground. Slowly bend forward, reaching towards your toes. Hold for 30 seconds, release, and repeat.

After Hitting Golf Balls

1. Hamstring Stretch: Sit on the ground with your legs straight out in front of you. Slowly reach forward, trying to touch your toes. Hold for 30 seconds, release, and repeat.
2. Hip Stretch: Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the ground. Cross your right ankle over your left knee and gently pull your left knee towards your chest. Hold for 30 seconds, release, and repeat on the other side.
3. Shoulder and Chest Stretch: Stand with feet shoulder-width apart and arms at your sides. Bring your right arm across your chest and use your left hand to gently pull it towards your body. Hold for 30 seconds, release, and repeat on the other arm.

Stretching before and after your range session can help you avoid injury and maximize the physical and mental benefits of hitting golf balls. It is a good workout that offers cardiovascular benefits, and it can help you improve your golf game.

Is Hitting Golf Balls At The Driving Range Good Exercise?

Golf is a sport that has been around for centuries, and many people enjoy playing it for both leisure and competition. One question that often arises is whether hitting golf balls at the driving range is good exercise. From an exercise standpoint, hitting golf balls can be considered moderate exercise, providing light cardiovascular benefits and burning calories.

While hitting golf balls alone may not get your heart racing, it can still provide some cardiovascular benefit. According to a group fitness instructor based in Florida, hitting golf balls burns approximately 200-300 calories per hour, depending on how many balls are hit and how much load is put on the body. This calorie burning can be increased by carrying clubs and walking the course, which is a more physically demanding activity than just hitting balls at the driving range.

In addition to the calorie burning benefits, hitting golf balls can also provide some muscle toning benefits. The golf swing engages several muscle groups, including the core, legs, arms, and back. Hitting balls at the driving range can help tone these muscle groups and improve overall body shape.

However, hitting golf balls alone may not provide enough exercise to improve sports performance. To shoot lower scores on the golf course, golfers need to engage in other forms of exercise, such as weight bearing exercises, speed training, and power training. These exercises can help improve golf swing mechanics, increase clubhead speed, and reduce the risk of injury.

In conclusion, hitting golf balls at the driving range can provide some physical and mental benefits, but it should not be the only form of exercise for golfers. Even casual golfers can benefit from incorporating other exercises into their routine to improve sports performance and reduce the risk of physical limitations. A good range session can be a great workout, but golfers should also focus on a healthy diet and other forms of exercise to maximize the benefits of their golf activities.

Let’s Focus On Your Mental Health: How Does Golf Reduce Stress?

Playing golf is not only a physical exercise, but it also has mental health benefits. Golfers prefer the sport because it helps reduce stress levels and improve their mood. The sport’s physical and mental benefits make it an ideal activity for people of all ages and skill levels, even casual golfers.

According to a sports performance coach, golfers experience tremendous cardiovascular benefits when they play a round of golf or have a good range session. Even a casual golfer can burn up to 1,000 calories during a four-hour round, which is considered moderate exercise. However, from an exercise standpoint, golf has very little cardiovascular benefit compared to other sports like running, cycling, or swimming.

From a mental health perspective, golf is a great way to reduce stress levels. When golfers are on the course, they are surrounded by nature, which allows them to recover from brain fatigue and reduces their stress levels. Additionally, the social nature of the sport can help improve a golfer’s mood and reduce anxiety.

Golfers also benefit mentally from the concentration and focus required to play the game. The sport requires a lot of mental energy, and golfers must be able to focus on each shot, which helps them develop their concentration skills. Golfers also need to be able to visualize the shot they want to make, which helps improve their mental clarity.

Moreover, golfers prefer the sport because it provides a break from their daily routine and allows them to focus on something else. Golfers can use the sport as a way to escape from their daily stressors and focus on their game.

In conclusion, golf is not only a great way to get some exercise, but it also has significant mental health benefits. Golfers can reduce their stress levels and improve their mood by playing the sport. Even a good range session can provide a golfer with a good workout and help them develop their concentration skills. Golf is a great way to stay active and improve your mental health.