As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. There is no extra cost to you. Thank you if you use our links; we appreciate it! Learn More.
Without a doubt, playing golf can help you lose weight. You could burn up to 800 calories walking an 18-hole golf course in four hours if the terrain is steep and you are toting your golf clubs in a carry bag.
Walking the golf course has been shown to help burn extra body fat, while cardio and weight training will make you lose weight more quickly. Just as with any other sport that happens outdoors, continuous movement and effort are a given.
From this perspective, the biggest advantage of playing golf is that you will do it outdoors, on a big court. You will be advancing from one hole to another, carrying your equipment, and even dealing with some of the hottest summer days. Losing weight while playing golf is easy, and you can do it while keeping your mind trained also.
What Advantages Does Golf Have for Your Health?
Golf has a lot of health advantages, including the possibility of weight loss, advantages for mental health, and increased vitamin C intake because of how much time is spent outside during a round. Playing golf involves practice, strengthening your technique, getting to know the other players around you, following strict etiquette, and a lot more. Golf is a complex activity that can improve your lifestyle from various perspectives.
Most significantly, playing golf offers an enjoyable way to lose some weight without making it the primary goal.
Some of Golf’s Best Tips for Weight Loss
Here are some useful tips for you to start losing weight while playing golf and maximizing the health benefits this sport has to offer.
Golf Course Strolls
On a treadmill, the typical person expends about 250 calories every hour. On the golf course, though, this time can pass quickly since you’re having a good time and don’t notice how quickly the minutes pass.
The 18-hole round of golf may quickly consume 4-5 hours of your day. As a result, strolling the golf course while carrying your clubs will probably burn close to 1,000 calories, if not more.
Golf is a fantastic weight-loss exercise. Walking instead of using a cart is one approach to increasing the number of calories burned during your everyday activities.
Keep Hydrated by Drinking Plenty of Water
The more hydrated your body is, the better you will be performing out on the golf course. Having water on hand can help your body stay cool and replace all the sweat you lose during your round of golf.
Spending 4-5 hours in the sun can be physically and emotionally taxing.
Getting plenty of water keeps your muscles more fluid and prevents cramping.
Your feeling of fullness persists. You will consume fewer calories when you drink more water, aiding in your weight loss efforts.
If You Must Ride, Adapt
Golfers may be required to use a motorized cart on some courses, particularly those busy ones, to quicken the pace of play. If so, you can still engage in a quality workout.
Leave the cart on the path and walk to your ball on each shot rather than driving straight to it. The workout can still be energetic and aerobic despite not adding up to four or more miles.
Golfers who use a cart still need to remain active because an 18-hole round typically involves more than 800 calories burned.
The average number of calories burned when walking all 18 holes while using a caddy is roughly 1,200.
When golfers who play two to three times a week, combine the sport with a balanced diet and other regular exercises, they can lose a lot of weight without even planning on doing so. Another great advantage is the nature of how the weight is lost. While some interventions can be very invasive and harmful to the body, losing weight while playing golf is one of the most natural and beneficial ways to lose some of the extra weight.
Read: How to get in shape for Golf?
Eat Well
Since playing golf depletes your energy when you are on the course, you should prepare beforehand by consuming foods that are high in energy.
There is no worse feeling than losing concentration and performing poorly during a round of golf. One strategy for losing weight rapidly is to stop eating junk food, which will soon leave you feeling drained on the golf course.
Spending an entire day on the golf course can become tiring if you don’t arrive with full levels. Make sure to prepare yourself with all the nutrients you need to battle a challenging day – both physically and mentally. Not feeling up for the task can easily turn a great day into a disappointing experience.
Strength Training for Weight Loss and Golf
Combine regular exercise, healthy food, and golfing for actual weight loss and fitness. Golfers are athletes, and being fit and healthy generally improves their performance. A lot of the decisions golf players make on the course are influenced by their physical situation.
Exercises that build stronger abdominal, back, and core muscles are essential. The golf swing uses almost all of the back’s muscles, so the seated row on a rowing machine is very beneficial for the back.
Use the abdominal machine to build up your abdominals. Use the shoulder-press device for the arms.
Conclusion…
You may improve your golf game and lose weight by engaging in various exercises. Hitting the golf course regularly will help you maintain a healthy lifestyle and get the daily necessary workout done. Losing weight while playing golf is pleasant, bringing various benefits to the table that you wouldn’t get with going to the gym or practicing other sports.
Nevertheless, if accessing a golf course is not that easy for you, you can always practice your swing at home. There is a wide variety of online resources available to those who wish to perfect their technique and learn new things from the comfort of their own home. Consult a certified provider of online golf courses to get personalized training regimens, and see a doctor to ensure that you’re healthy enough to engage in strenuous activities.
Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc, or its affiliates.
Daisy is the Founder and Editor in Chief of Golfs Hub. She is associated with Golf for more than 20 years. She got the inspiration from her father. She is a very private person & doesn't like to be photographed. She's worked in nearly every job in the golf industry from club fitting to instruction to writing and speaking. Now she is enjoying her retirement from day job... but not from Golf! Daisy lives in southeasternmost part of New York state with her family.