Golf: The Perfect Sport

Another good thing about golf: While it is a low impact sport, it (unlike swimming or other water exercise) is still a weight-bearing activity. This gives you the double bonus of being relatively easy on the joints while still working to build or preserve bone density (which is what helps keep our bones strong and more resistant to fractures). Golf doesn't require more extreme measures such as running, jumping, diving, tackling, etc. Thus, as long as you are using correct form and taking the proper precautions, you have a relatively low risk of sport-related injury. 

So golf can be a perfect sport, and not only from the physical aspect. When playing golf, it is the essence of the game to compete against yourself. Yes, you may be playing against other golfers, but many times, you are trying to beat your last score or your best score at that time. Competing with yourself helps encourage you to do your absolute best in everything you do. Also, with golf, you are outside, getting fresh air, and being at one with nature. Golf courses are beautiful places, with vibrant green as far as the eyes can see and amazing tree lines. It can be a very peaceful place.

And while aspects of golf can be peaceful, it can also be a very stimulating and social endeavor. It not only provides a great opportunity for networking with your peers, it also could become a great family event. Moms, dads, siblings, grandparents and even the kids can all get in the game. A low-impact, weight-bearing, endurance-building, outdoorsy way to increase physical activity and family time all at the same time? Ding ding...we have a winner, folks!

And although golf can be very beneficial to your health, here are some precautions that you should take to minimize risk of injuries:

• Warm up for 10-15 minutes before playing the course
• Consider taking lessons. When you use correct technique, you are defending yourself from injuries...and of course, learning how to play the game better.
• Make sure you take care of yourself before and after play. If you feel yourself overdoing it, take a break. Alternate golf with other activities that work different muscles.
• A very important tip: Stretch at least three times a week. Make sure to target the areas that are more golf specific, like the back, shoulders, and arms.

The weather is finally starting to get nice again and it's a perfect time to pick up a "perfect sport". Get out and enjoy the beautiful spring weather. Break out those cleats, gloves, golf bag, and head on out to the course.

I'll see you there.