Editor's Note: Playing Partners is a regular feature on A Golfer's Life. Newsmax will discuss issues with, and give a forum to, industry insiders and golf experts. Today's topic — golf as a fitness activity — highlights how the game can have surprising health benefits.
If running four miles during the summer doesn’t sound too enticing, you'll be happy to hear that walking
18 holes qualifies as the equivalent in terms of cardiovascular exercise.
And there’s more good news: Leaving the electric cart parked in the cart barn will help you accumulate the 10,000 daily steps recommended by most physicians while burning close to 2,000 calories.
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Why Walk and Push?
The health benefits of walking are not new, but the way push carts enable healthy golfing habits may be illuminating. Gone are the days of having to carry your bag in fear of not qualifying as a “real” golfer.
Push carts today come in a range of cool color combinations with plenty of accessories to choose from. Mesh bags, drink holders, and storage spaces give you the opportunity to stash water bottles, sunscreen, tees, and that extra sleeve of balls that you may need, depending on the day. In addition, rain covers, umbrella holders, and glove hooks come in handy if the weather turns awry during your round.
While picking out color combinations and cart accessories, you may not realize that many push carts focus heavily on ergonomic design and build. To spare golfers from knee, hip, and back injuries as much as possible, companies like
Big Max Golf carefully research and improve cart designs to evolve the health related aspects of walking the course.
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From adjustable handles that enable comfortable walking positions to easy folding mechanisms and brakes that activate simply by a gentle push of the foot, the golfer is front and center when it comes to the evolution of push carts.
Investing in a new cart gives you the legitimate excuse needed to replace a two hour run on the treadmill with a scenic, social, and fun round of golf. Some courses even offer discounted rounds for those looking to walk the course.
For Walkers Only
Puakea Golf Course in Kauai, Hawaii, recently started offering affordable monthly, unlimited golf memberships for those looking to journey on foot after 4 p.m.
“We’re encouraging golfers to get the most exercise as possible with this special offer,” general manager Dan Urwiler said. “With cooler evening temperatures, we’re offering the most incentive to walk rather than drive.”
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What better excuse could you want to hit the links this summer? Enjoy your next round and pat yourself on the back for making the healthy choice when it comes to golf.
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