Flexible Fitness: Walking is par for the course

As the spring approaches, golfers start feeling that excitement of returning to a couple hours on the course, challenging their skill and hoping for a great season ahead.

The majority of amateur golfers choose to ride a golf cart when playing a round of golf. This season make it your goal to walk the course more often to take full advantage of the many health benefits of playing golf.

The American Heart Association recommends all individuals increase their physical activity in an effort to fight against obesity, diabetes, cancer, stroke, heart disease, osteoporosis and high blood pressure.

One method to monitor your physical activity level, endorsed by the AHA, is to achieve 10,000 steps per day. Research has shown that walking a typical 18-hole golf course is the equivalent of 10,000 to 11,000 steps and is about five miles. This means that even walking a nine-hole course gets you at least 5,000 steps and 2-1/2 miles. It is estimated that golfers who drive carts burn around 200 to 400 calories per 18 holes whereas walkers can burn 700 to even 1,000 calories.

Walking while golfing can strengthen the heart muscle, lower blood pressure and lower bad cholesterol levels. In addition, it increases your lung capacity which delivers more oxygen to your muscles producing more energy to hit the ball.

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