Many people, especially as they get older, see golf as a great way to stay fit. Golf is a good way to get exercise but playing golf does not make you fit. In fact, there could be ways you could improve your fitness off the golf course, which will help to improve your golf.
If you find you tire easily during a round of golf or suffer from aches and pains when playing golf, you should try and improve your fitness levels. You may not even notice you are getting tired during a round of golf but if you find your scores become worse towards the end of the course, it could be due to a lack of fitness.
You should never attempt any physical exercise without first knowing your condition. You should book an appointment with a specialist who will perform an initial physical performance evaluation. This will give you a great insight into your overall physical condition and you can tailor your exercise in relation to this information.
Something as simple as skipping for 60 seconds can help improve your fitness on the golf course. This exercise will speed up your heart rate and get your body working. The more you do this exercise, the longer you will be able to do it but start slowly and work your way up to longer durations. Never force it.
If you do not want to skip or find it too difficult then the best alternative is walking. If you are in a job which includes a lot of sitting, this can inhibit your performance on the golf course. Furthermore, so many golf courses are now difficult to walk and require a buggy, meaning you are getting less exercise while playing golf then you realize.
Try and walk whenever you can. If you are going to the shop to buy some milk, instead of getting in the car why not walk? If you have 30 minutes free time, why not head out for a walk in the local area? It does not have to be a vigorous uphill walk, a simple stroll on level ground for 30 minutes can make a huge amount of difference.
Diet also plays a part in how fit you are on the golf course. Many golfers tend to opt for granola bars and energy drinks while on the course but these are full of caffeine and sugar. While they feel as though they are giving you an instant boost, they can also make you very lethargic after the initial impact has worn off.
Instead, why not follow the lead of Phil Mickelson and take some bananas with you, in addition to any other fruit and nuts. These will give you energy but are not unhealthy. Also, make sure you drink plenty of water. Drinking water improves muscle function and helps to stem the feeling of hunger.
So, if you find you are struggling to get around the golf course, use the tips above and see how your fitness levels and golf score improves over time.
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