While we all know how fun and challenging disc golf can be, we may overlook the health benefits of our sport. Getting outside to throw a round with friends, or by ourselves, can be great for our body and our mind. Let’s take a look at some of the physical and mental health benefits of disc golf
Physical Benefits of Disc Golf
Exercise
Playing a round of disc golf means you are accomplishing a couple aspects of exercise. First, you are using many muscle groups during a throw. Your legs, hips, torso, shoulders and arms all come into play with the complex x-step backhand throw. For most of us, the skill level we throw at means that we should be able to play disc golf injury free for many years. I definitely recommend warming up before throwing, but once you do you are doing nice things for your body by playing disc golf.
Second, by getting involved in disc golf on a regular basis ensures that we are getting the consistent exercise that we need for long term health. We are far more likely to participate in an exercise activity that we enjoy, and more likely to be consistently getting some exercise.
Cardiovascular Health
Disc golf usually results in a slightly elevated hear rate (depending on the terrain or the course) for a sustained amount of time. That provides benefits to the heart, without the impact to joints. As mentioned above, it is always important for your health to warm up properly. If that is done, you can receive the benefits of disc golf safely.
If you want to play disc golf, but have a little more benefit to your heart, try doing a speed round. That is where you jog/run from hole to hole and the goal is to get the best score in the least amount of time. It is a fun way to get a more elevated level of exercise while still playing disc golf.
Sunshine
There are some definite physiological benefits to being out in the sun. For example, Vitamin D production is enhanced by exposure to sunlight, which contributes to more health, skin, bones, and immunity to disease. There are also psychological benefits to being in the outdoors.
When we are outside in the sun we are experiencing nature. Our mood is lifted, we feel less stress, and since most courses are in parks or woods, we feel a connection with nature. Throw in a slightly elevated heart rate and you have a recipe for an improved mood and reduced stress.
Mental Benefits of Disc Golf
We touched upon the mental benefits of disc golf in the last section. Now we’ll expand on that and see what other mental benefits we get when we go hucking.
Social
Since we are a social species, disc golf can provide a great opportunity to connect with like-minded people. Friendships are formed and strengthened out on the course. Having the time it takes to play a round gives us plenty of time to chat and get to know each other better. This sense of community is necessary for most of us, and what helped our species advance and become what it is today.
Outdoors
Getting out in the fresh air is good for our body and mind. Fresh air and sunshine can help with depression, stress, and anxiety. That is why so many people take a daily walk as part of their fitness regimen. The only difference between us and them is that we takes our discs with us!
Skill improvement
ew things lift our mood and give us feelings of satisfaction as much as seeing ourselves progress in the sport that we love to play. Seeing our averages drop, our drives fly farther, and watching more putts find the chains make us feel amazing and validates the time we’ve spent practicing. For those who play sanctioned tournaments, watching our PDGA rating rise gives us the same feeling.
Conclusion
Disc golf is a sport that is great for our bodies and our minds. Regular play will contribute to better physical and mental health, as well as improving our game. And it’s fun! Get out there and improve your well-being!