Saturday 11 February 2012

How to Lose Weight by Playing Golf


Golf, at first glance, seems like a lazy man's sport. Caddies carry the heavy bags, and golf carts are supplied to get players easily from hole to hole. But a recent study in "Mayo Clinic Proceedings" found that just one round of golf took over 10,000 steps, which is well over the range of how much walking an individual should complete in one day. You can squeeze in extra fitness and lose weight while working on your swing, just by making conscious, healthy decisions while on the course.


Step 1

Decline the use of a caddy. You'll save money, but you'll also get an extra workout by carrying your own bag. A typical golf bag weights around 15 to 20 lbs, according to "Golf Digest" magazine, and it makes for ideal weight lifting as you go from hole to hole. Weight lifting and resistance training is the ideal partner to cardiovascular activity in order to lose the most weight.

Step 2

Leave the golf cart at the club. While a golf cart may help you and your party get around the course, it also robs you of the ideal chance it offers to sneak in some cardiovascular activity. With an 18-hole course offering at least 10,000 steps, it's a good way to get in your daily recommended amount of physical activity.

Step 3

Drink water instead of sports drinks or beer while on the course. While your friends may enjoy throwing back a few cold ones from the cooler, they are only consuming empty calories that can cause them to gain weight. Switch to a cold water bottle instead to reduce the amount of calories that you consume.

Step 4

Grab a protein shake at the sport's bar after your round of golf. Drinking a beverage high in protein up to an hour after your workout on the course can help in muscle recovery and maintenance, notes personal trainer Katrina Hodgson. It can also help keep you full and satisfied so you aren't tempted by greasier fare at the bar, disrupting your diet and setting you back.

Step 5

Golf three times a week to see a real difference in your weight. Take a couple of nights to hit the driving range, and concentrate on your form. The chopping motion of a good drive can help whittle away some of the excess bulk from your hips and waist.

References

Article reviewed by JPC Last updated on: Aug 24, 2010

Read more: http://www.livestrong.com/article/85411-lose-weight-playing-golf/#ixzz1m6FQ6MYX

No comments:

Post a Comment