Have you ever considered playing golf?

Before you think you have to lug a heavy bag around to gain benefit from golf, think again!

Neil Wolkodoff, director of Rose Center for Health and Sports Science in Denver, reported that there was only a 75 percent increase in calories burned by a person walking a course compared to one who rides in a cart. Wolkodoff reports that golfer who opts-out of using a golf-cart typically walks 2.5 miles, while riders walk .5 during their game. That is ONLY a 75 increase in calories burned for 500 times the amount of walking! Why? The conclusion, he reports, is obvious—the act of “swinging” the clubs is good exercise!

So, you can walk and carry your clubs, ride and play or walk and roll your bag. Whatever method you have for golfing, you will burn calories—and there is surprisingly only a small difference between them. Wolkodoff reported that there was virtually NO DIFFERENCE in calories burned between those “carrying” clubs and those who used a push-cart. You do not even have to “play” a course! Try hitting a bucket of balls at the range and for winter months up north simply look up your local golf dome. Don’t forget, you can get a “target net” and put it in your backyard too. Golf is a great way to spend time with your spouse or even get together with friends and start learning together.

Golf out of the question?

Live where there is a lot of snow?