Spring is here, and there's no better time to get back into the swing of things - literally. Golf is a sport that many people with arthritis can continue to enjoy. In fact, it is one of many athletic activities that can be easily adapted and that can be played at your own pace if necessary. So, how can you adjust your golf game and still take arthritis into consideration?
Remember first that the act of golfing itself can better your health by enhancing your strength, flexibility, range of motion, balance, coordination, and mobility. While golfing, you can exercise your spine, hips, arms, and legs, strengthening your core and keeping your joints in motion. Golfing may even help you lose weight - and shedding as little as 10 pounds can make an impact, potentially reducing knee pain that may be caused by arthritis.
There are ways to protect your joints as you golf, too. Before hitting the green, warm up: stretch out your muscles and get your joints moving to prevent injury. Golf Digest suggests doing small exercises of the wrists, hands, and back before hitting the range. You can also use golf gloves, such as the ones made by
Bionic™ ReliefGrip, that cater to people with arthritis. There are also special golf grips and shoes that are ergonomic in nature. If you don't have the money to spend on a golf grip, you can always bulk up your existing grip with tape. These steps may promote better health and more comfort as you golf.
While walking is beneficial for those with arthritis, you can always take advantage of a golf cart if the walking gets to be too much and hire a caddy to help carry your golf equipment. Golf bags with wheels are extra helpful, too, so that you can roll them along and reduce strain on your back, hands, or arms.
Golf is a physical activity that you can do alone or with friends. So whether you need some solitary time to relax and de-stress or you find hanging out with friends to be the best medicine, golfing may be the sport for you. Remember to stay hydrated, wear sunscreen, and listen to your body so as to not overdo it. If you keep these simple tips in mind, golf can be a great hobby for you to enjoy, even if you have arthritis.
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